Animal Services reports reduced shelter stays and new outreach programs; new shelter progress underway

Caitlin Suttermeyer, director of Animal Services, told the board Nov. 17 that the department is reducing average shelter lengths of stay and expanding community outreach to keep pets with their owners.

Suttermeyer said the department’s annual budget is about $960,000 and it employs nine full‑time staff. She summarized key performance indicators: 89 percent of animals leaving the facility do so with a positive outcome, while average shelter length of stay has fallen to roughly six to seven days — below the 14‑day best practice target cited by staff.

Programs highlighted include a Business Buddies pilot that partnered local businesses with longer‑stay dogs and resulted in 12 long‑term residents finding homes; GIS mapping to identify stray and owner‑surrender hotspots (Morganton was a notable source of strays and returns); and an upcoming free microchip clinic and microchip scanning stations in partnership with the public library.

Suttermeyer said her team is preparing for a new animal shelter facility: staff are rehearsing operations with floor plans, revising standard operating procedures and preparing change‑management steps for a larger site. She also flagged operational challenges in the current facility (no dedicated cat room, constrained space) and the need to balance enforcement and education.

Commissioners thanked staff for outreach efforts and approved the departmental report.