building bridges: developing good relationships between veterinarians and animal care and control...
TRANSCRIPT
Building Bridges: Developing Building Bridges: Developing Good Relationships Between Good Relationships Between
Veterinarians and Animal Care Veterinarians and Animal Care and Control Agenciesand Control Agencies
Cathy Anderson, DVM MVMA’s Animal Welfare Committee
The Problem: The Problem: The number of homeless The number of homeless animals is astounding…animals is astounding…
Euthanasia StatisticsEuthanasia Statistics
The national euthanasia average for companion animals was 4.9 million in 2004 (Clifton).These numbers have not changed significantly since the mid 1990’s.93% of all pit bull type dogs that enter shelters are euthanized (Clifton). Three out of 4 cats that enter a shelter are euthanized.The greatest predictive indicator for death for a cat is entering a shelter (Hurley).
What is the bottom line?What is the bottom line?
4 million animals are at risk of being euthanized across the nation.
In Michigan, 200,000+ animals are at risk.
““Every Number is a Wet Every Number is a Wet Nose”Nose”
An additional problem…An additional problem…Lack of preventative pet health care
Many pets are not receiving veterinary care (AVMA Pet Ownership Sourcebook)
Diseases are increasing: dental disease, otitis externa, diabetes (Banfield Pet Health Report)
Reduced wellness compliance such as heartworm (AAHA)
Increasing pet obesity
Who has the ability to make the Who has the ability to make the biggest impact on these biggest impact on these
animals?animals?
Veterinarians
Shelter Staff
Animal Rescuers
Who are the players?Who are the players?Veterinarians are experts in veterinary medicine and animal care with advanced education.Animal rescues are animal advocates who have a wealth of practical knowledge and are well-educated on local animal issues. Shelters are either open or limited admission facilities. Their role is to help animals in need and advocate for their well-being until an outcome is achieved.
How do we develop good relationships How do we develop good relationships between veterinarians, shelters and between veterinarians, shelters and
rescue groups?rescue groups?
Identify common goalsIdentify realities of each groupClarify misunderstandingsIdentify perceptions and vocabulary that are barriers to collaborationPromote trust through mutual understanding and respectIdentify examples of successful collaborative relationships
What do veterinarians, What do veterinarians, shelters and rescues have in shelters and rescues have in
common?common?All have empathy for animals.
Their main focus is animals.
All must be able to support themselves financially.
The problem is that these The problem is that these groups do not work well groups do not work well
togethertogether
Motivations are different.
Realities are different.
These groups are not recognizing what they have in common.
The result is triangulation.
Rescuer
Victim
Persecutor
Animal Rescue TriangulationAnimal Rescue Triangulation
Animal Rescuer
Veterinarian
Shelter Staff
VeterinariansVeterinarians
Want to support themselves practicing veterinary medicine
Opted for veterinary medicine because they like animals
Usually have good communication skills
Are a great resource for medical knowledge
Veterinarian’s realityVeterinarian’s realityToday’s graduate is typically $146,000 in debt upon graduation.
Starting salary is approx. $66,000.
They are worried about debt, living expenses and supporting themselves and staff.
What are veterinarians What are veterinarians missing?missing?
Most do not know the companion animal homeless numbers.
Not aware of what is going on in the shelters in their community.
Not engaged in community activities for animal well being (for example, serving on boards of non-profits).
What concerns veterinarian What concerns veterinarian about rescues and shelters?about rescues and shelters?
Practicing medicine without a license
Not encouraging adopters to develop a relationship with a veterinarian
When groups minimize their knowledge or make derogatory comments about them, their practices or their profession
Veterinarians sometimes Veterinarians sometimes contribute to miscommunication contribute to miscommunication
by:by:Demeaning shelters and rescues.
Appearing to be self serving.
Having an image of the “money-grubbing veterinarian.”
How can veterinarians improve How can veterinarians improve the veterinarian, rescue, shelter the veterinarian, rescue, shelter
relationship?relationship?Volunteer at a community shelterOffer vaccination/heartworm clinics to rescues Offer free new pet check ups for dogs and cats adopted from a rescue or shelter
RescuesRescuesDesire to help individual animals
Aware of the number of homeless animals and wants to reduce these numbers
Willing to work tirelessly for animals
Active advocates for animal well-being
Who is the Animal Rescuer?Who is the Animal Rescuer?Demographics: frequently middle-aged women from all socioeconomic backgrounds
Strong empathy for the plight of homeless animals
Often members of a 501(c)3
What do Rescues frequently lose What do Rescues frequently lose sight of?sight of?
501(c)3s are a non-profit BUSINESS.
They need to be able to be financially self-sustaining.
Things rescues should do to Things rescues should do to improve relationships with improve relationships with veterinarians and sheltersveterinarians and shelters
Develop a relationship with a local shelter and make a commitment to facilitate live outcomes for that shelter.
Promote local veterinarians.
Consider promoting pet insurance as a way to bridge that 1-month transition period where an adopter begins to think of the new pet in their household as their own.
Things rescues should not do: Things rescues should not do: Dispense medication to animals that have been adopted.
Vaccinate these animals after they have been adopted.
Denigrate the local shelter.
Belittle veterinarians to adopters.
Bring puppies and dogs from other states to sell in Michigan.
SheltersSheltersFacility where homeless, stray, lost and cruelty victim animals can be housed.
May be open admission or limited admission. Public perception may be that the shelter wants to euthanize animals as soon as possible.
Reality is that they are unable to house all animals on an indefinite basis so euthanasia is necessary.
What is the Mission of the What is the Mission of the Shelter?Shelter?
To help animals in need and advocate for their well-being until an outcome is achieved. But missions are expanding!
Shelter StaffShelter StaffFrequently suffer from compassion fatigue
Sometimes express dislike for humans
Frequently are or assist Certified Euthanasia Technicians
May be making decisions about which animals will be euthanized
How can shelters improve the How can shelters improve the veterinarian, rescue, shelter veterinarian, rescue, shelter
relationship? relationship?
Encourage individuals who adopt to follow up with a veterinarian.
Consider pet insurance.
Vaccinate on intake.
Provide adequate medical care.
Provide adequate housing.
Provide behavioral enrichment.
Things shelters should not do:Things shelters should not do:
Make a promise to a rescue or an individual and then not follow up on it. Be accountable.
Become a deterrent to a live outcome. Communicate well so that shelter rules are understood.
Demean rescues or veterinarians to potential adopters.
What do all 3 groups have in What do all 3 groups have in common?common?
All 3 groups have a heightened empathy for animals.All have a significant portion of their day invested in the care and well-being of animals.None of these individuals wish to euthanize animals.Most have experienced compassion fatigue associated with their quest.All have lives independent of animal care.
Where do veterinarians, Where do veterinarians, shelters and rescues go from shelters and rescues go from
here?here?We must begin a dialogue in areas that are common ground.
All 3 groups must cease to criticize one another.
We should consider attending educational venues that support the common goal.
Consider attending some of Consider attending some of the educational opportunitiesthe educational opportunities
MVMA Animal Welfare Conference
Michigan Partnership for Animal Welfare Conference
Midwest Veterinary Conference Shelter Track
Prairie States Animal Welfare Conference
How do we improve How do we improve relationships for the benefit of relationships for the benefit of
homeless pets?homeless pets?Focus on the common goal.
Check egos and attitudes at the door.
Communicate about common goals.
Voice concerns that you have for your individual organization.
Think “out of the box.”
3 Steps for Moving Forward3 Steps for Moving Forward
Pick up the phone and make that call.
Hold an initial meeting at your local animal care and control agency with local veterinarians.
Hold a second meeting at the opposite site.
First MeetingFirst MeetingIdentify key stakeholders and barriers to success.
Define concerns – share each other’s mission.
Plan to stay 3-4 hours.
Share existing data from your community and others.
Goal: Consensus to work together!
Sign “Agreement of Mutual Respect”
Second MeetingSecond Meeting
Open your doors and tell your story.Promote the initiative and tactics.Get “buy in” – get everyone to sign an agreement.Invite local vets, shelter executives, staff, industry, etc.Assign roles and responsibilities.Develop a timeline and budget.Regroup and recap.
CATalyst Top to Top CATalyst Top to Top ResourcesResources
Veterinary and shelter statistics
Information on how to work together and make a difference
Examples of things being done in communities across the country
Information on how to “say it right”
Sample Memorandum of Agreement
Great reads on animal care issues
http://catalystcouncil.org/resources/top_to_top/
Final ThoughtsFinal ThoughtsAnimals are at risk.
The goal is to create a world with no more homeless pets.
Veterinarians, rescues and shelters are the solution.
“We just all need to get along!”
Success StoriesSuccess Stories
If you have questions, we are ready to If you have questions, we are ready to assist you!assist you!
Contact Karlene Belyea at MVMA (517) 347-4710 or [email protected] Dr. Cathy Anderson at [email protected] our website at www.michvma.org