October 29, 2018 at 4:34 p.m.
OCHS receives $27K grant from ASPCA
OCHS receives $27K grant from ASPCA
By Kayla Thomason-
The grant, which OCHS officials applied for in September, was awarded the week of Oct. 15. It will be used to purchase 32 30x30 stainless-steel cat cages on mobile platforms.
"Every two cages will be connected via a portal to create a double-sided housing for each cat," said Sue Otis, OCHS treasurer. "One side (is) for living and sleeping and the other side (is) for a litter box. This type of housing complies with the guidelines set by the ASPCA. We will also get portals to combine the cages we now have to conform to the guidelines. The portals can be closed if we get a large influx of cats and temporarily need more cages. The housing provides a 'less-stress' environment for the cats and is easier for the staff to safely clean."
The cages have been ordered and should arrive in the beginning of December, Otis said.
"Being at the end of our construction and needing to take a loan to finish the project, the cat housing is something we may have had to delay so the timing of the grant was perfect," Otis said.
In addition to receiving the grant, Tricia Sebes, ASPCA Northern Tier Director, visited the OCHS facility on Oct. 23.
"Tricia was impressed with our new construction and thought the layout and functionality would serve the animals well," Otis said, referring to the organization's recent remodeling project.
While there, Sebes helped with the intake procedures as well as the cleaning practices to help with disease control.
"There are always new trends and products available," Otis said. "We will be implementing a new cleaning system as a result with the help of the ASPCA."
Sebes will also serve as a point of contact for OCHS officials in the future.
"It was very helpful to talk with Tricia," Otis said. "She has visited so many shelters and had many good suggestions and ideas for us across all topics.
As a 501c3 public charity, OCHS depends on donations from the public to meet their annual operating budget.
Donations are appreciated. A list can be found at http://www.ochspets.org/about-us/donations.
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