Program areas at VHS
In 2022, vhs sheltered 3,694 animals, and achieved a 93% live release rate. Vhs also offers services to the general public in an effort to keep animals in their existing home rather than being surrendered, such as a pet food bank and behavioral training advice. Vhs also works with other rescue organizations for the placement of animals. Over 20,000 pounds of food was distributed through the pet food assistance program.
The education and volunteer programs of the vhs reached 4,630 kids in 51 programs in 27 schools during 2022. The programs include tours of the shelter and class room style presentations on being safe around animals, proper care and treatment of animals and a variety of other pet related safety issues. The vhs educators also take presentations to the schools and other group settings where people want to learn more about the shelter or hear pet related topics. The canines for cardio program, a program run exclusively by volunteers, provided 5,707 hours of playtime for dogs in a local park. Mutt's morning out provided 533 outings for 150 dogs.
Vhs operates a low-cost spay/neuter clinic. In 2022, 6,936 spay/neuter surgeries were performed. All animals are altered before being placed in their new home to ensure no breeding occurs once animals leave the shelter. The spay/neuter clinic is open to the public. The shelter significantly underwrites the cost of these surgeries and other services to ensure the surgery is available regardless of income. The clinic also operates as a wellness clinic to provide low-cost medical services to the general public, including vaccinations, microchipping, parasite treatment, and medical testing.
Vh operates river kitty cat cafe, a unique cafe to provide another services to ensure the surgery is available regardless of income. The clinic also operates as a wellness clinic to provide low-cost medical services to the general public, including vaccinations, microchipping, parasite treatment, and medical testing. Location to find home for homeless cats in the community. The cafe houses about 16 cats who are all up for adoption. When one is adopted, vhs brings another from the shelter which makes space at the shelter and gives the new cat a fresh audience with hopes of finding a new home.