More dogs, less adoptions at Tehama County Animal Care Center

Last year, there was an increase in the number of dogs taken into the Tehama County Animal Care Center and a decrease in adoptions compared to 2010, according the center's 2011 annual report.

"Due to the economy, we expected as much," center manager Mark Storrey told the Tehama County supervisors Tuesday.

The center had impounded 1,593 dogs and 461 cats in 2011.

Storrey reported 463 dogs were reclaimed by their owners, 356 adopted, 578 transferred to other shelters or rescues, six died of other causes than euthanasia, five were stolen or escaped, and 185 — or 11.6 percent — euthanized.

"We had a higher number of euthanasia cases last year than previously because we were hit hard by parvo in 2011," Storrey explained.

Even though the center's manager would like to see a much smaller percentage of euthanasia cases, he was happy to report the number is still much less than the state or national averages, which are about 31 percent.

"We owe a lot to the dog and cat rescue groups in the area who take many of our dogs and cats to find homes for," he said. "They are able to adopt out in a week what we adopt out in a month."

Last year the Center had to euthanize 163 cats, and only one was reclaimed by its owner, 139 were adopted by new owners, 148 transferred to other shelters and rescues, four died of causes other than euthanasia, and two were stolen or escaped.

"Cats did pretty well last year with our adoption rate up 10 percent over the previous year," Storrey stated.

In fact, the cat adoption rate was the highest it has been over the past five years, while the dog adoption rate has dropped about six percent.

In compliance with state law, the Center requires that the owner of every dog over the age of four months within Tehama County jurisdiction, make sure the animal is vaccinated for rabies, and is licensed by the county.

To help dog owners comply with that law, the Care Center held 24 rabies clinics last year, vaccinating 245 animals at a cost of $6 each.

The Center investigated 52 dog bites on humans, 18 cat bites, three wild animal bites and one bite of a domestic animal other than a dog or cat. Of those dogs, six were impounded for quarantine, and five cats, according to the report.

Cost to adopt a spayed/neutered dog or cat is $20, but cost to adopt a cat or dog not spayed/neutered is $75, most of which is refundable upon proof the animal was spayed or neutered.

Annual county license fees for dogs is $10 for altered animals, and $25 for an unaltered dog. Cats don't require licensing.

The center is currently holding an art contest in preparation for its Open House on May 5. The contest is for a design that will serve as the Center's graphic mascot.

Artwork must be original, representative of a Tehama County Animal Care Center cat or dog, non-discriminating, tasteful, and gender/age neutral.

Entries must be received by April 20, and must be mailed or physically delivered to the Care Center at 1830 Walnut St., Red Bluff, CA, 96080. The winner will be announced at the open house.

Entries will be judged on creativity, originality, representation of a dog or cat sheltered at the Tehama County Animal Care Center, functionality and versatility of design, and appeal of design to different cultural backgrounds, genders and age groups.

The winning artwork will be used for informational flyers, educational programs and as a fun symbol of the Care Center highlighted specifically to the youth of Tehama County.

"We as a team are excited for the open house this year as we partner with Providing Essentials for Tehama Shelter to make this year's Open House even bigger than the last one. I cannot think of a better time or place to introduce this community's new best friend," Storrey said.

The Animal Care Center strongly encourages people to visit the facilities and find the next member of your family.

If you have any questions about the contest, open house, animals, adoption fees, volunteering, fostering or any other matter please call the Care Center at 527-3439.