4 SARL Drive, Salem, NH 03079 (603) 890-2166, fax (603) 890-8717

Salem Animal Rescue League’s Annual Report - 2001

The Salem Animal Rescue Leagues tenth year was successful in placement of 423 cats and dogs. Although this number is fairly flat statistically as compared to the prior year, we are pleased to maintain a high level of adoptions in relation to our historical data. Adoption fees were adjusted across the board, for only the second time in ten years, in order to offset rising veterinary costs prior to adoption of the dogs and cats.

On the dog side, no large litters of puppies were able to be accepted due to continued lack of appropriate foster homes and inability to provide proper supervision plus isolation from uninoculated strays at the Town Kennel. The Pelham ACO approached SARL requesting assistance in placement of unclaimed strays from that town. He agreed to have the dogs heartworm tested and inoculated prior to transfer to SARL’s adoptive program and the Salem Town Pound. Four dogs were accepted from the Pelham ACO in 2001.

On the cat side, kitten adoptions continue to outpace cat placements by a growing margin although the total numbers showed no gain from the prior year. SARL’s Board of Directors approved a Barn Cat Policy as an acceptable alternative for placement of cats who were difficult to adopt to a family environment. Verification of homes are made and a contract is signed to insure proper daily care and future annual veterinary requirements.

Continuing SARL’s commitment to focus on unclaimed strays as a first priority, we realized a 64% increase in cats and a 25% increase in dogs who were accepted from the local area Animal Control Officers. Owner surrendered animals represented 30.5% of total intakes. Cats and kittens accepted as Citizen strays continue to represent the largest influx (approximately 50%) of total felines accepted to our adoptive program.

Statistics

Our adoption rate dipped slightly to 84%. This is primarily due to the carryover of kittens who were not yet of adoptive age and remained in the system at year end. The euthanasia rate remained at 5% and the adopted returns held steady at 5.6%. 

We continue our efforts to increase our volunteer base to expand our work. In addition to direct coverage of the care of animals at our shelter, we are hoping to attract new people to assist as Adoption Counselors, and also in fundraising, public relations, and community interaction. In August of this year, we contacted the Eagle Tribune to request exposure of our need for more assistance by listing our group in the monthly Volunteer Opportunities section of this newspaper.  We have had some good success in attracting new people through this exposure.

The Salem Animal Rescue League believes humane education is an important part of our work. Our volunteers assisting at our monthly Open Houses use this opportunity to educate and inform the many visitors who visit our shelter on this day. This year we also videotaped a Public Service Announcement, through the studio of Salem Community Television, to increase the exposure of our group function and contribution to the community. SARL Tails, our newsletter which is mailed to members twice a year, is dedicated to combining educational material, lead-ins or follow up on special events, and touching stories about animals that have come through our shelter. Donations and membership fees have more than offset the costs of printing and mailing this newsletter. We also occasionally make presentations to local schools or Scout troops to facilitate humane education specifically geared toward children.

Our Annual DogFest and Dog Walk-a-thon provided a public forum of entertainment and education. This event raised $5,354.00 which represented 76% of all 2001 fundraising revenues.

Goals for 2002 are directed toward growth of our volunteer base to facilitate increased community exposure, access, and support.

• Increase volunteer support of administrative functions involving adoption counseling, fundraising, public relations and community interaction.
• Develop a brochure which defines our purpose and contribution to the local area.
• Expand and develop new fundraising opportunities.
• Find new venues for increased public exposure.