WAIF’s Lifesaving Philosophy
Founded in 1990, we realize that our longevity is due to the heart and soul of our organization–our donors and volunteers. Back in 1990, a small and passionate group saw the need for a community asset that reflected the island’s desire to see the humane treatment of our companion animals. No longer could they watch as healthy and adoptable dogs and cats, both stray and unclaimed, be euthanized simply for lack of time, space, or resources. This committed group knew there were other options readily available to provide homes for the island’s displaced homeless pet population.
Beyond our mission of finding permanent, loving homes for the stray pet population, WAIF also helps people. Through our Pet Food Banks, Prevent-a-Litter Coupon Program and Nick’s Crisis Care Assistance, we understand the importance and value of the human-animal bond. It is what drives our dedicated staff to find perfect matches between available shelter animals and prospective pet families. Sadly, our work is never done. However, we happily accept the challenges that face us on a daily basis. Each animal that comes to WAIF has a unique story. Though we can never fully ascertain what the background may be on an incoming animal, we use established shelter and animal welfare practices which allow us to evaluate an animal’s personality to ensure a fit within a permanent loving home.
Is WAIF a no-kill shelter? Yes, by industry standards we meet the definition. WAIF is among 2,491 no-kill national organizations as recognized by Best Friends Animal Sanctuary. This means our Live Release Rate (as defined by Asilomar Accords*) is consistently above 90%. However, for transparency, no-kill does not mean euthanasia does not take place. It would be considered in-humane not to euthanize for terminal diseases, quality of life considerations, and aggressive animals that are deemed a danger to humans and other animals.
Though WAIF is considered a no-kill organization, it’s considered more of a marketing term and definitions vary. For an organization to be truly a 100% no-kill, this may indicate an organization is extremely selective in their animal intakes, adoption placement of aggressive animals, or adoption of animals with undisclosed medical issues. As a animal welfare organization that accepts homeless animals into its network, regardless of circumstances, WAIF is responsible for the well-being and safety of animals coming into our care, but also the community in which we serve.
WAIF generally does not take into the shelter vicious animals. We also do not take in feral cats, as that would be a disservice and inhumane to the cat as they generally cannot be adopted. Euthanasia is undoubtedly the hardest part of the job. Housing untreatable, aggressive animals for their remaining years in cages and kennels is not a preferable, realistic, or humane alternative to euthanasia.
WAIF has helped many thousands of animals and families and will continue to do so. Supported by increasing levels of compassion, donations, and volunteer hours; we are reminded that whether you are a donor, volunteer or member of the community you care as much as we do. On behalf of the thousands of animals and people we have helped, thank you for your continued support.
*Asilomar Accords defines Live Release Rate as the percentage of all outcomes in which an animal leaves the shelter alive. This includes return to owner, adoptions, or transfers to another life-saving shelter or rescue. This is different than basing it on animal intake numbers as those remaining in shelter have not received an outcome yet.
