Open Admission Shelter
What is an open admission shelter?
Before you get your knickers in a knot, let me start by saying this blog is NOT a judgment or promotion about any organization working on behalf of homeless pets. It is my effort to share some information that may be helpful for the greater good of all homeless pets.
Recently, I was having a conversation about supporting my local animal shelter. I was sharing a volunteer opportunity with a person who quickly explained that volunteering at a ‘kill shelter’ was not in alignment with her personal values. I respect and honor her position and I am inspired by her-- to speak out about why I choose to support my local open admission shelter.
1. My local shelter is an open admission shelter.
Open admission means that the shelter does not turn away any animal based on age, breed, health, behavior or aggressive tendencies. This terminology was brought to my attention by my local shelter director. She challenged me to delete the term ‘kill shelter’ from my vocabulary and to use my voice to speak up about what happens in my local open admission shelter.
Changing the words will not change the fact that there are shelters that euthanize animals. However, it may open an important conversation about options for people who can no longer care for a companion animal. It may spark a conversation about the types of animals that end up at the door of an open admission shelter as a last ditch effort (pun intended) by people who are unable to provide for an animal.
Thank goodness there is a place for these animals. Consider the stories you have heard about neglected and abandoned animals. An open admission shelter provides a clear alternative for people.
2. The animals in an open admission shelter didn’t choose to be there.
Take a moment to consider how animals end up in an open admission shelter. People make the choice for the animals. There are a wide variety of reasons people choose to surrender a pet. Maybe they have made multiple attempts to rehome the animal, maybe they were rejected by rescues and no-kill shelters that were full. Maybe they don’t know about other options before they get to the door of an open admission shelter. This is an important piece of the conversation. People bring these animals to the shelter. The animals don’t show up on their own.
3. My local shelter is a private organization that is not funded by government dollars.
When an animal shelter uses a name like “Humane Association of Warren County” (HAWC) to describe the geography they serve, there is a public perception that they receive county funds. That is not the case here in Warren County, Ohio. Some shelters do receive public funds, so it is imperative that you learn about what is happening in your local area.
4. I can walk into the shelter anytime and observe the condition of the animals, see the space and talk to the employees and volunteers.
I stop by the shelter on a regular basis just to see the animals and find out what is happening at the shelter. Recently, the shelter hosted Yoga with cats as a way for people to support the shelter and meet some of the shelter residents. Many times the dogs are out walking with shelter volunteers. If a volunteer is returning with a dog, they are eager to share about the individual and offer encouraging words to get better acquainted with the dog as a potential match for my family. The cats always have toys and clean litter boxes. Many of the cats share common space and enjoy widow seats and cat trees in the open common areas.
5. Quality of life while waiting at the shelter is a priority at my local shelter.
There are a wide range of options to enhance the quality of life for pets who are waiting to connect with a forever home. Dogs get walks, cats get play time and there are multiple play and training options for animals based on individual needs. The HAWC works diligently to be sure that every animal gets the best chance to match with a forever home. They take extra time to talk with families about their desires for a companion and to share as much as they know about the best potential pet match.
Overall, my local open admission shelter cares deeply for animals and works hard to place each individual with a forever home. They provide socialization and activities for animals. They take in animals from other shelters that struggle with overcrowding. I have witnessed my local shelter deal with rescue, rehabilitation and rehoming of pets that are removed from horrible situations. They also place animals with rescue organizations when there is a good fit.
As an open admission shelter, they handle judgment and criticism from people who may or may not fully understand their operations. They are overlooked by potential donors because of their reputation as a ‘kill’ shelter….And still, they show up with open hearts and grace for the greater good of the animals.
There isn’t a single solution for homeless pets. You don’t have to agree with me. I’m proud to support my local open admission shelter.
Please take some time to learn more about your favorite animal charity. Do your part to disrupt the flow of animals that end up in open admission shelters. If it aligns with your values, go to your local shelter and find out what they need. Every effort counts.
