Operation Kindness – North Texas’ original and largest no-kill animal shelter – had a banner year in 2017, breaking adoption records for the sixth consecutive year and resulting in the adoption of 4,889 homeless animals. Since its inception in 1976, Operation Kindness has helped more than 100,000 animals find forever homes.
“It is our goal to help as many homeless pets as possible find forever homes,” said Jim Hanophy, CEO of Operation Kindness. “Each year we continue to find new ways to unify potential adopters with our animals. The dedicated support of our generous donors, community partners, volunteers, foster families and staff help us grow each year.”
A key factor contributing to the substantial increase in adoptions is Operation Kindness’ partnership with Pet Supplies Plus. In their stores, Operation Kindness houses “residential” cats and kittens for adoption in custom-designed adoption rooms. Generous donations from Pet Supplies Plus, including an adoption trailer and funds to purchase a truck for the trailer from Muenster Milling Company, allows Operation Kindness the ability to rotate between Dallas-area stores on weekends. This year, Operation Kindness was able to expand community adoptions throughout the Metroplex, bringing more adoptable animals to the community.
In order to expand community services, Operation Kindness introduced the Pet Food Pantry in August. Since its creation, more than 15,000 pounds of free pet food, bedding, bowls and cat litter, as well as flea and tick prevention, have been donated to low-income families across the Metroplex.
Throughout the year, Operation Kindness was able to care for more animals due to the support of its strong foster and volunteer network. The no-kill shelter relied on the support of 296 fosters to provide care and shelter for 1,323 animals, including 22 animals placed in permanent foster care. More than 1,780 volunteers provided service each month, resulting in 49,300 hours of volunteer work in total.
Last year alone, Operation Kindness provided care to 5,090 animals, performed 3,140 spay/neuter surgeries, 363 medical surgeries, cared for 100 animals in the inpatient facility and gave behavioral support to 350 animals to ensure they were prepared for adoption.
More than 63 percent of the animals in Operation Kindness’ care came from transfer partners. The no-kill shelter partners with municipal shelters like Dallas Animal Services to help with their overpopulation. The remaining space contains surrenders from first responders, good Samaritans and owners.
For each animal adopted, Operation Kindness is able to save another animal’s life. Dogs and cats of all sizes, breeds, colors and ages are available for a small adoption fee. This fee includes vaccinations, worming, testing, microchipping, collar and ID tag. Adoption fees are $135 for cats/kittens and $185 for dogs/puppies.
Adoption fees also help cover the costs of caring for the animals including food, medicine, tests, spay/neuter surgery, other surgeries, medical procedures, rehabilitation and recovery.
Operation Kindness, unlike other nonprofits, does not receive funding from the government, instead relying solely on funds from donations, grants and adoption fees to care for homeless animals. As Operation Kindness continues to expand their services to save more lives, their expenses grow as well. For more information, please visit http://www.operationkindness.org/.