Friends of SV Animal Shelter Inc.

To support the Nancy J. Brua Animal Care Center with assistance for emergency medical care and rehabilitation of shelter pets and to increase public awareness of animal health and welfare issues in Cochise County

Friends of the Sierra Vista Animal Shelter, Inc. began work to financially support medical procedures for sheltered pets at the Nancy J. Brua Animal Care Center in 2011. Since we began this effort, our outreach now supports medical procedures for governmental and non-profit animal rescues in Cochise County, training, and community events.

Funds raised during AZGives Day 2024 will support the programs listed below:

o Door to Door, One Paw at a Time Clinics are held at locations throughout the community. They reduce the risk of rabies by providing rabies vaccines, veterinarian examinations, microchips, and City licenses at no-cost to pet owners.

Rabies is a highly contagious infection that can be transmitted to a domestic pet by interaction with an infected animal, wildlife or other domestic pet. Once infected, the pet is a risk to infect its owner or other persons. The goal of the No-Cost Rabies Vaccination Clinics is to protect pet owner sand the community at large by vaccinating the pet, breaking the infection cycle. During the No-Cost Rabies Clinic the pet also receives a health exam, City of Sierra Vista dog license, and if desired a microchip, all at no cost to the owner. To date, over 1700 pets have received this vital care.

o Low Cost Spay/Neuter Clinics reduces the number of unwanted pets by providing low cost spay/neuter procedures.

There are several reasons why spay/neuter procedures are important for our pets well being and part of being a responsible pet owner. For example, females live longer, healthier lives as uterine infections and breast cancer are avoided. Male pets avoid testicular cancer, tend not to roam from home, and often experience less behavior issues. These procedures are also cost effective for pet owners. The cost of caring for unwanted litters is avoided. When your unneutered 'Tom' escapes from home and is injured, medical costs are prevented. From a community perspective, these procedures reduce the number of stray animals that are a health and safety risk. Strays may prey on wildlife, cause car accidents, damage landscapes, and may frighten or threaten community members. The euthanatizing of dogs and cats of all ages and breeds and those who suffer as strays can be prevented by owners taking advantage of the low cost procedures offered by this program. To date, over 870 pets have received this vital care.

o The Critter Cuddles Program visits assisted living facilities with foster kittens cared for by volunteers, giving residents time to hold and cuddle the kittens. This program is great for our elderly community, the joy it brings to the residents who could not bring their animal companions with them to the facilities is priceless. And the foster kittens are much more adoptable as they are accustomed to being handled by many different people. While the Nancy J. Brua Animal Care Center ( NJBACC) provides food and supplies, we provide funding for additional items including laundry soap, bleach, and dryer sheets for the blankets used, diaper wipes for tidying the kittens, treats and baby food for the residents to feed the kittens.

o Continuing education is an important element to the career of an Animal Control Officer (ACO), by providing the ACO with the skills and knowledge to better execute their duties. A Founder of Friends, Dot, was an educator and after her passing, we established a scholarship in her honor to assist training Animal Control Officers in Cochise County.
To date, this scholarship has helped to fund training in the areas of conduct of Equine Abuse Investigations, preparation for Disaster Response, and attendance at Arizona Animal Control Association conferences.

o Community Events- Pets and people are part of our community and we are pleased to support events that bring both together. Events include:

Adoption events, bringing shelter pets looking for their Forever homes to coffee shops and other locations in the community to help find their People.

Celebrating Animals, a yearly event that includes on site pet adoption, petting zoo, and training demonstrations for the public to enjoy during an informal and enjoyable day.

Nancy J. Brua Animal Care Center Open Houses, holiday events, or other special events drawing people to the Care Center.

Sierra Vista Community Connect, a monthly city spinster event providing multiple types of support for housing, employment, food, and more. In connection with the Nancy J. Brua Animal Care Center we help provide pet food, treats, and medical support to pet owners needing a little help.

Veteran Resource Fair/Stand Down events providing vaccinations, medical care, food, and other supplies for pets of Veterans.

Testimonials

"Just came from the vaccine and chip clinic...