First 30 Days

We are one month into the transition for Paws Humane to take over responsibilities of Columbus animal services and there have been frustrations. There are lots of pieces to this transition. Maybe understanding what is happening will help.

The beginning of transition still has the city staff, hours, and policies in place. Over 70 animals were in the building at the time of the contract signing, including dogs that had been in their kennel for more than six months, some even over a year. Paws began hiring and training 31 positions.

First priority was shelter services – hiring and training employees; cleaning, cleaning, and more cleaning using national shelter standards and protocols; dogs who were previously labeled aggressive being reevaluated; dogs getting out of their kennels and socialized, play groups giving them exercise and giving rescues information about their personalities.

New fencing is being installed, providing multiple areas for dogs to play and potential adopters to spend outside time getting to know their new family member. New kennel doors have been ordered while repairs have been made to the area. Offices are still being vacated to make room for Paws staff. Volunteers still are providing valuable services and are excited about what they are seeing.

Senior field service officers along with others have been hired. While more positions are being filled, the officers hired are being trained and certified by NACA (National Animal Care and Control Association). Once trained they will be sworn in by CPD and be able to enforce our local ordinances.

During March, the city will continue to empty offices of files and records. As offices become available and Paws staff moves in, software training for new employees will be done. The new website is being developed and will showcase lost and found pets along with those available for adoption and pets within the community looking for new homes. Sound baffling for the kennel area will be ordered, decreasing the stress for the animals and allowing for conversations among staff and visitors.

Many little things during February made us smile. Seeing the play groups. Seeing dogs being treated for heartworms. Seeing every animal get spayed or neutered prior to adoption. Seeing field officers getting dogs out of their kennel themselves. Seeing volunteers re-energized and continuing to do great things.

We are not there yet. We were told transition could take 90 days and we are only 30 into it. Patience is still needed. Also give grace to Paws and their efforts while they build the team and procedures we all want as a community. Progress is happening.