It was nice to read something good about the Alameda Animal Shelter in the Journal last Friday. It appears that they are taking positive steps forward to tightening up the operation with the hiring of a volunteer coordinator, highlights:
Just a week into her new job as the volunteer coordinator for the Alameda Animal Shelter, Tina Aedo on Wednesday said she was still getting her feet wet.
Right now, she’s busy figuring what duties are required at the facility and then directing shelter volunteers to fill those duties, which include walking canines and socializing with anxious, lonely kitties.
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Between people dropping off animals and volunteers needing direction, Aedo said she was surprised at how busy the job was, particularly on Saturdays.
And she can expect the job to get busier. The shelter now has about 40 volunteers. During a recruitment drive in November, an additional 49 people expressed interest in volunteering at the shelter…
Some of the additional changes are outlined in a staff report to be presented to the City Council on Tuesday, whch include:
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Volunteer Coordinator (of course)
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Screening for new volunteers solicited through November recruitment drive
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New dog-walking policy
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Training for staff
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Annual local vetenarian inspection of the facilities
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Shelter evaluations by regional shelters
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New policy manuals
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Animal tracking system
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Plan to expand to more adoption websites and introduction of an adoption kiosk at the Main Library
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Development of mission statement
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New security and monitoring system
I was really interested in the animal tracking system so I went to the website referenced in the Journal article PetHarbor.com to take a look at what animals were currently at the shelter. So if you have lost your chicken, the Alameda Animal Shelter has him. There are some cute animals available for adoption. Lots of pitbulls though, not really sure why. They are having a “2 fur 1″ special, two animals for the price of one adoption. Cats are always best in pairs anyway, that way they don’t get too lonely when you are gone.
