Western Plains Animal Refuge

Western Plains Animal Refuge is a non-profit, no-kill shelter and wildlife rehabilitation center located in Hays, Kansas.

It was incorporated in 2006 by Jessica Braun, DVM, and Curt Braun after changes in Kansas wildlife rehabilitation requirements resulted in tougher requirements for wildlife rehabilitators in the state to operate. As a result, an estimated 75% of the available rehabilitators were forced to close their doors. At the same time, euthanasia rates for domestic animals in regional shelters were not improving, so it was the vision of the Brauns to provide a safe haven for injured, abandoned and suffering animals.

Western Plains Animal Refuge is dedicated to the treatment, adoption and training of domestic animals, and rehabilitation and release of wild animals. Dr. Jessica Braun is the primary veterinarian overseeing the shelter. Veterinary staff from the Animal Health Center of Hays  also donate their time to care for the animals, and to socialize animals available for adoption.

Western Plains Animal Refuge Definition of "No-Kill" 

Western Plains Animal Refuge is a no-kill shelter, as defined by California Law, SB 1785 Statutes of 1998, also known as the
Hayden Law. The most widely accepted definition of a no-kill shelter is, "A place where all adoptable and treatable animals are saved and where only unadoptable or non-rehabilitatable animals are euthanized."

California SB1785 standards allow animals less than eight weeks of age to be euthanized. Western Plains Animal Refuge does not euthanize animals simply because they are young. Instead, they care for these animals by providing food, shelter and socialization so that they are adoptable when they reach a more mature age.

Western Plains Animal Refuge Definition of "Unadoptable" 

The use of the word "unadoptable" has been interpreted in different ways by no-kill organizations. Western Plains Animal Refuge defines "unadoptable" as:

1) Animals that have manifested signs of a behavioral or temperamental defect, and who cannot be reasonably trained to behave appropriately;
2) Those that could pose a health or safety risk or otherwise make the animal unsuitable for placement as a pet and
3) Animals that have manifested signs of disease, injury, or congenital or hereditary condition that adversely affects the health of the animal or that is likely to adversely affect the animal's health in the future, that cannot be treated or managed in such a way that the quality of the animal's life is sustainable and pleasant.

Spay and Neuter Programs 

Western Plains Animal Refuge provides education to the public by giving group tours, participating in public events, taking part in educational fundraisers and utilizing social media to urge the importance of spaying and neutering domestic animals. In addition, they provide "Spay Day" once annually to provide these services for free.

Occasionally, Western Plains Animal Refuge takes part in a Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) program to reduce the number of cats in shelters.

In addition, all animals who are adopted from Western Plains Animal Refuge are spayed or neutered to decrease the population of homeless animals in the central Kansas community.

Adoption Program 

Western Plains Animal Refuge provides adoption services for all domestic animals at the facility. The goal of the Refuge is to find permanent homes for these companions. Marketing this program is provided through local radio and newspaper advertising, word-of-mouth, social media and website optimization. Adoption is a primary goal, and success stories can be found at .

Partnerships 

Western Plains Animal Refuge partners with specialty breed rescues from around the country. Homeless animals of particular breeds are often able to find foster care and be adopted through these rescues.

Wild Animal Rehabilitation 

Western Plains Animal Refuge provides rescue and release services for all wild animals including, but not limited to, birds, owls, rabbits, squirrels, deer, bobcats, raccoons, porcupines, opossums, coyotes, foxes, skunks and a number of other native and non-native Central Plains wildlife. Kansas State University College of Veterinary Medicine is consulted on difficult or unusual cases.

Living Spaces 

Western Plains Animal Refuge utilizes dog runs, small animal cages, outdoor small animal cages, flight pens, deer pens, large animal pens, a hen house, surgical recuperation cages and isolation rooms to house animals at the facility. In addition, it provides socialization and exercise rooms, including a large cat room, a dog-walking area and animal-friendly reception area. Animals are exercised and socialized regularly and are not confined to inappropriately small cages. Many domestic animals are cageless during office hours so that they are happier and more socialized.

Volunteers 

Western Plains Animal Refuge is run exclusively by volunteers, donations and grants. Volunteer positions include, but are not limited to, veterinary staff, kennel care, dog walkers, animal socializing, fundraising help, online optimization, grant writing and media communications.

References

External links 
 Western Plains Animal Refuge Facebook page
 Colorado Animal Rescue Express, a sister organization that provides transportation to animals from Missouri, Kansas and Colorado to specialty rescues and to new homes
 nOkill Network, a network of volunteers dedicated to no-kill policies

Category:Animal shelters in the United States
Category:Non-profit organizations based in Kansas
Category:Wildlife rehabilitation
Category:Animal welfare organizations based in the United States