No-Kill Due Diligence Policy

To Whom It May Concern,

This addendum accompanies our vetting application for non-kill animal shelters and provides important details concerning AVA Animal Voice Advocacy’s commitment to responsible animal rescue and welfare practices. AVA Animal Voice Advocacy is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to raising funds and awareness for animal nonprofits that align with our mission of fostering a compassionate community for all animals.

Mission Statement

Our mission is to support animal nonprofits that demonstrate a sincere commitment to the humane treatment of animals. We seek to partner and advocate for animal nonprofits  whom share our philosophy where all animals are valued and given the chance to live out their lives in safety and dignity. Our core belief is that no animal should be subjected to euthanasia as a means of shelter management, and we actively seek partnerships with organizations that embody this ethos.

Due Diligence Policy

To uphold our mission, we have developed a rigorous due diligence policy designed to thoroughly evaluate and continuously monitor the practices of the animal shelters we support. This includes:

1. Comprehensive Vetting Process: Each potential partner must undergo a thorough assessment that includes:
   • Review of shelter policies regarding intake, adoption, and euthanasia.
   • Evaluation of the shelter’s financial health and operational transparency.
   • Assessment of staff qualifications and their approach to animal care and welfare.
2. Adherence to Non-Kill Standards: We ensure that our partner organizations operate strictly under non-kill principles, which means:
   • Euthanasia is only considered in cases of terminal illness or severe behavioral issues that result in a dangerous threat to humans or other animals, verified by credible veterinary assessments.
   • Commitment to providing necessary resources for rehabilitation and adoption, including behavioral training and community outreach.
3.  Regular Compliance Checks: AVA mandates regular compliance checks with partner shelters to ensure adherence to our established standards. This includes:
   • Annual reviews and audits of shelter operation protocols.
   • Ongoing community feedback mechanisms that allow for transparent communication regarding the shelter’s practices.
4. Education and Awareness Initiatives: We believe in empowering the community through education on responsible pet ownership, spay/neuter initiatives, and the importance of animal welfare. Partner shelters are encouraged to engage in these activities to enhance their outreach and impact.
5. Transparency and Reporting: All partner organizations must provide comprehensive annual reports on their operations, including:
   • Intake and adoption numbers
   • Euthanasia statistics (if applicable)
   • Financial reports reflecting how donor funds are allocated.
6. Humane Living Conditions:
   • Ensure animals have adequate space, clean environments, and appropriate separation by species. 
7. Comprehensive Care:
   • The shelter should provide consistent medical care, disease prevention, and have staff who are trained to assess animal health and behavior. 
8. Enrichment and Exercise:
   • Look for facilities that offer opportunities for grooming, exercise, playtime, and other forms of enrichment to reduce stress. 
9. Proactive Programs:
   • Shelters that are successful in saving animals implement a variety of programs, including foster programs, community cat initiatives (TNR), and comprehensive adoption services. 
10. Community Engagement:
    1. A truly effective shelter involves its community through volunteering, fostering, trap-neuter-return programs, and advocating for supportive policies.

Focus on Live Release Rates: 

As part of our fundraising initiative, we emphasize that domestic shelters must adhere to a benchmark of a 90% live release rate—a standard commonly associated with “no-kill” facilities. However, it is essential to understand that this percentage is not the sole indicator of a shelter’s effectiveness or its commitment to animal welfare. A high live release rate might be achieved through various initiatives, but it must be contextualized within the broader framework of animal saving strategies and community involvement.

Beyond just numbers, we require shelters to provide a comprehensive overview of their programs, such as spay/neuter initiatives, adoption outreach, and education efforts aimed at responsible pet ownership. It’s also vital to assess the total number of animals saved—look at both the live releases and the efforts to reduce intake through community education and proactive strategies. By evaluating shelters on these metrics, we can ensure that our partnership not only supports high live release rates but also promotes a sustainable and impactful approach to animal welfare in the community. We believe that a holistic view supports both animals and the human communities that care for them, fostering responsible stewardship and ensuring meaningful change.

We will not represent al shelter that may have to euthanize due to space limitations, rather than a strategic choice. 

Conclusion

By adhering to this stringent vetting process, we at AVA Animal Voice Advocacy are committed to establishing a network of trusted, non-kill animal shelters that prioritize the well-being of all animals. We aim to be a resource for these organizations, helping them secure the funding and support needed to maintain their no-kill commitment.

Thank you for considering our application. We appreciate your dedication to promoting ethical animal treatment and look forward to the opportunity to collaborate in saving the lives of animals in our communities.