When you rescue a shelter pet they Know! If you have adopted a dog or cat or other animal from a shelter you understand the true meaning of this saying.
The Irvine Rotary Club proudly provides support to this award-winning program,we should all be proud of. Ron Edwards, Animal Care Administrator and Christine Franco, Program Coordinator of the Irvine Animal Care Center provided an overview of our most unique city run shelter which services the entire Irvine community, and beyond. Their low euthanasia rate, high level of donors,volunteers and supporters make this an animal shelter many other cities are envious of.
In this economy in other communities, many animals get overlooked, but not at this center. It costs $6.50 per day per animal to keep them in the shelter. Fundraising and donations is an important part of operating the shelter, but the city sure does contribute. Three outstanding programs include:
1- Extended Care-if an animal is not reclaimed within 30 days, the city pays for care of the animal for the first 45 days. And the goal is if the animal is adoptable, they will work to get it adopted.
2-Enhanced program-they fundraise for the medical funding needed to pay for injured animals including fractures, mange and more. Full time medical staff are employed to provide excellent care. Anyone wishing to adopt one of the 2,200 animals annually adopted from the center are screened first before allowed to adopt an animal.
3- Third Chance Program-This is a huge area of needed not just locally but across the country. Because the Irvine shelter is so blessed with resources, as space allows, they go to other shelters from as far away as Escondido, Inland Empire and Los Angeles to rescue animals that are adoptable and bring them locally. Irvine truly save lives from beyond our community. There is a big demand from other shelters for help and Irvine shelter heeds the call. And our Irvine community has a big demand to adopt shelter animals.
You can participate by becoming a volunteer (ages 17+)and walking a dog or petting a cat, attending the Super Pet Adoption Day where you can adopt a Certified Pet, and their annual fundraiser Casino Night! Specials include Senior Pets for Senior People, a special low fee.
Adopt a Pre-Loved Pet Today! Visit www.IrvineShelter.org.
