SHELTER FROM THE STORM ANIMAL RESCUE, INC.

Shelter from the Storm Animal Rescue, Inc. in Madison, WI

Shelter From the Storm Animal Rescue, Inc. was established in 2005 by Allison Davies in response to the high number of animals being euthanized in local shelters. This organization is dedicated to rescuing cats and dogs of all breeds, with a focus on reducing overcrowding in shelters and assisting adoptable or treatable animals. Since its founding, Shelter From the Storm has collaborated with the Humane Society of the United States during significant events, such as Hurricane Katrina, where it transported over 100 animals to safety in Wisconsin. There, these animals received veterinary care, were placed in foster homes, and ultimately found permanent families. The organization also worked with the HSUS to address a local hoarding situation at Thyme and Sage Ranch in Richland Center, Wisconsin, which was housing over 300 animals while serving as both an animal rescue and the area's animal control agency. Many of the pets at Shelter From the Storm are placed in foster homes, where they begin basic training, receive socialization, and learn to adapt to a home environment. The organization addresses the medical needs of these animals, including vaccinations, heartworm testing, feline leukemia and FIV testing, deworming, and flea and tick prevention. In 2008, to further its mission, the Spay Me! Clinic was opened. Dr. Richard Brown, Elizabeth Yohn, CVT, and Allison Davies leveraged their extensive experience in high-volume spay/neuter procedures to establish the clinic. Initially, surgeries were performed once a week, but by the end of 2009, this expanded to six days a week. The clinic currently employs two veterinarians, two certified veterinary technicians, and several trained veterinary assistants. It also welcomes volunteers, including veterinarians and certified veterinary technicians, and serves as an educational environment for veterinary students interested in shelter medicine and high-volume spay/neuter practices. Spay Me! Clinic is open to the public, but a key aspect of its operation is providing affordable spay/neuter services to other rescues and shelters. Understanding the financial challenges faced by many organizations, the clinic strives to keep costs low. The veterinarians and staff have honed their skills in high-volume spay/neuter procedures, and additional services have been gradually introduced, including dental procedures, amputations, foreign object removals, and ACL repairs. These specialized procedures are primarily available for shelters, rescues, and individuals in financial need. Currently, Shelter From the Storm spays and neuters over 12,000 dogs and cats each year. Based in Madison, Wisconsin, this non-profit organization is committed to reducing the euthanasia rate of healthy and adoptable animals and enhancing the lives of companion animals. Its mission includes finding permanent homes for animals in need, supporting communities lacking access to humane organizations, educating the public on responsible pet ownership, and providing access to affordable spay, neuter, and veterinary care.