A powerful partnership for pet safety

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) – The Sioux Falls Area Humane Society says they take in around 8,000 animals a year and around 4,200 of those are strays or seized. Getting those animals into the shelter requires a partnership with Sioux Falls Animal Control.

These days Gordo, a lovable Chow, and Pippin, an energetic terrier mix, are happy, healthy and enjoying life. However, their stories weren’t always that positive.

“They were both removed out of a neglectful situation and then we were able to get them surrendered to the shelter,” Patty Beckman, Sioux Falls Animal Control Supervisor, said. “That way they were able to get the dogs the medical needs that they needed. One was super skinny and then the other one had a lot of hair loss. So it was for the better that they were surrendered to us.”

Two examples of an important partnership between Sioux Falls Animal Control and the Sioux Falls Area Humane Society.

“These dogs would never have a great outcome unless the whole system worked,” Sioux Falls Police Chief Jon Thum said. “So for the Humane Society to take the animals, give them the care they need, rehabilitate them and then find them great homes. And both these dogs have great homes and are thriving today.”

The Humane Society also takes in strays rescued by Animal Control. However, the rates of those pets getting back to their owners aren’t as high as the shelter would like.

“Of all the cats that come into the Humane Society, only five percent go back to their owners. Of the dogs, 30 percent go back,” James Oppenheimer, SFAHS Executive Director, said.

In an effort to raise those numbers, the Humane Society wants to encourage pet owners to get their furry friends microchipped and to fill out lost animal reports right away. But soon there will be a new tool to utilize as well.

“We will be partnering with Paw Boost, which is a new program that when an animal comes into the Humane Society, it will automatically integrate into animal tracking software,” Dana Konzem, SFAHS Community Outreach Director, said “So any stray that we have will automatically upload into Paw Boost. So if anyone is missing their pet, they can go right online and see if we have it.”

Partnerships that help pets like Gordo and Pippin find, and keep, their loving homes.

Sioux Falls Animal Control also wants to remind pet owners that any dog or cat that is six months or older is required to have a rabies vaccination and a city license. And with the nicer weather, if you take your pets for a walk there is a leash law in Sioux Falls.