In 1999, 49 municipalities contracted for Animal Control Services. The following levels of service delivery were achieved.

• 7,759 domestic animals were admitted to the shelter, representing an increase of 10% over 1998.
• 4,004 services were delivered to wildlife, a 60% increase over 1998.
• 7,069 service reports were delivered to municipalities.
• 3,939 spay/neuter services were provided.
• Approximately 150,000 requests for information were filled, an increase of 25,000.

The shelter participates in the county’s comprehensive Rabies Control Program. A free rabies clinic is offered every Thursday from 4:30 to 6 p.m. In 1999, the shelter provided 6,500 vaccinations to dogs and cats against rabies.

The shelter’s Animal Adoption Program, which results in a high rate of animal adoptions, was a highlight of the year’s accomplishments. More than 90% of eligible incoming dogs were placed in homes in 1999. This compares to an adoption rate of approximately 40% statewide. Contributing to the high rate of animal adoptions were pets featured in The Record, numerous television appearances, and a monthly “Adopt A Pet Day” at a local pet store.

The shelter’s Web site continues to increase the adoption rate. In addition to providing information about shelter services, the site includes a list and photos of pets available for adoption through a link to Petfinder, a database featuring animals for adoption in several regional shelters. The pictures and descriptions allow potential adopters to view available pets before coming to the shelter. Links to other Internet sites relating to animal health and behavior are included for consumer convenience.

Over the past several years, shelter staff and volunteers have received six grants from the Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation and four grants from the Bernice Barbour Foundation, Inc. A substantial portion of these grants supports the Spay/Neuter Program. In 1999, 3,939 dogs and cats were spayed or neutered. A new policy ensures that 100% of adopted animals are spayed/neutered before leaving the shelter.

FOCAS (Friends of the County Animal Shelter) is a dedicated group of volunteers who help raise funds, present education programs, and assist with adoptions, spay/neuter clinics and other shelter services. In 1999, 21 Health Fairs and Education Programs on humane education and rabies control were provided for schoolchildren, adult and youth groups, reaching over 5,170 people in a cooperative effort between the shelter and FOCAS.

In another FOCAS effort, five visits were made to facilities for Pet Therapy, a proven modality for the elderly to receive and display affection. A team of FOCAS volunteers visits nursing homes, long-term hospital patients, and senior citizens, bringing animals for patient interaction.

To increase awareness of Animal Shelter services, FOCAS volunteers and staff participated in health and safety events in Carlstadt, Elmwood Park, Leonia, Lyndhurst, and Hackensack.