Operation Kindness, a leading lifesaving animal shelter, recently released 2021 year-end data reflecting substantial growth compared to pre-pandemic services.
Highlights of the organization’s impact last year include an 86% increase over 2020 in the number of animals brought into the shelter and a 74% increase in adoptions. Other achievements included providing safety for almost 80 dogs and cats that were transferred from the path of Hurricane Ida, and adding 37 new rescue partners that include human societies, municipal shelters, rescue groups and veterinarians. Rescue partners provide food, shelter and other necessities during natural disasters or increase animal populations.
Operation Kindness also saw a 28% year-over-year increase in foster services and invested $2 million in its medical care team. Spay/neuter surgeries increased by 78% and 85% more medical exams were provided.
More than 87,000 pounds of food, litter and treats were donated to the organization’s Pet Food Pantry. Operation Kindness benefitted from 16,700 hours of volunteer support
Operation Kindness attributes the milestones to community generosity, and notes that the accomplishments over the previous 12 months position it as a national leader in animal advocacy.
“While Operation Kindness and our community members have faced many challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, we have seen a generous outpouring of love, support and kindness from amazing individuals committed to helping animals this past year,” said Ed Jamison, chief executive officer of Operation Kindness. “Thanks to our shelter staff, volunteers and our wonderful supporters, 2021 was an incredible time for us. We’re heading into 2022 with just as much determination to help as many animals as we can.”
In 2022, Operation Kindness plans to introduce a new neo-natal kitten nursery that will provide 24-hour care for kittens that require specialized medical treatment. The organization also reports that it will continue working with rescue partners in hurricane-prone areas, provide resources to help prevent families from having to surrender their pets, and focus on reducing barriers to adoption by being more accessible and inclusive.
Operation Kindness has been providing animal wellness services for 45 years. The organization’s complete 2021 Impact Report can be viewed online.
