Y
Find out how you can become part of the
animal rescue community by visiting
MyManatee.org/pets or
AnimalNetworkinc.com
Manatee County Animal Services 305 25th Street West, Palmetto
941.742.5933
Manatee County Cat Town 216 6th Avenue East 941.742.5824
A One-Day Look, Behind The Scenes Of An Animal Shelter.
Story and photography by Debra Starr
Imagine if every day a steady stream of between 10 and 15 dogs and cats came to your door. Now imagine that you are responsible for their well-being – their food, their shelter, their medical care and ultimately – their fate. That is the reality at Manatee County Animal Services
(MCAS), the County’s only open admission shelter. As an open admission shelter, they are required to accept all dogs and cats, regardless of age, health, color, breed, temperament or adoptability. The numbers are staggering. In 2018, 3,856 animals came
through the doors. Housed in a facility that was built when the County was a fraction of the size it is today, MCAS consistent- ly operates at 150-200% over capacity. Visitors to the shelter often comment on how wonderful
the staff, volunteers and the pets are, but like the rest of us, they want to know, “Where do all these dogs and cats come from?” It’s Tuesday morning and the Shelter Manager, Chris
Vergallito, is helping members of her staff bring seven Chihuahuas in from the parking lot. The dogs are in distress and in their frightened states, they growl and lunge. Expertly, Chris and her staff subdue them and bring them inside, holding them tightly while whispering to them sweetly. All seven of the little dogs are immediately seen by the shelter’s veterinarian, Dr. Sarah. They are examined, bathed, treated for fleas, given nail trims and settled in. They are in poor physical health, but with time and care,
they will be ready to go to the good homes they deserve. Usually, MCAS tries to discourage owner surrenders,
instead trying to provide pet retention resources. However, if the owner is unwilling or unable to keep their pet,
32 THE NEW BARKER
appointments can be scheduled for surrender. In 2018, MCAS took in 71 cats and 172 dogs as owner surrenders. Owner surrenders are just one way that dogs and cats
come to MCAS. The majority of the population are strays picked up by one of the eight officers that serve Manatee County. Last year, 2,961 animals were brought in as strays, almost equally split between dogs and cats. The officers at MCAS have a challenging, important job
and no one day is like the other. Over the years, they have evolved from “dog catchers” to true animal advocates. They answer active calls and follow up on violations. Rather than confiscate pets immediately, they try to work with pet owners to solve their problems. The officers provide handouts for low cost or free clinics (in Spanish and English), blankets, donated food, collars and leashes and treats. Some situations require even more assistance. Officers
recently helped a self-professed “cat lady” whose resources did not allow her to properly care for her 17 cats. MCAS staff arranged medical care including sterilization for all of them, found homes for the majority of them and returned five cats back to her care. Officers periodically check in with her to ensure that all is well. Officers also work hard to reunite owners and their pets.
The Free Ride Program encourages officers to try and locate owners of lost pets while they are still in the field, helping them avoid the expense and trauma of impound. Officers use microchip scanners and call telephone numbers found on dog tags. They take time to check lost and found pages, Facebook and follow leads as far as possible before bringing a pet to the Shelter.
www.TheNewBarker.com
One of seven Chihuahuas brought to Manatee County Animal Services.
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