On Monday, June 10th, during the Osceola County Commissioner’s Meeting, Kim Stanton, Osceola County Animal Services Director, shared an update on the Animal Services in Osceola County and how the L.E.A.S.H program is assisting families struggling to keep their pets.
According to the report, the L.E.A.S.H program has been very well received by community members and there is now an understanding that the program increases the chance for a live outcome for the pets.
L.E.A.S.H. or Let Every Animal Stay at Home began in 2017, and with grant money and donation dollars, this program has shown tremendous promise to Osceola County pet owners with the assistance of help to owners by offering low-cost vaccinations, discounted pet food, basic wellness, other veterinary services, or rehoming assistance. By allowing pet owners the opportunity to have some assistance, pets have a better chance of staying with their current owners or being relocated to a new owner. Either way, it’s a win for the pet!
About 40 percent of pet owners who relinquish pets to shelters say they would keep them if there was temporary assistance available, according to studies by the ASPCA. Osceola Animal Services is trying to fill that gap to help pet owners not only keep their pets but provide proper care for them as well. In the 2016-17 fiscal year the Osceola County Animal Shelter saw 2,135 animal surrenders and by the following year, it dropped to 1,281.
A pet retention team meets with the families in need of assistance to see if there’s a way to help them while conducting a needs assessment interview.
Another great program offered is Dogs Playing for Life, which was created by Amy Sadler and allows dogs at the Osceola County Animal Shelter to actually run around in playgroups with other dogs. The playtime is typically an hour long and is monitored by staff or volunteers, giving the dogs the opportunity to release energy and learn social skills from one another. Staff is then able to learn if the pet is ready for adoption.
June is National Pet Adoption Month and in celebration, the Osceola County Animal Services is offering specials on adoptions which includes spay/neuter, rabies, and core vaccines, parasite control, pet license and of course a furry friend for life!
- $10 for kittens 6 months and younger
- Adoption Fee waived for ALL cats 6 months and older
- $20 adoption fee for dogs which includes all of the items listed above and a heartworm check
For more information on the L.E.A.S.H. program or any other programs offered at the Osceola County Animal Services including adoptions and volunteering please visit OsceolaCountyPets.com.
Thank you Kim Stanton, the staff, and volunteers at the Osceola County Animal Services for making a Positive Difference by providing these amazing programs and for helping Osceola County residents keep or relocate their furry friends.
