Cayman animal welfare group One Dog at a Time is looking for public and corporate support to fund the purchase of a new shelter to home unwanted and neglected dogs.
The non-profit, which rescues, rehabilitates and re-homes about 30 dogs a month, is running out of space and resources for animals in need.
In a Facebook post on its page on Sunday, 21 Jan., the group said: “Our foster parents are full, we are full.”
It added: “We are using vital funds to pay to have dogs in boarding which is supposed to be emergency use only but has been a permanent fixture for the last seven plus months.
“Without increasing capacity, we will have to turn away super adoptable dogs and puppies that can, and should, be saved.”
One Dog at a Time is a foster-based dog rescue group founded in 2013 after a boom in Grand Cayman’s pet population. It gained its non-profit status in 2017.
The group rescues unwanted dogs and puppies from the streets and from the Department of Agriculture’s pound where they are at risk of euthanasia. But space is limited.
“We are now in desperate need of premises to do our kennel-free rescue and for that we need $,” the post said.
‘Kennel-free’ means the dogs cohabit in a stress-free home-like environment with a large outdoor space so rescuers can get to know them and establish their needs.
Three options
Group president Caroline Johnston told the Compass members are looking at three possible locations in East End and North Side ranging in price from $350,000 to $700,000.
The cheaper location would involve building work while the more expensive option would be ready to move into immediately.
“Small events could be held at the property too, such as groups of children coming to read and play with the dogs,” she told the Compass.
“Elderly people could visit and spend an afternoon relaxing in the company of some very cuddly dogs.”
Johnston said a total of $750,000 would cover the entire project, adding the non-profit is happy to attach a business name to the centre if someone was able to provide the funds.
“In the grand scheme of things, it is not a massive investment for many people, but everything we raise is spent on the dogs so we need community support if this is to come to reality,” she said.
“We are in a position that we cannot expand any further without the premises and there are many more dogs in need.
“”The kennel-free shelter is an ideal way for individuals or companies to help support a small local charity and make a real difference.”
One Dog at a Time relies on fundraising events and donations to cover the cost of veterinary care, spaying and neutering, and treatment for heartworm or other issues.
Funds also pay for collars and leashes, crates, bowls, pet waste bags, food and medication while the dogs are in foster homes, and for transport to the United States.
It costs between $8,000 and $12,000 a month to cover veterinary care alone.
Donations can be made online in the name of One Dog at a Time through Butterfield Bank CI$ account 1361674940011 or via PayPal to [email protected]
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