Following years of difficulties and the current economic crisis, the North County Humane Society is reaching out to Humane Society of the Nature Coast, based in Brooksville, Fla., to provide physical support and guidance to the shelter while a new strategic plan is implemented for “the future of the homeless, neglected and abused animals of our community,” NCHS officials announced last week.

“With the community’s continued support, the North County Humane Society is determined to survive these difficult economic times,” a news release stated.

Kayce Daniels, director of operations, and Jan Jones, director of animal care, agreed to be temporarily laid off and will volunteer their time at the Atascadero-based shelter, 2300 Ramona Ave., in order to see to the care and future adoption of its animals. Volunteers are continuing to care for the animals, according to the release. Jones and Daniels said they were both hopeful that more adoptions would occur in the immediate future because the most important thing is the animals and their survival.

“The costs of living have gone up — litter prices, food prices, utilities — and the adoptions are down,” Jones said. “It’s more important for the community to realize that it’s a trickle-down effect that happens with the animals. That’s why it’s important that we’re here and that we’re volunteering.”

The rescue facility shelters hundreds of cats now available for adoption. Dogs are not kept inside the facility but stay with rescuers until adoption.

The NCHS has about eight to nine employees both part-time and full-time and an estimated 50 volunteers in various capacities. In order to keep the shelter open and its programs operational, the shelter is actively seeking donations to support specific programs, membership within its organization or Guardian Angel program or memorializing or honoring a person or an animal.

“Right now, we need financial support so that we don’t close our doors,” Jones said. “We’re on a day-to-day basis right now. It’s just trying to keep the utilities going and the donations coming in.”

Shelter officials described the current situation temporary and difficult but necessary for the time being.

Along with the new strategic plan, education and community support are keys to its growth and stability, according to the release.

“The staff, volunteers and board of directors of North County Humane Society are committed to the survival of your animal shelter and will continue serving the animals of SLO County through this economy and beyond. We want to thank everyone who has offered their unwavering support this past year and while progress has been made, finances are strained in this unfortunate economic climate. Without the support of San Luis Obispo County residents and businesses we could not have weathered this past year. The North County Humane Society is proud to serve a county so committed to the welfare of our furry friends in need,” the release stated.

Strategic Plan

According to the NCHS, steps are being made to implement a strategic plan with the guidance of the NCHS board of directors, established board members and now Humane Society of the Nature Coast executive director Joanne Schoch and vice-president Paul Montante. Schoch and Montante agreed to serve as volunteer advisors with the NCHS in the coming year and beyond if needed as its strategic plan is developed.

The strategic plan would be geared to ensure its long-term financial stability.

NCHS officials recently attended an educational conference sponsored by the Humane Society of the United States where Schoch is instructor of a program entitled Successful Programs on a Small Budget. The Humane Society of Nature Coast faced many of the same challenges now faced by the Atascadero shelter and has not only survived the economic times but is thriving and planning its expansion.

According to the release, Humane Society of the Nature Coast finished fourth place in the United States during the Zootoo Shelter Makeover competition.

For general information on the Atascadero shelter and for more information about upcoming events, visit its Web site at www.slonchs.org or call them at 466-5403.

Additional volunteers are needed at this time to help animals in the care of NCHS. For more information on volunteering, contact Jill Fletcher at 466-5403, ext. 12.

Donations can be sent to the North County Humane Society, 2300 Ramona Road, Atascadero, CA 93422 or online at its Web site. Donations can be sent online by using a downloadable secure donation form.