This weekend, the Contra Costa Animal Services will be offering free pet adoptions to kick off the New Year as they have a full house of animals ready for their forever home.
The New Year has also brought change to the Contra Costa Animal Services Department (CCASD) who gained a beacon of hope in the form of new director, Beth Ward. Ward assumed the position at Contra Costa Animal Services Department in early November.
Ward worked with The Human Society Silicon Valley from 2004-2015. In 2008 Ward created a community alliance program that involved getting all 6-shelters in her county to work together to focus on lower euthanasia numbers.
At that time it was estimated that for every 10 animals entering the shelter system only 4 would leave alive. That was a 40% live animal release rate. After endless hours, countless days and the formation of partnerships dedicated to the same outcomes Ward estimates that the live animal release rate for 2015 was almost to 90%.
Ward says she wants to be clear that CCASD is an agency that focuses on saving lives.
“My goal is to work together with rescues groups and other community shelters to form a collaborative group to save lives in all of Contra Costa County,” said Ward. “If we were able to save 80% of the lives that came through the doors at CCAS that would be great but one door down from us sits Antioch Animal Services that is struggling and can we really be successful as a county shelter if we are at 80-90 or even 100% live release rate and Antioch is not? No! The only way we can truly be seen as successful is if every shelter in our county is achieving the goal of saving as many animals lives as possible, especially the lives that are healthy, adoptable and treatable.”
Ward has already increased live release rates at Contra Costa Animal Services by running specials to reduce the adoption cost to the public, she has vamped up their social media outreach while tweaking changes to their website—they also hired a community and media relations coordinator, Steve Brudo.
Ward can be seen daily roaming the halls of the shelter, walking dogs, talking to rescues, volunteers, as well as the public. She has even made a change in policy where she is to be involved in all decisions about euthanasia, not one animal will be humanely euthanized without her knowledge. She also has an open door policy and welcomes questions from everyone.
Some of the upcoming changes and programs that are expected soon include:
- Temperament Testing: CCASD will be moving away from the letter grading system and instead focus on observations and recommendations, something Ward calls, ”a kinder and gentler approach”. Too many people associate the letter F as “fail” so no more F’s.
- Foster Program: CCASD are working on starting a direct shelter foster program for volunteers. This will mean that the public will be welcome to come in and foster animals that need an extra helping hand, but will be required to go through the volunteer process first
- Rescue Fast Track: CCASD are also working on what will be known as “rescue fast track” that will help rescues get in and out of the shelter faster by skipping the public line where they previously would have to wait.
- Surrender Intervention Program: A program aimed at educating the public about alternatives to surrendering their animals.
In speaking with Ward, it appears her experience with the Humane Society of Silicon Valley, her previous hands on involvement in animal care and her obvious love for animals is the perfect combination of a compassionate, enthusiastic and professional director that our community has been excited to welcome for a long time. It was much needed in Contra Costa County.
In her short time at Contra Costa Animals Services Department there is already a notable sign of change. I for one am excited to see what the future holds for Contra Costa County and our animals.
This weekend Contra Costa Animals services are holding a special that makes every adoptable animal in the building free to qualified homes. That’s right free adoptions!!! Saturday and Sunday only!
If you go:
Weekend Hours:
Saturday: 10:00 am to 5:500 pm
Sunday: 12:00 pm to 3:00 pm
Location:
4800 Imhoff Place, Martinez CA
Phone:
(925) 335-8300
For more information on the Contra Costa Animal Services, visit them on the web at http://www.co.contra-costa.ca.us/59/Animal-Services
Kristy Keusch is a regular contributor for EastCountyToday writing about animals and is passionate about animal rescue and ensuring every pet has a forever home in Contra Costa County.
She also volunteers her time taking photographs of dogs and working in shelters.
