FOTSI is celebrating its ten-year anniversary this year.  The non-profit 501(c)3 organization was created to assist in rescuing and adopting animals placed in the Vinton-Benton County Animal Shelter.  After the number of animals placed in the shelter increased an average annual rate of 26 percent over the prior five-year period, FOTSI entered into a contract with the City of Vinton to manage the animal shelter in 2009.  FOTSI’s involvement significantly improved the shelter’s animal survival rate.  The receipt of financial support from both the City of Vinton and Benton County enabled FOTSI to perform operations that resulted in saving a large number of animals that would have otherwise been euthanized.  The table available by clicking the link at the bottom of this story reflects the favorable performance experienced as FOTSI’s involvement with the shelter increased over time. Last year, 98 percent of animals were saved, compared to a survival rate of nearly 40 percent a decade ago.

The average survival rate during the past three years averaged 97 percent, an incredibly successful result for any shelter operation.  This success was attained through using a business model focusing on the use of social media and the Internet, and through establishing strong relationships with other rescue operations.  With only 1.2 full-time equivalent employees and a few volunteers, technology was relied upon as the primary tool to advertise animals available for adoption.  A one-page on-line application is available for completion by individuals interested in adopting animals, and subsequent meetings are scheduled for potential adopters to meet the animal(s).  Using the Internet casts a wide net for potential adopters; animals were adopted by residents as far away as Oregon and Florida.  During the past three years, 74 percent of the animals were adopted by people living outside Benton County.  Of the animals adopted within Benton County, 70 percent were to new owners living in Vinton.

FOTSI’s future role is expected to change due to the likelihood that the Vinton City Council will cancel the contract with FOTSI in order to pursue an outsourcing alternative for dogs.  The Benton County Supervisors are also exploring an outsourcing alternative for the unincorporated portions of the county.  As reported through various media channels, the shelter is in a state of disrepair and there hasn’t been an animal warden employed by the county and city for several months. 

FOTSI is submitting a proposal to the Benton County Supervisors for consideration.  The proposal seeks to permit FOTSI’s continued involvement in administering the local animal welfare program.  With the anticipated City contract termination, FOTSI will rely more on grants and donations for future funding.

Click HERE to see the survival rate chart.