Independence Regional Animal Shelter: Kia Pet Adoption Grant Report

How did this grant help your organization and the pets in your care?

With this grant, we were able to help 36 animals at the shelter. This included 25 dogs and 11 cats. All of these animals have been at the shelter, available for adoption, for more than 30 days, with some being here for 120 days.

This grant made it possible for us to adopt out several animals who had been at the shelter for a long time. This also helped us to free up space for puppy and kitten season, which is upon us in full force.

How many pets did this grant help?

36

Please provide a story of one or more specific pets this grant helped.

Sapphire had been in the shelter for more than 120 days straight. She spent many, many holidays alone after being left behind in an eviction.

Although she started out afraid and confused, she was able to persevere and gain confidence. Despite this, we would rarely get requests to meet her.

During the adoption special, though, we were able to have Sapphire stay in a “Dog of the Day” room, as she was one of our longest-stay options and would be a great candidate for the special! She met tons of people, and each time, she was more and more excited and hopeful. She has quite the smile when she meets someone — especially kiddos (though a dog smiling at them can be a little scary).

After a while, she found her perfect match! Thanks to the special, Sapphire was able to be highlighted and meet a larger variety of people — and her adopter was able to spend that much more money on toys and treats!