Editor’s note: One in a series about dogs in Temple.
While Heart to Home Animal Adoption Center — formerly the Temple Animal Shelter — hasn’t quite returned to pre-COVID adoption numbers, this could be a breakout year.
At 2 p.m. on a Tuesday in March, the shelter had already adopted out six dogs for the day. And, Amy Strunk, supervisor for the city of Temple facility, expects numbers to continue to increase.
“We’ve expanded our facility, rebranded and have a greater online and social media presence,” she said “Heart to Home is a welcoming environment and we have four meet-and-greet areas for people to get acquainted with the animals.”
Five years ago, in the pre-pandemic year 2019, almost 1,140 pets were adopted. That number fell hard in 2020 after COVID came to town.
“We had 747 adoptions in 2020, but we were operating on an appointment-only basis for most of that year,” Strunk said. “The number climbed to 912 in 2021 and 936 the following year.”
Construction on the shelter expansion project likely is to blame for 2023’s drop (847) in adoptions, but while the shelter remained open during the expansion, it was far from business as usual.
“We had to do things differently during the construction,” Strunk said. “We were constantly shifting around the building and for a while our space was limited. The expansion project is now complete, though, and I think we will see the adoption numbers increase.”
Strunk said having the four meet-and-greet areas is a game-changer for shelter staff.
“We have three yards outside where customers can take the dogs,” she said. “Spending time with an animal in the meet-and-greet areas is mandatory for adopting a dog. We now have a shade structure outside and benches allow people to sit and let the animals get to know them.”
“Dogs behave differently when they are out of the enclosures,” she said. “We encourage customers to bring their dogs with them when they come to meet another dog to make sure they get along.”
Strunk said the improved shelter also has a versatile indoor meet-and-greet area for getting to know cats. The space can accommodate dogs during cold or rainy weather.
When a person comes to adopt a dog, the paperwork is one of the last steps involved in the process, Strunk explained.
“Once a person finds the perfect dog, we take them out to a meet-and-greet area,” she said. “Usually, the dog runs around and sniffs for about 15 minutes.”
“We explain what we know about the animal — sometimes we don’t know much about strays,” Strunk said. “If they want the animal, we sign the adoption contract.”
The new owner is required by contract to get rabies vaccinations and to get the animal sterilized. Adult dogs must be vaccinated within three days, and puppies must have a rabies shot within four months, Strunk explained.
There also are deadlines for getting the animal spayed or neutered. Adult dogs must be fixed within two weeks — the deadline is six months for puppies.
Vouchers for the veterinarian work can be purchased at Heart to Home at a discounted price, and the shots and sterilizing will be done by Animal Medical Care. The cost for a spay is $65 and neuters are $55.
“We track the process to make sure the pet owner complies with the contract,” Strunk said. Failure to comply can result in fines and repossession of the animal.
“We recommend the first stop after leaving the shelter is to get a pet wellness check,” she said. “The animals should be vaccinated, sterilized and tested for heartworms. We can’t guarantee the health of the animals, but if the dog isn’t healthy it can be returned.”
Eventually, Strunk hopes to have a full-time veterinarian on staff and have all necessary procedures done before a dog or cat leaves the shelter.
“That would be a great thing, but it would be expensive,” she said. “It’s the latest trend in shelters but it comes with a price.”
Are you interested in making a donation to the Heart to Home Adoption Center? Amy Strunk, supervisor of the Temple animal shelter, offers a few tips on what is needed.
“We burn through a lot of dry dog food, so that’s always a welcome donation,” she said.
ProPlan is a good choice and a quality dog food that pups enjoy — they really don’t care for Old Roy, she said.
“We also use a lot of cat litter,” she said. “We change all the boxes daily, so we use a very basic non-clumping litter.”
Strunk said toys are always welcomed, especially cat toys because they tend to be more confined than the dogs. Small blankets, towels, bleach and Clorox wipes are also constantly needed.
“We use Dawn (dishwashing soap) by the bucket,” she said with a chuckle.
The shelter also welcomes monetary donations but currently doesn’t have an online ability to accept money. But, checks may be mailed or brought to Heart to Home, 620 Mama Dog Circle in Temple.
Dogs sleep an average of 12 to 14 hours per day, depending on their breed, age and activity level. Dogs usually sleep even more as they get older.
SOURCE: American Kennel Club