Capital Region Cares Capital Region Cares 2017-2018 | Page 43

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Opinion
more than shelter
KENN ALTINE, CEO, SACRAMENTO SPCA
E
very day, people reach out to the Sacramento SPCA be-
cause they have a problem. Sometimes those problems
are good ones: “I want to adopt a dog,” or “I’m at a point
in my life where I’d like to volunteer” or “I want to donate but
I don’t know what your greatest need is.”
Other times, the problems are difficult and the people are
in crisis: “I have to move and my new landlord won’t allow
dogs,” or “I need to get my cat spayed but I can’t afford the
surgery” or “My pet is old and I need help saying goodbye.”
And every day, the Sacramento SPCA has trained staff
and dedicated volunteers who say, “Let me help you.”
Because here’s the secret about animal welfare — it’s
actually about the people. The Sacramento SPCA has more
programs designed for people than any other local animal
welfare organization or agency. And while adoption is at the
heart of what we do, we do more for the people who have an
animal than for people who are looking to add an animal to
their family.
Consider this: In 2016, we helped find homes for more
than 4,000 cats, dogs, rabbits, Guinea pigs and even some
roosters. Hundreds more were reunited with their families
after coming to us as strays.
But that same year:
• 18,127 families were able to get affordable — quite often
free — spay/neuter surgeries for their pets
• 14,025 low-cost vaccines were given to keep pets healthy
through our weekly vaccination clinics
• 6,850 students received humane education in their class-
r