Introduction Today's shelter model fails in every way because it was not designed for what we ask of it. Why can't today's shelters just be fixed? 1) The format is grandfathered in - these animal prisons evolved from a barbaric system of controlling animal population through execution. The whole animal prison model was designed by people who didn't know about caring for social animals. 2) Government pounds (shelters) are in it for only one purpose - control the strays. Don't believe their rhetoric. These are horrible high-kill operations led by cost cutters. It's time for a new way, something modern and compassionate. We at Shelter Revolution are trying to replace this flawed system. Today's shelter directors are simply continuing that failed legacy. Others insist this system can be repaired. We couldn't possibly disagree more! Shelter people can't think outside the box because the box is all they know. Our message: There is a better way
Our Adoption Center model is the future...
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CITY & COUNTY POUNDS These are strong words of condemnation from Scotlund Haisley, former director of the Washington Animal Rescue League: "As shelters, we're working against our mission by housing animals in this environment that breeds anxiety, frustration, depression and aggression. We can no longer accept the traditional way of sheltering animals;
It absolutely does not work!" Society is changing. Most Americans are no longer just "pet owners," but see themselves as guardians. Pets used to be seen as personal property; now they are our family members. So we now expect more from our shelters. But shelters still treat our family companions like criminals:
"Old-school" facilities are animal prisons:
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PRIVATE SHELTERS These animal prisons create problem behaviors. This system cannot be repaired. It must be replaced. Better for people - still bad for dogs:
Costly "boutique" shelters still isolate social animals:
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The Futility of Laws Shelter reformers naively believe laws will improve this system. The animal shelter model in America is so flawed it needs to be replaced, not reformed. This statement by a volunteer in a typical Florida pound clearly indicates this place cannot be reformed: “I have never felt more unwanted, judged, spied upon, just plain ignored, ever,” she wrote. “I walked in the door thinking you have a volunteer problem. I walked out knowing you have a serious staff/operations problem.”
Laws are for lawbreakers, not caring people. Laws are don'ts: don't do this, don't do that. Break the law and maybe the law will punish - IF there is a law, IF law enforcement thinks it's worth their time, and IF it fits in their budget.
Laws only tell us what NOT to do. No law ever showed us a better way. The Law is only about minimum standards. Caring people don't need the law - we live above the law every day. Laws will only produce minimum standards of care. Yet shelter reformers rely on laws to force shelter managers to comply with minimum standards. We strive for better than the minimum. We aim high because our expectations are high. Shelter Revolution sets the bar high. This is what Shelter Revolution is about...
The Better Way
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Adoption Centers - A New Way This is not your grandfather's shelter. This is a marketing center where adoptable animals are presented in their best light. The most vulnerable animals are not killed but rehabilitated and rehomed. Shelter Revolution's goal is to redefine what the term "sheltering" means. This is not "shelter reform," but shelter revolution. This is life changing for customers and for animals. People get to experience animals, not just touch them through wire caging or a hole in a glass window.
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Adoption Centers attract people - shelters repel people; In an Adoption Center, animals are calm & balanced. They are adopted quickly. The same animals would be lucky to survive a shelter; Being a fun place, volunteerism becomes contagious and spreads like wildfire. Volunteers are sworn to secrecy in shelters; No cages - calm, confident dogs & cats - an inviting open atmosphere...
...This is the Adoption Center model.
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Inside are quiet dorms where the animals live and mingle with people and one another. Here people experience, many for the first time, the thrill of social animals getting along in harmony. Pets have now become companion animals.
Today's shelters are the same as they were in the 1950s. Animals are still considered personal property and treated like criminals.
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Killing is no longer an option. An Adoption Center is "open admission" and accepts the good and the bad equally. The key to success with these animals is rehab. Rehab for dogs and cats with behavior issues ensures quality adoptions. Unlike shelters, dogs and cats not ready for social living are not adopted out but sent into rehab. We train local rescuers & fosters in the art of rehab. This unites the rescue community.
Adopters are not left on their own: Over the next six months the Adoption Center provides free ongoing support to each new adoption team so they have a place to turn to for help.
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Designing An Adoption Center No cages! The dogs and cats here are ready for adoption. They are calm and balanced. We recommend separate smaller buildings over a single large building. Each building is dedicated to a specific housing purpose.
Unlike daycare centers and boarding kennels, dogs are to remain quiet inside where customers can safely mingle with them. Play and exercise is for outside where their high energy can be safely monitored away from customers. Each Adoption Center will have a natural pond built by Aquascapes - little heals the broken spirit in a dog better than romping in clean, natural water. (LInk to video = http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6xMpuvwGJY4) A separate medical and intake building is highly recommended. This is to protect adoptable animals against incoming disease and behavior issues.
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Adoption Center - How It Works Our Adoption Center model will finally make it fun to visit the facility. Better for people, better for animals. Imagine sitting on a couch in a large room amongst 35 calm dogs lounging. This is what we call an Adoption Center. This is the next era in animal sheltering. Come spend some quiet time with friendly, behaved dogs and cats. You can go in and read or just sit quietly and enjoy the companionship. Experience the animals!
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Inside dorms are for social living, not solitary confinement. This is a new concept: calm, balanced dogs help new arrivals settle in. Minor issues fade away quickly.
Outside is not just for playing: dogs go potty here instead of in cages, socialization is promoted, and dogs nearing the end of rehab are invited to join in.
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Dogs and cats not ready for social living are not ready for adoption. We send these animals into rehab to prepare them for adoption. We train local rescuers & fosters in the art of rehab. Finally, the rescue & shelter community start working together.
Adoptions are a time to celebrate and not be taken for granted. Out rolls the red carpet for each adoption and the new partners are walked out with lots of fanfare:
Over the next six months the Adoption Center provides ongoing support to each new adoption team so they have a place to turn to for help.
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Construction Costs
Adoption Center (Projected) = $1.3 million
Austin Pound (2011) = $12+ million
Silicon Valley Shelter (2009) = $25 million