The shelter's second director was with the agency for more than a decade. The third director recently left after 2 years and a replacement is being sought. The Board is rigorous in its standards and works hard to attract and maintain strong leadership.

This rescue does everything humanly possible to reconnect lost pets and their owners. Utilizing an extensive online network, flyers, and small town word-of-mouth, a large number of lost animals are reunited with their families.

Volunteers are essential to the existence of SPCHS. The full-time operation runs on just over 2 FTEs comprised of a full-time manager and multiple support staff working minimal hours. All the rest of the shelter functions, on-site and administrative, are managed by volunteers.

The shelter has a strong presence in the community through a weekly column in the newspaper, distribution of flyers and a variety of events. A robust website and facebook presence are active, as well as a broadcast email group. The shelter's community extends far beyond its geographic designation.

The shelter is rigorous in its cleaning, handling and socialization practices and policies. Medications are given on arrival for issues that could affect the population, and at adoption or return to family for the benefit of the pet. The shelter also works with local veterinarians to ensure the best in preventive care and procedures. Behavior rehab is a weakness and so it is unable to take potentially aggressive dogs at this time.

The shelter has a culture of helping people keep their animals first, taking them into shelter only if absolutely necessary. There is a food bank program at the shelter and any food overages are donated to area (human) food banks for distribution.

Full-time population of the Shelter's influence is only about 12,000 people yet 600-650 pets are adopted annually. This is attributed to the number of people who visit the shelter while on vacation and adopt, and to low adoption rates attracting adopters from neighboring areas.

It is rare that the shelter has a special needs pet without a foster home to take care of it.

Spay/Neuter has been successful in reducing stray dog population, allowing for intake of dogs from kill rescues. Cat population occasionally greater than the shelter can handle; Strong foster network and support to those who bring in strays when the rescue can't take them.

High commitment; vouchers available as funds allow, which is typically greater than the request for vouchers.

Humane traps available to check out; low and no-cost spay/neuter & release.