by Jane Grantman
ACAS Shelter Supervisor
NATIONAL COMPETITION
The ASPCA Rachael Ray $100K Challenge is a contest in which 50 shelters across the country compete to break their own records saving the lives of animals. Throughout the months of June, July and August 2014, each competing shelter must save more dogs, cats, puppies and kittens than they did during the same three months in 2013.
Alachua County Animal Services, (3400 NE 53rd Avenue in Gainesville) is one of the 50 shelters chosen to participate. Grand prize is a $100,000 grant. We need to save approximately 2,500 dogs and cats during this time. WOW!
FREE ADOPTIONS
During June, July, and August, all adoptions are free, and include spay/neuter, current vaccinations, Alachua County License, test for heartworms or feline leukemia, free first local vet visit, and a microchip. Adopt a pet – Save a life.
SOCIAL MEDIA
We can win an additional $25,000 grant. Starting NOW, add #100KChallenge and @alachuacountyanimalservices, making sure there is a space between challenge and @. Every time you post about Alachua County Animal Services in this manner on Facebook or Twitter, we get points. You can write about your animals that you adopted from us and your positive experience. Share your views on the importance of adopting. In late August, VOTE for Alachua County Animal Services by clicking on the voting button. The results will be monitored and the shelter who has the best community engagement will win.
For more information about the Challenge, visit: http://www.challenge.aspcapro.org/about-final-challenge.
OFFSITE ADOPTION EVENTS
Every weekend in June, July and August we will hold off-site adoption events around the area. Business owners have the opportunity to host one of these events. For more information about this, contact Dory Rosati in the Adoption Center at drosati@alachuacounty.us or 352-264-6870, option 2. Watch for our event calendar at the Alachua County Animal Services Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Alachua-County-Animal-Services/94793662030
VOLUNTEERING
We always welcome more hands at the shelter and at offsite events. Volunteer orientation is held monthly. Contact Hilary Hynes at heh@alachuacounty.us or 352-264-6881.
We would love your support and for you to cross the finish line as winners with us. D