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About us
Animals for Awareness. This is the
name I attached to my concept back in 1993. In 1997 Animals
for Awareness was finally incorporated, and in July of 1999
we received news that we are now a 501(c)(3) organization! I'm Kim
Schilling (right), Director of a very special place for very special
animals. I've always loved animals, from the tiniest critters to the
largest beasts, from the domestic to the wild and exotic. Like many
people out there, I have a simple dream. To make a positive difference
in the lives of a few unfortunate and misunderstood animals. Animals
for Awareness accomplishes this through two things:
Sheltering and
Education.
This concept actually started to blossom in
my head during the several years I volunteered at another animal
shelter. There I saw many horrible things happen to even the healthy
dogs and cats. The wildlife and exotic critters that entered that
shelter faced an even more uncertain future. The staff was often ill
equipped to deal with unusual animals. This sometimes led to
starvation, illness and death. Some of the animals never even had a
chance! They met with the "better off dead than in captivity"
philosophy possessed by the leaders of that shelter. I had to get out
and get out fast! I wanted to provide a safe alternative to this
shelter. And it's working!
Why a NO-KILL policy? First of
all, we want to acknowledge to the rest of the shelters and community
that the no-kill policy is not always recognized as humane, economical
or logistically feasible. AFA chooses its no-kill status currently
because WE CAN. A no-kill status does not mean "better" in all
situations. Many shelters out there have no choice due to the countless
numbers of animals being brought to them on a daily basis. There just
aren't enough homes and room must be made for new arrivals. Because we
are a small, private organization we must turn away many animals because
we just don't have the room or the funds to care for all of them. Others
believe that death is better than a life in a cage with no family to
share it with. While AFA also believes this to be the case in some
circumstances, our caged critters receive a great deal of attention and
affection from volunteers and visitors. Every animal is viewed as part
of the family.
We take in exotic
and wild animals that most dog and cat shelters aren't equipped
for or knowledgeable enough to deal with. With 4 exotic animal vets in our
corner and hundreds of other resources, we educate ourselves and our
volunteers thoroughly on every animal that enters our facility. We are not
experts on any animal, and many times we learn as we go! If we can't house
the critter safely and permanently, we find a good facility that can.
Animals for Awareness is run by only a handful
of phenomenal volunteers! Approximately 75% of our income is derived
from educational programs. The rest comes from generous donations.
Because of our size and our no-kill policy, we can't take in everything
that comes our way. For now, we often have to refer some of the animals
to other facilities that share policies similar to our own. But we have
BIG, BIG dreams of moving out and expanding to accommodate the needs of
every animal as best we can! That means making more room for the animals
and turning fewer of them away!
So where do these animals come from? They come from all over the United
States! Many come via referrals or directly from zoos, animal controls
and other shelters. Others arrive by word of mouth.
So, what happens once an animal is taken in
by Animals for Awareness?
All animals are immediately given a thorough
exam by one of our veterinarians. In
fact, most intakes are done right at the clinic so that the shelter
animals aren't exposed to anything the newcomer might be harboring. If
applicable, blood tests are done to rule out deadly or contagious
diseases, and healthy animals are vaccinated appropriately. Some
animals can't be vaccinated because there isn't an approved vaccine
for them.
Sick or injured animals are assessed carefully
to determine the seriousness of the illness or injury. ALL animals are
treated fully unless the animal's suffering far outweighs the chance
of recovery. Cost of treatment does not currently influence this
decision.
Injured wildlife is further assessed to
determine if treatment will yield a releasable animal. If not, a
decision is made to either euthanize the animal or proceed with
treatment. Treatment is always chosen if a suitable facility can house
the non-releasable animal AND the animal's quality of life can be
reasonably maintained.
Healthy, rehabbed wildlife is legally released
in a safe, uninhabited environment as soon as possible.
Most healthy non-releasable wildlife and
exotic animals are neutered or spayed right away. The youngsters are
done at an appropriate age.
Releasable wildlife goes directly to one of
our Directors who is a federally and state licensed wildlife
rehabilitator with 20+ years of experience. Our rehabber Vicki is also
licensed to care for raptors and deer.
Critters staying with Animals for Awareness
are housed for the remainder of their natural lives. Occasionally an
animal will be placed into another USDA facility better suited to meet
that animal's needs. Less exotic critters are often placed up for
adoption. Animals with good temperaments or those that can be easily
and safely displayed are used in our educational programs.
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