OLIVETTE, Mo. — Dec. 5 marked exactly one year since a nonprofit took the reins at the St. Louis County Pet Adoption Center.
The facility had problems and a 2019 audit highlighted some of those concerns:
- The volunteer program needed to be better managed.
- Inability to control infectious disease due to overcapacity.
- Cages and kennels were not being properly disinfected, which contributed to the spread of disease.
- Not enough animals were transferred to rescue groups.
The APA of Missouri was awarded a contract to manage the shelter after a bidding process.
On Dec. 5, 2022, APA of Missouri CEO and President Sarah Javier said their team was finally able to get into the building.
At that time, she told 5 On Your Side, "There were many animals that had not been out, sometimes for weeks, depending on the situation."
She said deep cleaning was also a priority to make sure bacteria were removed and called conditions less than ideal.
Now, 12 months later, Javier explains it's seeing success at APA Olivette.
"It has been a year of challenges, a year of learning, and so many opportunities and accomplishments that we're proud of," Javier added.
APA Olivette shared these numbers:
- Adoptions reached 2,093, compared to 452 the previous year.
- Intakes also increased with 4,957, compared to 1,630 the year prior.
- Animal reunions with their families had a return of 1,087 animals to their owners compared to 330 last year.
- 38,561 hours have been contributed by volunteers, marking a threefold increase from the previous year’s 11,300 hours.
On day one, the agency implemented a foster care program.
"We've had 1,000 pets to go through foster care program," she added.
Javier said their goal has been to create a stress-free environment.
Tuesday afternoon, it had a one-year anniversary community pack walk.
Dozens of volunteers came out. Javier said it's a program that wasn't there before.
Javier added, "Sometimes pets end up going home with them because their walker falls in love with them in the process."
Besides pack walks, other activities for enrichment included hike outings, dog dates, and foam and bubble parties.
Volunteer Christine Morabito is newer to the pack with one month in.
She told 5 On Your Side, "The pack walks are really important for the dogs because they are very social. People just show up in droves and it's cool to see because we want to see the dogs get out, it's really important for them. We just love what we do."
Javier said she believes that with every adoption and helping hand, it can continue creating success.
"We rely on the community’s help," Javier said.
Currently, there is a special going on at APA Olivette.
Each adoption is $25 for cats and dogs 6 months and older.
For information on adopting, fostering or volunteering, click here.
Dr. Jim Hinrichs, acting director of the St. Louis County Department of Public Health (DPH), shared this statement:
“After a competitive bidding process, we chose APA to be our shelter operator because of the organization’s expertise and experience in animal care. DPH is pleased with the first year of contracting with APA for shelter services. We look forward to our continued partnership in the coming years and are constantly working to improve services across all of county government including animal care and control.”