Coquitlam Animal Shelter demonstrates sustainable income

Coquitlam Animal Shelter opened in May 2002 with a unique component. As a means to raise funds for the City's Animal Care and Control Services sector, the shelter housed areas for cats, dogs and one for the intended purpose of Private Dog Boarding.  

At Summit 2012, manager of Bylaw and Animal Control Services for the City of Coquitlam, Andrea McDonald, presented delegates with statistics, facts and future insights regarding the Shelter's decision to add private boarding to it's services. 

Each year, the private boarding unit of the shelter earns approximately $90,000 in revenue. The revenue from fees helps to offset the general operating cost of the shelter. In addition, the boarding kennel produces increased exposure for the shelter, supplies additional staff to help with general shelter duties and provides opportunities to educate and inform clients about responsible pet ownership. 

In her presentation, McDonald stated that Coquitlam Animal Shelter has found a sustainable source of income and resources that will continue to offset the shelter's overhead for years to come.
  
Over the coming weeks, InfoStream will highlight shelters and humane societies across Canada that are discovering alternative and creative ways to garner revenue, gain community recognition and involvement and ultimately, create healthy and happy pets and pet families.