Mission Statement
Almost Home Foundation is a nonprofit, all volunteer, no-kill animal rescue funded solely by private donations. We have no paid employees. Almost Home Foundation is committed to reducing the number of homeless and unwanted companion animals through education programs, spay /neuter programs, and the responsible re-homing of dogs and cats through adoption programs. Almost Home Foundation does not have a physical building to house animals. We rely on volunteers who dedicate their time, homes and hearts for our animals until permanent, loving homes can be found.
Adoptable animals in our care will be kept as long as it takes to find a suitable home. Almost Home Foundation does not discriminate against animals based on age, breed, color of fur or physical disability.
Our ultimate goal is to eliminate the need to ever have a healthy adoptable animal euthanized.
- Guiding Principles
- Sterilization
- No-Kill Philosophy
- Animal Intake
- Adoption of infant animals
- Animal in Cages
- Trap Neuter Release
- Anti-Cruelty
- Education
- Legislation
- Volunteerism
- Partnerships
- Guiding Principles
- Sterilization
Almost Home Foundation strongly believes in spay/neuter to reduce overpopulation of domestic animals. It is estimated that 10 million cats and dogs of all ages and breeds are euthanized annually or suffer as strays. Many of these are the result of unplanned and unwanted litters that could have been prevented by spaying or neutering. These poor animals didn’t ask to be born and are born only to die.
Almost Home Foundation ultimate goal is to never have a healthy, adoptable pet be euthanized. We work tirelessly to rescue these animals. With the overpopulation of dogs and cats, we can only achieve this goal with spay/neuter education and practice.
Spaying and neutering are surgical procedures performed by veterinarians that render animals incapable of breeding by removing their reproductive organs. A female is spayed whereas a male is neutered.
Almost Home Foundation recommends all pet owners research the many benefits including improved health and behavior when pets are spayed or neutered. Teach your child responsible pet ownership and concern for life by explaining why their pet should not have babies.
- No-Kill Philosophy
No-Kill is a term describing the philosophy of eliminating euthanasia of healthy, adoptable and treatable companion animals. It is a commitment that ensures every healthy and treatable dog and cat has the opportunity to live in a safe, loving home for its lifetime. No healthy, adoptable animals will be killed simply because there is a lack of cage space or as a means of population control.
AHF strongly believes in giving an animal a second chance. It is our belief that most animals that have been abandoned, abused, neglected or surrendered to high-kill shelters find themselves in this situation through no fault of their own. The decision of euthanasia is not easy one and taken after all efforts are exhausted.
- Animal Intake
Most of AHF Cats are rescued off the streets in our nearby towns that are at risk of dying from disease, other animals, or killed by cars. Most of AHF Dogs are rescued from our neighbouring communities or High-Kill shelters that are at risk of being put down due to time or space constraints. Almost Home Foundation believes that having a pet is a life-time commitment. Since we don’t believe that animals are disposable, we do not support Owner Give-Ups. Almost Home Foundation will work with any family on training or behavior problems to keep animals in their home.
We are a limited admissions rescue. We can only take in as many animals as our volunteers can safely and responsibly care for. We do not euthanize animals to make room for more. As difficult as it is for Almost Home Foundation, we simply must stop taking in new animals until we can care for more.
- Adoption of infant animals
Almost Home Foundation has strong beliefs on the adoption of infant animals to ensure that these infants are provided with the care and socialization required.
- For kittens Since most of our cats are rescued off the streets, it is important that kittens are well socialized to ensure they remain domesticated. Kittens will play and teach other when their play becomes too rough. AHF requires kittens to be adopted in pairs or a kitten may be adopted into a family with a similar-aged kitten.
- For Puppies It is important for housebreaking and socialization that puppies are not left alone for many hours. Dogs are pack animals that like to be with others. For a puppy’s development, it is imperative that the puppy have attention throughout the day. Additionally, puppies have small bladders that must be emptied more often than an adult dog. To properly housebreak a puppy, a human must be on hand for the moment the puppy begins to “do his business” and immediately take them outdoors.
- Animal in Cages
Almost Home Foundation strongly believes that animals should NOT live in cages 24 hours a day / 7 days a week.
- For Cats
Almost Home Foundation will not put cats into a kennel. We only take in as many cats as we have temporary housing to care for them. We may showcase cats at local pet retail stores to give them more exposure. However, these cats are taken to the stores in the morning and taken back to their temporary home in the evening. Different cats taken to the stores to ensure that no one cat is stressed in this environment. Members of the Board oversee the animal care to ensure proper care.
- For Dogs
In cases where we do not have enough temporary housing, we make sure dogs at the kennel receive plenty of socialization, play and dog walks. Members of the Board oversee the animal care to ensure proper care.
- Trap Neuter Release
AHF believes in Trap, Neuter and Release of Feral Cats. Our organization is not directly involved with TNR; however, we support those organizations that specialize in this effort. Almost Home Foundation will consider partnering with any TNR organization for the placement of trapped, non-feral, adoptable cat into a loving home.
- Anti-Cruelty
- Declawing of cats
Almost Home Foundation believes the pain caused by declawing is unnecessary and cruel. The word “Declawing” is a misnomer. It implies simply a nail removal. Actually when a cat is declawed, it is a partial amputation. Declawing is equivalent to amputating a child’s finger or toe at the first knuckle. Many countries have outlawed declawing of cats deeming this procedure as cruelty. Almost Home Foundation agrees.
- Dog Fighting
Almost Home Foundation strong condemns the blood sport of dog fighting. We do home checks on all of our dog placements to ensure that our dogs are placed into a good home and community. Please report dog fighting in your area to the local police.
- Education
- Responsible Pet Ownership
Being a responsible pet owner is much more than just providing adequate water, food and shelter for your pet. Domestic pets are completely dependent on their owners for their welfare. Owning a pet is a lifetime commitment.
- Decide if you should get a Pet
- If you can't make a lifetime commitment, don't get the pet. Consider being a temporary home. This can teach you the involvement with a pet and also allow you the freedom to not have years of commitment. Being a temporary home offers many rewards and provides your children with a commitment to volunteering and social welfare.
- If you cannot afford a pet, don’t get one. Consider being a temporary home. Almost Home Foundation pays for the medical and food for all of the animals in our care. It’s free to the temporary home.
- Choose a pet that fits your lifestyle. If you are active, then choose an active animal. If you prefer a quiet atmosphere, get an animal that enjoys the same environment.
- Choose a pet based on the personality – not the looks. Do NOT consider every dog/cat of a certain breed will behave the same way.
- Consider the family changes when considering a pet. If you are not going to want a pet once a child has left the house, consider an older animal or being a temporary home rather than adopting one.
- Spay or neuter your pets. Almost Home Foundation spays/neuters all of their animals. Animals are instinctive and not rational. Their bodies tell them to mate. Their dispositions may be undesirable when an unspayed female is near.
- Provide veterinary care for your pet. Keep their vaccinations up to date and make sure they have annual checkups.
- Almost Home Foundation strongly believes that companion animals are indoor only animals. Cats should NEVER be left outdoors as this exposes them to many diseases and life threatening situations. Dogs should not live outside and should NEVER be constantly chained outdoors. Chaining or tethering a dog outside does not give the dog proper exercise – and can actually make them more fearful and aggressive since they cannot run. Dogs should live indoors and walked be on a leash in the community.
- Do NOT consider more from your pet than you would a child. People spend countless hours to help their children learn and behave properly. Approach being a pet owner similarly to having a child Become informed about your pet's behavior or issues. The internet is a wonderful tool to find information on all pet related subjects. You wouldn’t give up on children – don’t give up on your pet. Remember cats and dogs do not act out of spite or revenge, and they don’t have a moral sense of right and wrong. You are the “SMART” one that can bring about positive results with your pet.
- Train your pet (both cats and dogs) using positive reinforcement. We all like to be praised rather than punished. The same is for the animal. Provide your pet with a treat, affection or a toy when a behavior demonstrated is a desired one. Positive reinforcement means giving your pet something pleasant or rewarding immediately after they do something you want her to do. Spend the time to work with your pet in a positive way to reap years of happiness with your pet.
- Socialize your animal. In order for your cat or dog to behave properly with people, they must be given exposure to people to gain trust and grow comfortable. This is the same for behavior with other animals. Exposure through socialization is the key.
- Make sure your pet get proper amount of exercise.
- Provide your pet the proper diet to promote health and longevity.
- If you want to bring another pet in your home, research how to do this. Animals are generally threatened when you walk in with another animal. Introduce them SLOWLY. It is important for the safety of your animals to do so responsively.
- For cats, take the new cat directly into a room of their own and shut the door. This room should have with a litter box, food & water bowls and toys. Open the carrier door and let them come out as quickly or as slowly as they want to. Don't try to coax them out or tip the carrier to force them out. You need to let them build trust in you and the environment on their own terms. Let the new cat and other animals in the home interact through the closed door for a week or more. Introduce your cat to the rest of house – by isolating the other animals and allow your new cat to explore for an hour or two. Depending on the new cat's ability to adjust, plan for the introductions to take place about ten to fourteen days after they have come home. You will have to judge the situation for yourself. Always give a cat an escape route if being introduced to a dog.
- For dogs, let your dog choose another dog! Bring your dog to an adoption site and see how your dog interacts with available dogs. ALWAYS introduce them in a neutral area. Pick up all toys, bowls, beds, and close the door to the room the resident dog sleeps in so that these do not cause problems before the dogs get use to each other. Walk the dogs around the front yard together and then enter the house once they are friendly and not sniffing each other anymore. Do not leave the dogs alone together for a day or two. Crate one if need be. Observe their interactions, watch for erect body postures, stiffening and overt aggression. Do NOT give all the attention to new dog – ensure that your current dog feels loved. Support the dominant dog when there is a disagreement. If a young dog is harassing an older dog, and the older dog snaps at the younger one, this is fair and the older dog should not be scolded. Your dog does not have to share his bed or bones with the new dog.
Be kind to your pet and shower him with love... remember you are his world.
- Puppy Mills, Breeding and Backyard Breeding
Almost Home Foundation condemns puppy mills. These animals are neglected and exploited for money. Animals available in Pet Shops or where puppies are sold are mainly obtained through puppy mills.
Some breeders breed because of love of the breed. These breeders will rescue their breed and always take back any of their dogs. If you are determined to use a breeder, please inquire to their policies and practices on rescue and return of the dog. If they breed and do not rescue, they do not have a true love of the breed.
Backyard breeding is done by non-professionals. Often the mothers are not given the proper attention that a reputable breeder does. Often, backyard breeding is done for money. If you are interested in a puppy from someone selling puppies, ask to see the vet bills spent on the mother of the puppies. Gestation for a dog is 62 days (that is how long the female dog is pregnant)– so do the math to calculate any bill shown is for the litter you are looking at. Unfortunately, backyard breeders often do not care about proper breeding and may allow inbreeding (mating closely related animals such as mother/son, father/daughters or siblings).
- Legislation
- Breed Specific Legislation (BSL)
If animals were given similar rights as humans then breed specific legislation would be called racism. It is Almost Home Foundation’s belief that there will always be dogs of ANY breed that may have issues. Those few dogs should not set a standard for an entire breed of dog.
There are up to 75 different dog breeds restricted in various parts of the country. See http://www.dogster.com/forums/Dog_Laws_and_Legislation/thread/410484 for the list. You could be forced to move or euthanize your dog if BSL is passed in your state or town. Owning a dog breed that is deemed dangerous can also affect your home insurance. Insurers raise rates even if there are no incidents or history of aggression with your dog.
Take Action! Ensure the laws in your state properly target irresponsible pet ownership – not a breed of dog. Contact your representatives, sign petitions and ask your family, friends and neighbors to do the same.
- Feral Cats
Feral cats are not accustomed to humans. Typically they are too fearful and wild to be handled. Life outside is not easy for these cats. Many don't survive without human caretakers.
Many communities believe that it’s best to either ignore the problem or to “starve” the problem away by imposing fines for feeding outdoor cats.
Feral cats continue to reproduce despite measures to reduce the food source. The approach to “starve” feral cats has only resulted in more visible deaths of kittens. Ignoring the overpopulation of feral cats will not alleviate the problem.
Feral cats are territorial and don’t easily abandon their territory to search for new food sources. As they grow hungrier and more desperate, they tend to move closer areas where human frequent. The approach to “starve” these animals simply doesn’t work.
While Almost Home Foundation works with domesticated cats, we believe that feral cats need the community’s protection and help. To alleviate the feral cat overpopulation, it is important that communities adopt a Trap, Neuter and Release policy. Almost Home Foundation encourages residents to voice this solution to their legislators.
- Animal Cruelty
Almost Home Foundation believes that we must be the voice for animals as they cannot speak for themselves. Animal cruelty is the infliction of harm upon on animal. It is also the neglect of an animal. We encourage everyone to advocate for humane laws. Immediately report any animal cruelty to your local law enforcement.
- Local Government
Almost Home Foundation believes in partnering with local governments. Since microchipping is a requirement for rescues, local police departments must be encouraged to scan all lost cats and dogs to reunite them with their owners. Please be a voice in your community to ensure that scanning is done by animal control or police departments.
It's much easier to stop a law from being passed than to repeal a law already on the books. Many times just writing your local lawmakers and making your opinion known, and spreading the word to other animal lovers is enough to make a difference.
- Volunteerism
Almost Home Foundation greatly values volunteers who selflessly dedicate their time, energy, skills and/or homes to help our cats and dogs. We appreciate that our volunteers bring a diverse set of skills and passions to the organization that collectively helps AHF continue their mission.
Almost Home Foundation is an organization of people looking for people on behalf of homeless cats and dogs. Simply put – our organization needs people in order to accomplish our mission. This includes both volunteers and the public. It is imperative that all volunteers and those partnering organizations with Almost Home Foundation treat people with respect. It is AHF’s belief that both the organization’s values and principles along with personal ones can be upheld in a respectful way.
It is imperative for volunteers to abide by our mission statement and guiding principles when representing AHF. A volunteer whose personal values greatly differ from AHF’s may want to reconsider volunteering with our organization. The important thing is to help save animals whether it is with AHF or another organization.
A volunteer may not agree with all of our principles or practices; however, must adhere to the mission statement and guiding principles when representing Almost Home Foundation.
Almost Home Foundation solicits and appreciates constructive ideas. While we may not agree or may not be able to incorporate ideas immediately, we value constructive input and feedback. It is important for volunteers to understand that we all work toward a common goal. We need to do so in a respectful, cooperative way.
- Partnerships
It takes a village to rescue an animal. It is through Partnerships with others that Almost Home Foundation can make a larger impact in saving more lives. We encourage other organizations to contact us if you wish to explore a partnership with Almost Home Foundation.
