By Curt Peterson
Sewage limitations and surrounding wetlands preventing expansion are forcing the Rutland County Humane Society to seek new digs, according to RCHS Executive Director Beth Saradarian in an Aug. 14 letter to supporters.
Since RCHS announced last spring that the organization needed a new home, they have investigated about 30 suggested sites. To qualify, a prospective location would comprise 5-10 acres, be near a major road, be central in the county, have appropriate commercial zoning, access to water, electric power and sewer or potential septic approval.
“We are still searching and are following up on a few new options, which we are optimistic about,” Saradarian said.
“Our current building’s systems are failing, we’re out of room, and our ability to provide the animals with a healthy environment to thrive is diminished,” wrote Saradarian.
The very active rescue organization has occupied its current site on Stevens Road in Pittsford since its founding in 1967. Animals available for adoption include dogs, both working and cuddling cats, rabbits, guinea pigs and white mice.
The shelter operates “in the black,” but fundraising for the prospective new facility will be crucial to success. A feasibility study approached “various factors such as donor interest, feedback on the proposed project, and our capacity to manage the campaign effectively … new donors and volunteers, potential challenges and opportunities to help us develop a realistic fundraising goal and appropriate fundraising strategies,” Saradarian wrote.
She told the Mountain Times no formal fundraising goal has been set yet, but they have raised funds dedicated to the new facility project. They are seeking an experienced fundraising campaign manager.
“We have a very loyal base of long-time, consistent, passionate and committed donors,” she continued. “There is a clear understanding among donors and stakeholders of the need for a new facility.”
Study respondents, however, think the planned facility “too ambitious and costly … given the size and capacity of the Rutland County community.” Donors who could give sizeable gifts, or leadership donations ($1 million+ is typical) are relatively scarce, according to the study.
A redesigned, more affordable and achievable facility includes accommodation for expansion at a later time, a “phased approach,” the study suggested.
“For example, a surgical suite would allow us to provide more services to our animals and our community, such as rabies clinics, spay/neuter for low-income county residents’ pets, and more,” Saradarian added.
