Animal Care SERVICES Committee

Annual Work Plan/Methods of Fundraising

Background

In January, 2005, the Town of Markham partnered with the Town of Whitby for delivery of its animal care services (PAWS).  The Town’s animal care and control program has a primary focus on animal control for the purpose of protecting the public. The Animal Care Services Committee was created to support and act as a resource to Clerk’s Department staff to ensure the efficient and compassionate care of animals in Markham

Mission Statement

The Animal Care Services Committee’s mission is: “To promote and ensure excellence and professionalism in animal care through continuing education, effective networking, mutual support and the enhancement of the ability to provide quality, cost effective services to our residents and care to the animals in our municipality.”

Mandate

The Animal Care Services Committee’s mandate is to develop a community-driven model for improving animal welfare in Markham and report its findings back to the General Committee. The Committee’s Terms of Reference includes, but is not limited to, the spaying and neutering of all animals within the Town of Markham, educating residents on pet care, providing reasonably affordable veterinary services to underprivileged pet owners, arranging for adoptions of all stray animals, and assisting with the building of a new local animal shelter.

MEmbership/Structure

The Animal Care Services Committee is comprised of Members of the public, some of whom may represent pre-established animal-related associations. Two members of Council also sit on the Committee. Staff support is provided by the Town Clerk as well as other members of Legislative Services.

Annual Special Events

The Animal Care Services Committee will host the following special events on an annual basis (if possible):

Pet Fair(s): Two pet fairs will be held annually. The adoption of cats from the PAWS facility as well as others from the Markham area will be a central component. Educational seminars on animal services provided by the Town of Markham and PAWS facility as well as pet owner tutorials are also planned. Family oriented games, activities and giveaways will also be a component of this event.

Local vendors and veterinarians will be invited to attend the event in order to promote their goods and services as well as participate in the dissemination of animal care information and techniques. The Pet Fairs will be aligned with other successful events currently held by the Town (Markham Museum’s Family Day in the spring and the Apple Fest in the fall). Donation bins will be set up to collect funds as well as materials that can be used for animal bedding at the PAWS facility.

Micro Chipping Clinic(s): Two micro-chipping clinics will be held annually. These clinics will offer such services as a reduced cost and local veterinarians and volunteers will be asked to participate. A seminar informing the public about the merits of the micro-chip program will also take place.

Adoption Days: Several ‘Adoption Days’ will be planned throughout the year. These events will specifically focus on the adoption of animals from the PAWS facility as well as other homeless Markham area cats and dogs. Adoption days will be held in various locations throughout the Town and the Education and Awareness Sub-Committee will assist with the advertising and promotion of each event.

Animal Awareness Week: A week each year will be proclaimed Markham Animal Awareness Week. During this time a number of events will be planned to communicate animal awareness to Markham residents and pet owners. Nightly presentations followed by interactive sessions will focus on such topics as ‘tips and tricks’ regarding animal health care, responsible pet ownership, feral animals and wildlife, micro-chipping and other veterinary services as well as Licensing, By-Laws and enforcement.

Subcommittees

The Animal Care Services Committee is comprised of three Sub-Committees: 1. Fundraising; 2. Education and Awareness; and 3. Pet Adoption. Collectively, these Sub-Committees work in a targeted and efficient manner to address the Committee’s mandate.

I. Fundraising Sub-Committee

The Fundraising Sub-Committee will annually conduct several fundraising activities in order to finance the specific goals and objectives outlined in the Animal Care Committee’s Terms of Reference. In addition to funding a number of Education and Awareness campaigns as well as providing lower cost services for underprivileged pet owners (including the spayed and neutering of animals at the PAWS facility), the money collected will be allocated to assist with the capital costs of a Markham owned or shared animal care facility. This is a long term goal that will require a significant amount of time, energy and resources.

Animal Care Services Committee Members will be responsible for organizing all fundraising activities. Volunteers and animal care related vendors from the community will assist as required.

The Committee will utilize two primary fundraising tools, as follows:

1. Donation Bins: Donation bins will be placed at several locations throughout the Town of Markham in order to collect public donations. Community Centres, pet stores and veterinarian offices will be the primary focus. Several donation bins will also be temporarily placed at several establishments for the purpose of collecting animal bedding materials such as blankets, pillows, quilts and towels for use at the PAWS facility.

2. Animal Licence Donation Application: Animal licence applications will include an optional area in which animal owners can submit a donation to the Animal Care Services Committee at the same time they are purchasing or renewing an animal license. The Town is currently reviewing the feasibility of an on-line animal licensing program. If implemented, this service will also be provided as an option component of the on-line application.

3. Miscellaneous Events: Events such as raffles, bake sales and family oriented activities will take place throughout the year.

II. Education and Awareness Sub-Committee

In order to promote the many events planned and to ensure that proper information is made available to the public and Markham pet owners, the Education and Awareness Sub-Committee will undertake a number of projects.

Animal Services Committee Brochure: The Sub-Committee will develop and distribute a Committee brochure highlighting animal services provided by the Town of Markham and the Animal Services Committee. This brochure will also contain useful animal care information, licensing information and By-law highlights, adoption details as well as relevant contact information. This brochure will be updated annually and distributed by way of a current Town wide delivery mechanism.

Adoption Communications: Members will work with volunteers and administrators from the PAWS facility to create a number of communication programs designed to assist with the adoption of Markham area cats and dogs.

Filler Ads in Town Page: Where possible, the Committee will also place various filler ad in the Town’s Page.

III. Pet Adoption Sub-Committee

The Adoption Sub-Committee will be responsible for promoting and coordinating the adoption of Markham cats and dogs. These members will work with administrators at the PAWS facility to ensure that every animal in need finds a home. In addition, members will also work towards the goal of having every animal spayed and neutered before being adopted.