FORT LEONARD WOOD, Mo. (Sept. 3, 2015) -- If you have a heart for dogs and cats, but are unable to personally care for a pet, the Waynesville Animal Shelter has a way for you to put your caring into action.
The organization, which oversees the Fort Leonard Wood Stray Animal Facility, offers a pet sponsorship program that has been in effect since January.
"This program has been very successful and, as of the first of August, we have had 95 percent of our animals fully sponsored," said Kelly Boss, animal control supervisor.
"The sponsorship program is a way for the Waynesville/St. Robert/Fort Leonard Wood community to help the stray animals receive the quality vetting care that they are in desperate need of," she said.
Boss said the program has been successful in making sure the pets are ready for adoption by ensuring they are fully vaccinated for their age, spayed or neutered. Dogs are tested for heart worms and cats are tested for feline leukemia.
"With the funds from the program, the quality of care for the animals in the facility has improved and more animals are able to be treated and cared for with a higher quality of care than ever before," Boss said.
To participate in the program, a sponsor donates any amount of money, and their donation goes directly into a specific animal's donation goal. Each animal is tracked individually and when that animal's goal is reached, shelter staff notifies the public via their Facebook page: Waynesville Animal Shelter. If donations are received for a specific animal after it has been fully funded, those donations are rolled over to the next animal in the program and placed toward their goal.
Boss said the number of unaltered animals in the area is becoming out of control and the program is a way of helping remedy that. She wants to see the Waynesville shelter become the standard for animal care in Missouri.
"We strive to maintain the highest quality of care for every animal that comes through our door and we maintain a very low rate of euthanization," Boss said. "With the help of the sponsorship program we are able to increase the level of care for the animals and help to lower the amount of unaltered animals in our community."
According to Boss, an average city-run animal facility will only give the state required rabies vaccination and make the adopter sign a contract stating they would provide the remainder of the vet care for the animal. Depending on the size of the animal, that could cost more than $200, not counting the original adoption fee.
"The sponsorship request of $50 per animal helps pay for vaccinations and spay/neuter costs, and can come from multiple people. If someone can only donate $5, that money will still help to pay for that animal's care," she said.
The care of stray animals is a passion for Brian and Crystal Batey. The Bateys and their children volunteer on Sundays at the shelter and support several animals through the program.
Crystal, also a Soldier, said the Family helps out as much as possible because "the animals can't take care of themselves."
"The Waynesville Animal Shelter is able to give the best future to an animal through the sponsorship program," Crystal said. She said she also loves the fact that the shelter is open six days a week, so sponsors can actually visit the animals they are supporting.
Brian said he encourages people to sponsor pets and get involved with helping out at the shelters.
"We feed the dogs, walk them, give necessary medication, and spend time with each dog," Brian said.
According to Crystal, it's a Family effort.
"Each dog gets one-on-one time outside or out in the front office to stretch and get a belly scratch," she said.
Boss said potential sponsors are always welcome to visit either shelter and meet the potential animals for sponsorship.
"The animals that are in need of sponsorship are always pictured on our Facebook page," Boss said.
Brian said when either sponsoring or seeking a new pet, he would encourage people to consider the Waynesville and Fort Leonard Wood shelters first.
"They have amazing animals there in need of a good loving home," he said.
The Waynesville Shelter is located at 1502 Ousley Road, and hours are 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mondays through Fridays and 1 to 5 p.m. Saturday. The Fort Leonard Wood Stray Animal Facility is located at 2399 Minnesota Ave., and hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays through Fridays and 1 to 5 p.m. Saturdays.
Donations can be received in several ways: In person at the Waynesville Animal Shelter, Fort Leonard Wood Stray Animal Facility, or at Best Friends Animal Hospital (where all shelter animals are seen) and their donation will be placed directly into the vetting account. Checks can also be sent to Waynesville City Hall, 601 Historic 66 W, Waynesville, MO 65583.
For more information, call 573.774.6509.
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