Project Overview

To increase pet retention efforts to keep people and pets together, the RAS Operations Team will conduct a pet retention evaluation and proposed Pet Retention Plan by Q4 2025. Phase 1 one of this initiative will involve a comprehensive evaluation of existing pet retention efforts, to include a review of current and alternative strategies, data and cost analysis, and exploration of potential funding sources. The evaluation will conclude with an outline of proposed next steps and considerations for potential implementation. ​

Why it matters?

Pet retention efforts help prevent the unnecessary separation between people and their companion animals due to personal crisis, violence, disasters, lack of access to care, or financial hardship. Research repeatedly confirms most people consider their pets a part of their family. In recognizing the reality of the human-animal bond, as well as issues of poverty, equity, and access to services, it is imperative to maintain and increase pet retention strategies to ensure that pet owners, which include individual Adams County residents, as well as families with children, are not unnecessarily separated from the pets due to hardship or crisis. Pet retention efforts also help reduce animal shelter intake, which helps to reduce costs and operational strain on the shelter department. ​

Percent Complete

35%

Estimated Completion Date

12/31/2025