Since 2006, we have been helping a rural high kill shelter in the mountains of Kentucky. The shelter averages 200 dogs and puppies EACH MONTH.
Thus far, we have rescued over 4000 dogs, with an estimated breakdown of 1500 dogs and puppies per year. We owe many thanks for the help of our rescue partner, Safe Hands Animal Rescue in Minneapolis, MN. Safe Hands has been generous enough to donate many of the vaccines for all of the puppies that enter the shelter, ensuring that they are healthy and safe to transport. Because of this collaboration, we were able to half the euthanasia rate and triple the number of dogs rescued within the first year.
We have also helped to establish a low cost spay/neuter program for the residents surrounding our project KY shelter. Due to its welcome by the community, it was instantly successful. In 2008 over 500 dogs and cats were sterilized. With continued preventative efforts, we hope to rapidly reduce the number of puppies and kittens coming into the shelter.
We also have been participating in responsible rescue. Rescue goes beyond the individual animal being taken to safety. It is a priority that Starfish Animal Rescue keeps the big picture in mind. Each puppy or kitten comes from a breeding pair of animals. While the breeding pairs are not always surrendered to the shelter, we initiate, encourage and support their owners by providing medical attention and sterilization to these animals. We have also been fortunate to be able to provide donated dog and cat food for the shelter and the community when available. By providing these food donations, individuals can afford to feed their dogs that they otherwise would surrender to a shelter. We feel that long-term solutions are the most important goals of any responsible rescue.
Mission and Vision
The mission of Starfish Animal Rescue is to rescue animals from high kill shelters, provide transportation of these animals to secure, non-kill establishments, to promote and facilitate responsible pet ownership, and to intervene in cases of animal cruelty. We commit to eliminating euthanasia of companion animals in North America one shelter at a time.
We Fulfill Our Mission By Providing
Safe, clean and efficient transportation of animals in danger of being euthanized before their time expires at their shelter.
Education to the communities around high kill shelters about proper animal healthcare and the long term benefits of spaying and neutering.
Low-cost or free spay and neuter options through our affiliate Spay-It-Forward program.
Vaccines and medications to high kill shelters in order to prevent the onset and spread of diseases.
Adoption Policy
Adoption Process
o Find an animal on our Petfinder site, Adopt a Pet, or on our website home page.
o Contact Starfish Animal Rescue & inquire about the pet or fill out the Adoption Application.
o Email application to starfishanimalrescuer@gmail.com
o If your application is approved as a good match, a home visit and a meeting with the pet is scheduled.
o Finalize adoption with the Adoption Contract, Vetting Records, and Adoption Fees.
*IMPORTANT NOTE* We only do adoptions within our foster home radius which is Chicagoland and the surrounding suburbs. Please do not complete an application if you are outside of this radius as we will return the application stating that you are out of the adoption area. Thank you.
Adoption Donations
Our adoption fee includes spay/neuter, all age appropriate vaccinations including:
o Rabies Vaccine Dog
o Point DAPPv
o Microchipping Dog
o Deworming
o Deflea Treatment Dog
o Veterinary Exam
o Any other medical needs while in our care
Our adoption fee includes spay/neuter, all age appropriate vaccinations including:
o Rabies Vaccine Dog
o Microchipping
o FVRCP Dog
o FELV/FIV Testing
o Deflea Treatment Dog
o Deworming
o Veterinary Exam Dog
o Any other medical needs while in our care
*There may be additional costs for treatments given to the animals.*
We treat all conditions that our animals may have and that includes mange, heartworm, parvo, and can even include cardiology consults, orthopedic surgeries, dental issues, etc. Heartworm treatment alone can cost in the range of at least $400. Sometimes the adoption fee doesn’t cover the cost of the treatments so we do fundraising efforts to help cover costs. We value the health of our Starfish pups and will go to any lengths to assure they live a good strong life.
*The Adoption Fee includes a $10 transport fee & a $10 donation back into the community for spay/neuter through our affiliate Spay it Forward program.*
We believe in responsible rescue, which means that we not only rescue the pet, but we provide something back to the community as well. We hope to see our idea of responsible rescue grow amongst all of the rescues in the country.
https://www.starfishanimalrescue.com/
Testimonials
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David Adams is a man of many passions, but his love for dogs stands above all. He is not only a dog lover, but also the founder of an innovative platform called Sniffspot. This unique platform connects dog owners with private property owners who are willing to rent out their space for off-leash playtime. While the idea of Sniffspot was initially conceived by his wife, Rebecca, David has been the driving force behind its remarkable success, tirelessly overseeing its growth and development.
David's dedication to providing safe and enjoyable spaces for dogs to play, explore, and socialize is evident in his unwavering commitment to Sniffspot. He strongly believes that dogs need ample space and opportunities to stretch their legs and have fun. As a result, he has worked tirelessly to build a network of private property owners across the country who share his vision and are willing to offer their space for the benefit of dogs and their owners.
Despite his busy schedule, David always finds time to indulge in his passion for the great outdoors. He loves nothing more than exploring new hiking trails and embarking on thrilling outdoor adventures. Whenever he is not working on Sniffspot, he can often be found hiking or visiting multi-acre fenced sniffspots with his two beloved dogs, Soba and Toshii. He is an avid outdoorsman who enjoys the fresh air, breathtaking scenery, and the sense of freedom that comes with being in nature.
David is based in Salem, MA.
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