Petarian Project

A Tradition of Caring

Presented By:

Holly Abouk

Janet Galavis

Brandt Momson

Abiyya Munir

To Dallas Chamber of Commerce for Business Gives Back Competition 2014

Table of Contents
1. Introduction ........................................................................................................................................ 3
1.1 Objective of Proposal ..................................................................................................................... 3
1.2 Why in Dallas? ............................................................................................................................... 3
1.3 The Effects of the Proposal ............................................................................................................ 3
1.4 Summation of Proposal ................................................................................................................. 3
2. Background ......................................................................................................................................... 4
2.1 Pet Overpopulation........................................................................................................................ 4
2.2 Pet Ownership ............................................................................................................................... 5
2.3 Hills Past Philanthropies ................................................................................................................ 5
3. The Proposal ........................................................................................................................................ 7
3.1 Outline........................................................................................................................................... 7
3.2 The Camp ...................................................................................................................................... 7
3.3 Adoption........................................................................................................................................ 8
3.4 A Sample Lesson TNR .................................................................................................................. 8
3.5 The Effects of Petarian Project on Dallas ........................................................................................ 9
3.5.1 Financial Effects ...................................................................................................................... 9
3.5.2 Child Development................................................................................................................ 10
3.5.3 Social Effects ......................................................................................................................... 11
3.5.4 Population Effects ................................................................................................................. 12
3.6 The Schedule ............................................................................................................................... 13
4. Budget and Staff ................................................................................................................................ 14
4.1 Staff ............................................................................................................................................. 14
4.1.1 Instructors ............................................................................................................................ 14
4.1.2 Volunteers ............................................................................................................................ 14
4.2 Five Year Budget for Project ......................................................................................................... 15
4.2.1 Budget Analysis ..................................................................................................................... 15
Targeted Question and Answer ............................................................................................................. 16
Release of Liability ................................................................................................................................. 17
Authorization Form.18
References ............................................................................................................................................ 19

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1. Introduction
1.1 Objective of Proposal
In the entry intended for the Business Gives Back competition, the Project Management
Team for Hills Pet Nutrition Company has designed a plan to present a solution for the
Dallas Chamber of Commerce concerning animal welfare in Dallas. The proposal consists of
a camp and system that can potentially have substantial positive effects on the financial and
communal aspects of Dallas.

1.2 Why in Dallas?

Hills has devoted its efforts since 1939 to deepen and lengthen the connection between pets
and their caretakers. In an effort to widen the effects of our efforts, we want to extend our
expertise to cities with significant animal growth. By promoting our mission in areas where
we can reach large numbers of both the human and animal population, we can later provide
ample assistance in other areas with the support of demonstrative statistics.
Weve donated considerable money to other programs and causes that actively struggle to
prevent animal suffering. While we strive to provide medicine and nutrition to animals, we
deem that proper training is the next step to truly expanding our mission to support animals
in living healthy, happy lives.

1.3 The Effects of the Proposal

With the undertaking this campaign, Hills can move to educate and train the general
population in the Dallas community on proper animal care. This beneficial system will bring
the escalating population down to a sustainable level for shelters and prove advantageous for
the Dallas budget. The excess funds will be made free to utilize on other city campaigns with
weighty issues.
In addition to creating revenue for other problems in the area, the program will affect all
demographics in the area. The special relationship between a pet and a human caters to
people of all walks of life in any region.

1.4 Summation of Proposal

Hills has created a campaign to hit the heart of the problem involving animals and their
caretakers, as well as the financial and social wear thats occurring because of uncontrolled
population growth. This plan will work towards building a stronger future for those involved
by starting with the youth and children of the community. The camp will target a younger
generation, where animals can have the most significant impact on development. The training
will involve spreading awareness for pet care, neutering, and basic animal biology. The
information will be age appropriate and will be delivered in a manner that will facilitate
knowledge spread among peers who are not in the program. The proposal will encourage the
attendees to make a constructive change in the lives of both animals and humans alike.

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2. Background
In the year 2013, over 34,000 dogs and cats were taken in by the North Texas SPCA in
Dallas. Of these animals, only 11,000 were adopted and almost 16,000 faced euthanasia
(SPCA). At any point in time, it is estimated that there are at least half a million unregistered
animals that live within city limits. In metro areas, the numbers exist in multiples of those in
cities. In fact, the number of animals taken in by shelters is only a fraction of the entire
population of homeless pets.

2.1 Pet Overpopulation

Pet overpopulation is a consequence of two key factors:
(1) Letting cats and dogs reproduce with little chance to find homes for the offspring.
(2) Pet abandonment by owners who can no longer keep their animals, or who no longer
want them.
The main reason cat and dog populations are growing unmanageably is the rapid rate of
reproduction for both
species. Stray cats can
reproduce at an
alarming rate, and as a
direct result, a large
portion of them are left
without homes. There
arent enough homes
to support the 74
millions cats in the
U.S. at any given time
(MBIE, 2012).
According to the American Humane Association, the preferred way to deal with this
population growth is through spaying females and neutering males. By controlling the speed
at which these animals can reproduce, we can prevent the thousands of unsustainable
offspring that continue to grow in number each year. Dallas, along with the rest of the
country, spends millions of dollars per year on capturing, holding, euthanizing, and
maintaining the stray animal population.
This year in 2014, the Dallas Animal Services Department made a request to local
administration for a bigger budget for the year due to a cut back in funding (Davis, 2007).
The 3% cut will decrease the budget for animal care from its current $7.63 million to $6
million. Organizations in many regions are beginning to reach a ceiling on what they receive

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in funding and resources that are required for healthy adoption procedures. The decline in
funding for Dallas has the potential to set off a vicious cycle in population growth.

2.2 Pet Ownership

62 percent of American households include at least one pet (Humane Society, 2014).
Our mission is to help enrich and
lengthen the special relationships
between people and their pets. Hills
takes pride in the difference we can
make in a pets life and has pledged a
commitment to animal welfare.
There are great benefits to pet
caretaking, as the relationship can have
a positive effect on both children and
adults. Studies have shown that a child
in a functioning relationship with a pet is more likely to be social and responsible. Children
that regularly play an active role in pet care whether in school or at home were more socially
competent. They enjoyed greater popularity, felt more confident, and felt greater empathy
towards other children.
The presence of a pet during stressful situations, such as a surgery or examinations, also
lowers the cortisol levels in the brain. Petting an animal, hearing its soft breathing, feeling
its heart beat, looking into its sweet eyes, knowing that the pet needs us and that we need the
pet, creates feelings of love and a corresponding influx of chemicals from the brain that are
calming and comforting and create a sense of
well-being and happiness" (Foti, 2009).
Dogs are being used time and again to help
those with mental disorders, such as autism,
and those recovering from PTSD.
Preservation of these relationships is
imperative. Our plan to educate and prevent
homeless animals will help save thousands of
lives and make services like this possible.
Every life is sacred, and Hill's believes that making decisions about an animal's well-being is
essential for the social development of people of all demographics.

2.3 Hills Past Philanthropies

The Hill's Pet Nutrition Center and any external facility that Hill's supports is required to
meet all industry regulatory standards for animal care. For all studies conducted at external
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facilities, we appoint and fund pet advocates, responsible for ensuring each pets
compassionate care, which has the key components of providing exercise and a sociallyenriched environment.
We support numerous philanthropies in the name of our philosophy:
We believe all animals - from your pet to the companion animals we care for - should be
loved and cared for during their lifetimes. That's why we're proud our pet foods can make a
difference in your pet's life. We make this pledge to you about our commitment to the
welfare of animals everywhere. (Hills Pet 2014).

Hill's Pet Nutrition awarded $1 Million to Morris Animal Foundation for Feline
Genetic Research in August, 2008 (Philanthropy Journal).

Hill's Pet Nutrition created "Food, Shelter, & Love" to help connect animal lovers
with many easy ways to help their local communities, and to help donate food under
the premise that "proper nutrition makes shelter pets happier, healthier and more
adoptable (Hills Pet 2014).

Dr. Morris, the founder of Hill's, created the Morris Animal Foundation.
After he joined with the Hill Packing Company in Topeka, Kansas, to can his pet
foods, Dr. Morris established a charity for small animals. The Morris Animal
Foundation continues to provide funding for small animal research, wildlife research
and funding for veterinary student scholarships. Today it's the largest nonprofit
foundation in the world for companion animal and wildlife health studies, with funds
approaching $50 million since its founding in 1948 (Hills Pet 2014).

Hill's partnered with VCA to create Pet Food Pantries.

VCA Charities' Pet Food Pantry was launched in June 2010 in Venice, CA. VCA
Charities' Pet Food Pantry provides pet food to the clients of food pantries. Its cosponsorship with Hills Pet Nutrition allows pets to get the necessary proper nutrition
to stay health (VCA 2010).

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3. The Proposal
3.1 Outline
Hills will accomplish the daunting goal of reducing the number of homeless animals on the
streets in a manner consistent with our history of philanthropic endeavors education.
We will execute a long-term plan by educating children to have a permanent effect on the
society of Dallas. The short-term plan to accomplish this goal is to reduce the number of
surrendered animals and find forever homes for a small number of animals currently in the
care of the hosting shelter. Implementing a summer camp in 2015 will be the vehicle to
achieve these goals. Hills will prepare the children and youth of Dallas to create a better
world through Paws-on education.
The costs for this project will total $45,360 for 5 years of summer camps. After Hills and
Dallas pay the cost, the camp will be free for children and will be operated solely by
volunteers at a shelter that has offered to host the event.
The use of volunteers is calculated to maximize commitment among everyone working in the
camp. After applying to volunteer, Hills Legal will perform a free background check. This is
an excellent chance for teachers and parents to take an active, revitalizing role in their
childrens education. Hills will offer volunteers to help specifically with paperwork to make
this dream a reality.

3.2 The Camp

While volunteer applications are being handled, every DISD Science Teacher will be
provided brochures about the summer camp so that they may recommend it to their students.
Each teacher will also be given an opportunity to recommend one student for the camp. The
application to attend camp will be located on a basic website attached to Hills.com, and the
shelter will have sole discretion over which applicants are selected. Recommended fields for
evaluation are by instructor
recommendation, need, grades,
and short-answer responses to
an application question.
Once students are enrolled into
the camp, their parents will
have to sign a Release of
Liability (see Appendix). After
the form is signed and
returned, the children will
attend either the Childrens or
Youth Camp.
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Regardless of childrens or youth camp, each student will select an animal companion to
study during camp. This animal will already have been tested for normal behavior by the
staff, as is standard during animal intake and health evaluation. Each child who selects a cat
will be partnered with a student who selects a dog. This ensures that each child learns the
care necessary for both cats and dogs, but more importantly, the children develop
communication and team-learning skills.

3.3 Adoption
At the successful graduation from camp, the childrens parents may choose to adopt an
animal from the shelter. If so, then Hills will pay the adoption fees to initiate this long and
loving relationship. Any youth graduates will also be given special consideration for future
Hills scholarships.

3.4 A Sample Lesson TNR

Every youth student will learn about TNR, or Trap-Neuter-Return. TNR is a crucial tool
being utilized across the country to control cat colony populations. The reason is clear - cats
live in colonies and, due to exponential reproductive rates, their population can get out of
control very quickly.
While TNR seems extreme, it is important to understand the situation. Most cat colonies
consist of feral cats, not strays. Strays have lived in homes and been familiar with humans;
theyve just been abandoned. Strays
can usually be rehabilitated and
termed adoptable. Feral cats come
from long lineages of surviving on
the streets, fearing humans, and
utilizing fight-or-flight on a daily
basis for survival. Feral cats have no
hope of socialization or adoption.
Even if feral cats could be socialized
and trained, there simply arent
enough homes for every homeless cat
in the United States.
The only remaining solution is TNR.
1. Trap
a. The cat is caught in a humane trap, provided by the shelter for use in TNR
activities.
2. Neuter
a. The cat is then given to the shelter. The shelter contacts a local vet to perform the
neutering. Many vets in DFW offer TNR neutering free to shelters.
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b. In addition, the animal is provided with certain vaccinations, such as Rabies.

c. Finally, the animal is Ear Tipped a small portion of the left ear is removed to
indicate to future good Samaritans that the cat is already neutered.
3. Return
a. Once the cat has recovered from surgery, it is carefully returned to the very spot it
was trapped. Food and water are then provided to maintain the cat colony while
they live out their natural lives.

3.5 The Effects of Petarian Project on Dallas

This plan has the potential to affect Dallas on a monetary level, help reduce the gap in child
development, and help the quality of life for both humans and animals.
3.5.1 Financial Effects

Currently, the shelter spends $1,580 for each dog, and $1,035 for each cat that they take in.
Those costs demonstrate the standard costs to get the animal from their doorstep to a home
within 1 year (ASPCA, 2014). They dont include the expenses for animal control, animal
negligence investigations, or additional care needed by abused or neglected animals for
rehabilitation. We are asking for less than the cost of taking in 22 cats or 14 dogs.
Money saved through population control mechanisms, like TNR, adoption, and prevented
abandonment, will become funding the shelter can
use to care for animals that need the extra help, such
as infants or senior animals. This is important
In the first year, we can
because after the first year of life, adoption likelihood
save $104,600.
plummets for both cats and dogs. This means that, if
an animal is adopted by a family who changes their
mind about the 12-20 year commitment, that animal
Thats 5 times your
is returned to the system with little or no time left
investment!
before losing chances at adoption. In fact, a cat can
spend 4 times as long in a shelter if it is a senior, has
a special need, is black, or is even just an adult. Pit
bull breeds face the same challenge, due to existing assumptions of their aggressiveness
(Petfinder, 2014).
In 5 years, if every student adopts just 1 animal from the streets, successfully completes just
1 TNR, or even just convinces their friend to get the outdoor family pet neutered, 336,364
animals will be saved from homelessness. That is $385.8 million that shelters can save.
Just one of the many associated effects of this plan is that it will decrease the number of
animal attacks and subsequent rabies testing costs. At an average cost of $80 per test, in
2013, Dallas tested 173 cats and 208 dogs, totaling $30,480. That test also requires the
termination of the animal (DSHS, 2014).
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3.5.2 Child Development

This proposal doesnt just save animals and money for Dallas; its also good for Dallas
children. Below is a picture of Iris and her best friend Thula. Iris has autism, but finds
comfort in painting. Her paintings are so lovely that her parents can sell them for hundreds of
dollars to cover her therapy, and even
donate to autism charities (Hall, 2014).
This friendship began shortly after
Valentines day and blossomed since.
She has been at Iriss side since she
arrived and slept in her arms during her
first night here," Iris' mother, Arabella
Carter-Johnson, wrote on their website
soon after getting Thula. "It seemed like
they were old friends as I watched them
on the sofa, the kitten attentively looking
at the iPad screen with Iris" (Hall, 2014).
Since then, Iris development has
continued, "Thulas constant presence and gentle nature is having a remarkable effect upon
Iris who is nonverbal most of the time," Carter-Johnson continued to write. "I am hearing
more words. Iris is giving instructions to Thula ... Iris says it with such authority that the
kitten obediently sits down with her striped legs neatly together. Unlike most children of Iris
age, she doesnt maul, stroke or pick up the kitten constantly. Their relationship is based
upon companionship" (Hall, 2014).

Thula is giving Iris the gift of speech.

Pets arent just able to help the developmentally challenged; they are able to help any child.
For more information, Ms. Martin was interviewed. Ms. Martin holds a BA in Psychology,
and a BS in Child Learning and Development, with a focus on special needs. She is currently
working with special needs children in the Dallas Metroplex. Pet ownership helps children
develop social skills, which are extremely important because they dictate how a child sees
the world around him or her, and how to interact with the world. Failure to be socialized in
an appropriate manner can lead to poor social skills and social phobias. Important skills to
focus on training are improving communication and learning empathy. When asked whether
pet ownership could help children who fall behind in development, Ms. Martin said, If the
child is able to attain a sense of intrinsic/personal responsibility they can learn that they have
control not only over their actions but how they handle future situations. (personal
communication, October 19, 2014).
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Children are an excellent community to target with education for another reason - children
teach each other too. Children love to show off when they are good at something, and if
theyre good at taking care of their pets, then they will teach their friends. We may only have
80 students every summer camp, but consider every sleep over, every show-and-tell.
Children spread information constantly.
3.5.3 Social Effects

SPCA of Texas in Dallas

20,339 Dogs + 6,898 Cats
11,194 Dogs + 4,686 Cats

27,237 Total Pets

15,880 Total Pets

59 pets a day, or 2.5 animals per hour.

Considering the extensive accomplishments and abilities of cats and dogs that have been
discussed, these numbers seem cold and detached. They should. This chart shows the
numbers of euthanasia performed by SPCA of Texas in Dallas in 2009 and 2013.
Every dog had the potential to be a boys adventuring buddy. Every cat had the potential to
be a little girls champion. Franz Wickmayer once said, Snow falls from the heavens pure.
We cannot blame the snow for being soiled by the Earth. Every animal had that potential
within them and yet, through no fault of their own, they wound up in a dull room on a cold,
metal gurney.
One of the worst parts of this information is that 70% of acquired pets will be abandoned or
surrendered (Oxfordpets, 2000). Eventually, an animal is abandoned when it is too old to find
a new home. Its not very adoptable, and the shelter has to make a choice. Should they let it
continue to suffer without the care and affection it needs, or should they euthanize it to end
its suffering and free up a space for a more adoptable animal? There isnt enough room in
every shelter, let alone in every home in America, for each of these cats to be properly cared
for. The painful truth is that the age when that question of adoptability occurs is 6-7 years
old, when the cat becomes a senior.
A wise man once said, with great power comes great responsibility. So the question
becomes who has the power and the responsibility to fix this problem? Humans domesticated
dogs over 11,000 years ago. Humans domesticated cats over 9,000 years ago. Altering the
evolution of two distinct animals illustrates great power. Its time that we demonstrate
responsibility too.

We have 2.5 reasons every single hour to solve this problem.

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3.5.4 Population Effects

Cats and dogs both boast what is termed, exponential population growth. In theory, every
cat which is not neutered will produce 5.6 cats in the coming year with a partner. Every dog
which is not neutered
14000
will produce 4.2 dogs
11801
12000
in the coming year
with a partner.*
10000

Cat Population - No
Action

8000

Cat Population - 25%

Neutered

6000
4000

Cat Population - 50%

Neutered
2823

Cat Population - 75%

Neutered

2000
344

14

While it can be
challenging to
visualize exponential
growth, a snapshot at 5
years into a cat colony
can provide a striking
demonstration of the
importance of
neutering.

Cat Colony Population at 5 Years

The blue colony represents a colony where two cats are left alone for 5 years. We go from 2
to 11,801 cats.
Formula for Year 5 = (2*5.6)+(12*5.6)+(67*5.6)+(376*5.6)+(2107*5.6)
The red colony represents a colony where 25% of all new kittens born are spayed or neutered
before their first litter. We increase from 2 to 2,823 cats.
Formula for Year 5 = (2*4.2)+(9*4.2)+(38*4.2)+(160*4.2)+(672*4.2)
The green colony represents a community effort taking place to control feral cat populations,
yielding 50% of new kittens born being spayed or neutered before their first litter. We go
from 2 to only 344 cats.
Formula for Year 5 = (2*2.8)+(6*2.8)+(16*2.8)+(44*2.8)+(123*4.2)
The purple colony is purely theoretical and not currently achievable. If somehow there were
a way to catch 75% of all new kittens before they had litters on their own, we would only
have 14 cats in 5 years.
Formula for Year 5 = (2*1.4)+(3*1.4)+(5*1.4)+(7*1.4)+(10*1.4)
*This information was reverse calculated from figures of 420,000 cats in 7 years, and 67,000
dogs in 6 years (Oxford Pets 2000).
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3.6 The Schedule

Below are the proposed deadlines for the Petarian Project for all 5 years. After the proposal is approved
and the shelter is selected, every year will have similar dates which can be re-evaluated after 2015.
Every February Hills Advertising will print and ship the camps brochures for that year to DISD science
teachers for the selected age ranges. On the 15th, online enrollment for the camp will begin. After open
enrollment closes, at the end of March, the Hills Volunteer staff will organize applicants for the shelter.
Categorizing potential students based upon need, grades, or letters of recommendation. By mid April,
selected students will be notified and mailed their Release of Liability form.
In late May, after classes are completed, there will be a pre-camp orientation on site where the children
may submit their Release of Liability Forms this will always be scheduled for a Saturday to maximize
parent availability. By the following Monday, final selection of animals (based upon behavior) will be
made, creating a pool of 45 cats and 45 dogs for selection the following Monday.
In the first week of June, both Childrens and Youth Summer Camps will begin, kicking off with animal
selection, and closing with graduation 3 and 4 weeks later, respectively. Finally, Hills Letters of
Recommendation will be mailed to the Youth graduates. This letter will yield special consideration when
applying for any Hills Scholarships in the future, including Veterinary Technician or Veterinarian.
Schedule of Petarian Project 2015 Camp
November 12, 2014 Present Proposal to Dallas Chamber of Commerce
January 1, 2015
Shelter to host Summer Camp is selected
February 1, 2015
Print and Ship Brochures to DISD Science teachers
February 15, 2015
Online Enrollment Begins
March 30, 2015
Hills Volunteer Staff begin to organize applicants for Shelter Staff
April 15, 2015
Students selected for camp are notified and sent Release of Liability form
May 30, 2015
Release of Liability Form is Due, Pre- Camp introduction for all students
June 1, 2015
Final selection of animals to participate in camp 45 cats, 45 dogs (backups)
June 8, 2015
Childrens and Youth Summer Camps Begin
June 26, 2015
Children Camp Graduation Ceremony up to 50 animals adopted
July 3, 2015
Youth Camp Graduation Ceremony up to 30 animals adopted
July 10, 2015
Hills Letters of Recommendation for Scholarship mailed for Youth Graduates
Schedule of Petarian Project : 2016 - 2019
2016 2017 2018 2019
Print and Ship Brochures to DISD Science teachers
2/1
2/1
2/1
2/1
Online Enrollment Begins
2/15 2/15 2/15 2/15
Hills Volunteer Staff begin to organize applicants for Shelter
3/30 3/30 3/30 3/29
Selected Students are notified and sent Release of Liability form
4/15 4/14 4/20 4/19
Release of Liability Form is Due, Pre- Camp Orientation
5/28 5/29 5/25 5/25
Final selection of animals for camp 45 cats, 45 dogs (backups)
5/30 6/1 5/28 5/27
Childrens and Youth Summer Camps Begin
6/6
6/8
6/4
6/3
Children Camp Graduation Ceremony up to 50 animals adopted
6/24 6/26 6/22 6/21
Youth Camp Graduation Ceremony up to 30 animals adopted
7/1
7/2 6/29 6/28
Hills Letters of Recommendation (Scholarship) mailed to graduates
7/8
7/9
7/6
7/5
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4. Budget and Staff

Hills Pet Nutrition Inc. has the desire to educate children and young adults. We intend to
teach them about vital animal health issues in the Dallas area.

4.1 Staff
As Hills will be working with pets and young children, we look for people that are as
enthusiastic as we are about the wellbeing of animals and humans.
4.1.1 Instructors

1 Veterinarian for the Children A certified Veterinarian will teach the children how
to take proper care of pets. Introducing them to the animals and spending time with them.
The children will also be trained to acknowledge the responsibilities that come with pet
ownership. In addition, the Veterinarian will encourage the children to consider adopting
a homeless pet.
2 Veterinarians for Young Adults As there will be a higher level of understanding,
two Veterinarians will be teaching the youths about pet health. The young adults will be
given an introductory course on anatomy, physiology, behavior correction, trap-neuterreturn techniques, and animal diseases.

4.1.2 Volunteers

10 Volunteers for the Children - The

children are going to be interacting with
the animals so we are going to have these
volunteer to supervise.
o These volunteers foster a teacherstudent ratio of 1:3.
5 Volunteers for the Young Adults
The young adults will require some levels
of supervision to properly understand
behaviors and learn techniques, while
allowing more space for autonomous
learning.
o These volunteers foster a teacherstudent ratio of 1:7.

These are the main positions that are going to be needed for the Summer Camp to help
educate the children and also maintain a stable budget within the camp. We want to
contribute on helping homeless animals and educating children on why it is important to
adopt animal and how it helps the Dallas community as well.

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4.2 Five Year Budget for Project

Funding for Shelter
($4,200 worth of food per Year)
Adoption Fee ($45.00 per pet)
(80 Pets per Year x 5 Years = $3,600 per Year)

$21,000.00
$18,000.00

Staff
3 Veterinarian Volunteers
5 Guidance Volunteers for Youth
10 Guidance Volunteers for Children
5 General Support Volunteers from Hills
Total Staff
Food
Juice packs
(Childrens = 12 Days x 30 Students = 360 x 0.48 = $172.80 Per Year)
(Youths = 16 Days x 50 Students = 800 x 0.48 = $384.00 Per Year)
Crackers boxes
(Childrens = 12 Days x 30 Students = 360 x 0.36 = $129.60 Per Year)
(Youths = 16 Days x 50 Students = 800 x 0.36 = $288.00 Per Year)
Total Food
Extra
Stationary
$150 per Year for School Supplies
Sanitation
$25 per Year for Sanitation Supplies
Miscellaneous
$125 per Year for Additional Expenses
Total Extra
Grand Total for Five Years

$0.00
$0.00
$0.00
$0.00
$0.00

$2,776.00

$2,084.00

$4,860.00

$750
$125.00
$625.00
$1,500.00
$45,360.00

4.2.1 Budget Analysis

Funding for the shelter comes out to $21,000, or $4,200 per year, to be funded as food donations
from Hills. This cost will be calculated based upon cost to Hills rather than market price. This
is enough food to feed over 70 companions for a whole year (ASPCA, 2014).
The adoption fee will be $45 per pet, paid by Hills at the conclusion of each summers
Childrens Camp. The total sum of $3,600 will be donated every summer, even if all 80 animals
are not adopted, allowing the shelter to allocate any excess funds where they are needed most.
All of the staff will be volunteers, background checked by Hills Legal.
Every day of camp, each child will be provided with juice and crackers. This works out to 5800
meals, at just under $0.84 per snack, costing a total of $4,860.00 for the whole project.
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The extra expenses include providing students with $150 worth of school supplies each year,
such as notebooks, pens, handouts, and to print out graduation certificates. We will also provide
$25 per a year for sanitation supplies, such as hand sanitizer and facial tissue. Finally, an
additional $625.00 will be provided at a rate of $125 per year to help defer unanticipated
expenses (for diverse concerns from printer failure to refilling first aid kits before each camp).

Targeted Question and Answer

How can you expect to have a major impact on population size or society when youre only
removing 80 animals from the shelters every summer?
Population growth in cats and dogs is exponential, so 80 can actually make a very large
difference. As for the effect on society, I defer to the Starfish Story, and quote Loren
Eiseley "It made a difference for that one.
Every summer we are changing not just 80 animal lives, but 80 or more human lives. We
are changing over 800 lives in 5 years, and we are molding behaviors which will prevent
continuation of the cycles of abandonment suffered by many animals. We are breaking
cycles of ignorance about the effect of neutering animals. Mostly, we are relying upon
children to utilize the education we offer to make the world a better place through
information spread and example.
If the childs parents dont decide to adopt a pet, havent you just wasted resources?
No, we havent. Adoptions are a side benefit to this project; they are a short term crutch
for a long term problem. Our goal is to educate children about the proper care of pets. If
their parents elect not to bring an animal home at the conclusion of camp, then the child
has still been educated and takes that knowledge with them. They know that yelling at a
cat doesnt modify behavior, they know that a dog needs structured walks to be healthy,
and they know that pets are important enough to be worth asking a vet any questions they
may have in the future.
Does TNR really help control cat colony populations?
Absolutely! TNR is not only in use by many universities (including Texas A&M) to help
control local populations, but even Disneyland is utilizing it (LA Times, 2010). The park
officials learned long ago that letting the feral cats remain in the park helped with
everything from rodent prevention to grass trimming. Soon, they decided to do what was
best for their fellow workers - begin TNR. Every feral cat in Disneyland is neutered and
guided away from populated areas by having 5 discrete feeding locations hidden
throughout the park.

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Release of Liability

By agreeing to take part in Hills Petitarian Summer Camp, to be hosted in Dallas, Summer 2015, the undersigned
agrees to the following statements. This Release of Liability is to be reviewed and signed by all volunteers and
participants of the Petitarian Summer Camp.
1.

2.

3.

4.
5.

I agree to observe and obey all posted rules and warnings, and agree to follow any oral instructions
provided by Hills Petitarian Summer Camp Representatives. I agree to explain the importance of
observing and obeying all rules and warnings, and following instructions to my child, if applicable.
I recognize that there are certain inherent risks to learning about animal care. This includes, but is not
limited to, cat scratches, animal bites, trips, falls, scrapes, allergic reactions, and animal borne contagions
like Fleas. While (Shelter Name) and Hills Petitarian Summer Camp representatives will do their best to
prevent any accidents or harm, it is always a possibility where children and animals are concerned.
I agree to indemnify and defend Hills Petitarian Summer Camp, Hills, and (Shelter Name) against all
claims, causes of action, damages, judgments, costs or expenses, including attorney fees and other litigation
costs, which may in any way arise from my, or my childs, participation in this summer camp.
I agree to pay for all damages caused to the shelter or animals by my or my familys negligent, reckless, or
willful action.
Any legal or equitable claim that may arise from participation in this summer camp shall be resolved under
Texas Law.

I HAVE READ THIS DOCUMENT AND UNDERSTAND IT. I FURTHER UNDERSTAND THAT BY
SIGNING THIS RELEASE, I VOLUNTARILY SURRENDER CERTAIN LEGAL RIGHTS.

Name of Participant in Camp:_________________________________________

Participant is a Minor

Address of Participant:________________________________________________________________

Phone Number of Participant/Legal Guardian:______________________________________________

Emergency Contact:_________________________________ Phone Number:_____________________

Legal Guardians Signature:___________________________________________ Date:_____________

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References
ASPCA (2014). Pet Care Costs. Retrieved from
https://www.aspca.org/adopt/pet-care-costs
Davis, R. (2007). Dallas Fights to Solve Stray Dog Problem. D Magazine. Retrieved from
http://www.dmagazine.com/publications/d-magazine/2007/july/dallas-fights-to-solvestray-dog-problem
DSHS (2014). Rabies Surveillance in Texas. Retrieved from
https://www.dshs.state.tx.us/idcu/disease/rabies/cases/statistics/
Foti, S. (2009). The Positive Effects of Pet Ownership for Kids. Everyday Health. Retrieved from
http://www.everydayhealth.com/pet-health/effects-of-pets-on-kids.aspx
Hills Pet (2014). Dr. Mark Morris Sr. Retrieved from
http://www.hillspet.com/our-company/dr-mark-morris-sr.html
Hills Pet (2014). Pet Shelters. Retrieved from
http://www.hillspet.com/shelter/pet-shelters.html
Humane Society (2014). Pets by the Numbers. Retrieved from
http://www.humanesociety.org/issues/pet_overpopulation/facts/pet_ownership_statis
tics.html
Hall, A. (2014). Child Artist with Autism Expresses Herself With The Help Of Her Therapy Cat.
Huffington Post. Retrieved From
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/10/08/iris-grace-and-therapy-catthula_n_5941252.html
Interview F. Martin , Personal Communication, January 19,2014.
Martin, Hugo (2010). After dark, the dirty work at Disneyland begins. Los Angeles Times.
Retrieved from
http://articles.latimes.com/2010/may/02/business/la-fi-cover-disney-20100502
Ministry of business, Innovation & Employment (2012). Pet Food, New Zealands role in feeding
pets around the world. Retrieved from
http://www.med.govt.nz/sectors-industries/food-beverage/pdf-docslibrary/information-project/pet-food-factsheet-423-kb-pdf
Oxford Pets (2000). Animal Overpopulation. Retrieved from
http://www.oxfordpets.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=61
Petfinder (2014). Adopt-A-Less-Adoptable-Pet Week. Retrieved from
https://www.petfinder.com/less-adoptable-pet-week/
Philanthropy Journal (2008). Hills Pet Nutrition Awards. Retrieved from
http://www.philanthropyjournal.org/news/hills-pet-nutrition-awards-1m
SPCA (2014). Animal Statistics Table. Retrieved from
http://www.spca.org/document.doc?id=399
VCA (2010). VCA Charities. Retrieved from
http://www.vcahospitals.com/main/charities

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