As you may know, several years ago, the Ozaukee Humane Society (OHS) was exploring options for more ways to help animals and one of their considerations was to collaborate with other shelters in the region. They began an examination of regional animal welfare cooperation nationally. They were also talking with the Wisconsin Humane Society (WHS) about expanding the existing positive working relationship between the two organizations. After many discussions, both groups decided that they had a lot to offer each other by merging.

This new relationship has increased life saving opportunities in both Ozaukee and Milwaukee County. We get many compliments about the operation of our shelters and wanted to share some of the great things that have been happening at OHS since the merger.

Expanded Veterinary Care

• Dr Zeman, the OHS Veterinary Manager, makes regular patient rounds at OHS to safeguard the health of animals and provide injured and ill animals with expert medical treatment
• All OHS animals are now being spayed or neutered prior to adoption
• The Intensive Care Unit was redesigned with new equipment to decrease stress, disease transmission and provide a faster recovery period for sick or injured animals
• Reducing health concerns has decreased the average animal stay by six days, including adoption
• Testing for potentially fatal illnesses pre-adoption has been added as well as increasing availability of medications and vaccines to heal animals from the time of intake

Comprehensive Adoption, Services and Community Outreach

• Adoptions increased 6% over the pre-merger rates
• Enhanced procedures and promotion in 2007 resulted in finding good homes for cats 90% faster than in 2006
• Three new behavior programs enhance adoption for dogs and clients, including matching dogs based upon adopter lifestyle
• Education programs are being conducted in 11 Ozaukee area schools
• Be Kind to Animals Week celebration at the Grafton Library attracted students and supporters from throughout Ozaukee County
• OHS animals have been added to popular Fox6 Adopt-A-Pet segments
• Read to Rover literacy program was held at the Grafton Library in February with additional library programs planned
• New web site allows people who have lost an animal to look for them online along with a wide variety of news, educational and advocacy options
• Satisfaction surveys for adopters, volunteers and visitors was initiated
• Reduced the average stay for both cats and dogs in adoption by 3 days

Staffing and Operational Initiatives

• Staff have opportunities to work and train at both WHS and OHS; OHS staff members have participated in at least 7 full days of training
• All OHS volunteers have been provided with orientation, specific training in their area of interest and then refresher training twice per year
• Expanded shelter hours to increase adoptions and in 2007, they expanded again to include evening hours
• New computer software and hardware improved communication and recordkeeping for animals
• New financial, payroll, human resources and donor accounting systems were put in place
• OHS now has a specially equipped truck to more safely transport animals
• OHS staff salaries increased on average by 30% and a new benefit/pension plan program was introduced

Facility Upgrades

• New adoption space for cats decreased stress and disease transmission
• Shelter-wide facility improvements created a more comfortable and cleaner environment for animals and more convenience for clients and volunteers, including private grieving and adoption space
• Added specialized adoption area for small animals
• Building maintenance has significantly improved with all major systems receiving repair
• Installed air purification to reduce building odors
• New phone system, fax machine, copier and stackable washer/dryer were added
• Two new safes were purchased to safeguard contributions
• All dogs now have their own beds
• Energy efficiency was enhanced by repairing the roof, air conditioning, plumbing and heating equipment as well as adding a new drop ceiling to reduce noise and insulation was added to stray dog holding
• Efficient storage for supplies and equipment was added, including long term storage for archive files, eliminating need for restrooms to be used for storage or animal holding
• Additional space was added for offices with new furniture modules
• Expanded retail sales area to provide needed revenue for animal care

Get answers to frequently asked questions.