A few months ago, Allegan County marked the one-year anniversary of transitioning its Allegan County Animal Shelter operations from Wishbone Pet Rescue Alliance to county management. The organizations are continuing their partnership to ensure the welfare of animals in the community.
Before the transition, the county and Wishbone Pet Rescue held two town halls to share the transition plan and hear from the community. The plan mapped out what would and would not change.
The partnership intended to continue shared support of the shelter and maintain the same operating procedures and high standard of care for the animals. It planned to remain a no-kill shelter (with a target of less than 10% euthanasia) and continue to support cat intake by working with partners on options including adoption, foster care, transfer, and proactive spay/neuter.
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Courtesy Allegan CountyThe Allegan County Animal Shelter is exploring operational and facility improvement.
The county and Wishbone also planned significant changes. They were to put new emphasis on the partnership’s strengths: maintaining animal wellness and timely placement; operating the shelter within its capacity in a planned, sustainable manner; and increasing partnerships.
In the change, animals at the shelter in the care of Wishbone were to transition to the care of Allegan County with county staff. Wishbone and other potential partners would provide “value-added” services such as foster care, spay/neuter assistance, volunteer assistance, and adoption promotion. Also, the adoption process was to be re-evaluated to find new ways to place animals into caring environments.
Finally, the plan called for the county to offer Wishbone employees at the shelter permanent positions that included employment benefits, and stability.
Transition goes smoothly
The transition plan has met these goals and operations have remained steady. In October 2023, Allegan County ended a contract with the nonprofit to run the facility and took over its operation. It now staffs and fully funds the shelter, with Wishbone continuing to contribute to the shelter through volunteer recruitment, marketing animals for adoption, and foster home recruitment.
The nonprofit also provides countywide services such as free and low-cost spay and neuter clinics, pet food assistance, and additional shelter space for cats at Wishbone House.
"So far, things have been going well,” says April Peters, executive director of Wishbone Pet Rescue. “There were a few hurdles we had to figure out, like who was responsible for what, but we have become a support system for the county shelter.
“Our focus moving forward is to keep pets in their homes and out of the shelter.”
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Courtesy Allegan CountyWhile daily shelter operations have remained unchanged, county management has brought financial stability to the Allegan County Animal Shelter.
Still, it needs more community support, especially as more families struggle to care for their pets.
"People refer pet owners to us because some pet owners struggle to feed themselves, let alone their pets. That’s one of the biggest things Wishbone focuses on," she says.
Fortunately, the nonprofit has strong volunteer participation, with about 60 active volunteers.
Peters, who previously managed veterinary hospitals transitioned to nonprofit work out of a desire to help people and animals. Having lived in Allegan for most of her life, Peters has long been familiar with the local animal welfare scene.
"When the shelter first transitioned, I worked for Dr. (Jim) Connell, who helped out there. I think everything has been going smoothly. Communication between both organizations has improved, and I have regular meetings with Stephanie (Keuning), the county shelter supervisor. I’m there every Saturday now to get to know the shelter staff better," she says.
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Courtesy Allegan CountyThe licensing and expansion of Wishbone House as a cat adoption center has increased the number of cats transferred from the shelter.
Shared responsibilities
The collaboration between Wishbone and the county continues to evolve.
"We talk a lot about what the shelter staff wants from us because we’re here to support them,” Peters says. “We don’t run the shelter anymore, but we offer ideas, which they are very receptive to. We also provide volunteers who help with tasks like laundry, dishes, dog walking, and enrichment activities for animals needing extra care. We always need more volunteers, and most come to us through word of mouth."
The shelter continues to be a no-kill facility.
"What people don’t always understand is that while we are a no-kill shelter, there are cases where euthanasia is necessary—for court-ordered cases or medical necessity, such as terminal illnesses. But it’s never for space. County staff works hard to remain a no-kill shelter," Peters says. "The shelter takes in almost anything under the sun, and Wishbone supports the mission through various funding sources, including our resale store."
The licensing and expansion of Wishbone House as a cat adoption center has increased the number of cats transferred from the shelter, providing a big boost to the partnership. It allows the shelter to take in more cats and gives more cats the option for dog-free, cage-free living.
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Courtesy Allegan CountyWishbone Pet Rescue continus to contribute to the Allegan County Animal Shelter through volunteer recruitment, marketing animals for adoption, and foster home recruitment.
Keuning, operations supervisor at Allegan County Animal Shelter, says the collaboration between the county and the nonprofit has been strong.
"The biggest successes we’ve seen during this transition are the increased adoptions, a stronger foster and volunteer base, and demonstrating that the county and Wishbone are working together to provide the best care for the animals,” Keuning says. “April Peters and I aim to provide the best possible care to the community and their pets. Our biggest challenge remains the high number of animals coming into the shelter due to the rising costs of pet care."
Keuning praises Wishbone’s role in volunteer and foster recruitment and marketing.
"We are grateful for our partners at Wishbone,” she says. “Their work allows our staff to dedicate more time to caring for the animals. This has led to more physical and mental enrichment, creating a more peaceful and stress-free environment and helping us match animals with the right homes."
Stable future
While daily shelter operations have remained unchanged, Keuning says that county management has brought financial stability.
"The best change under county management is having a stable budget, which allows for consistent stable staffing, new equipment, and future projects. The full-time staff also benefits from county employee benefits, which help reduce stress and ensure access to health care," she says.
Keuning describes the shelter’s volunteers as resilient and dedicated.
"They show up in snowstorms, rain, during holidays, and on weekends. They bring toys, treats, and love for the animals in our care,” she says. “This year, we’ve had more fosters than ever before, and seeing our animals happy in homes warms my heart. Volunteers and fosters are a tremendous asset to the animal rescue world, and we couldn’t do this without them."
Moving forward, Keuning says the shelter is exploring operational and facility improvement.
"We are always brainstorming ways to improve the care and lives of our animals while they wait for adoption or foster homes,” she says, including consideration of expansion plans to enhance medical care capabilities and outdoor areas.
“The ongoing partnership between the county, Wishbone Pet Rescue and other shelters partners in the region is crucial to successful animal welfare,” says Dan Wedge, executive director of services for Allegan County. “Pets are adopted or placed with fosters faster. The strong volunteer base, successful spay and neuter clinics, and pet food pantry make a big impact.”