Animals Deserving of Proper Treatment

“The adopt pet shelter is an organization of members. Members are accepted into the organization by making annual dues payments of 39 per individual, or 59 for a family membership. Also, lifetime memberships are granted to those that make a one-time dues payment of 1,000 or more.”

“Members are admitted by paying a membership fee. Members may accrue voting rights by attending at least six (or 50%) of the monthly member meetings each calendar year. Members, with accrued voting rights, may cast one vote in the issues brought forward to the members for vote, which include the election of the board of directors and proposed changes in the by-laws.”

“Members are charged with the duties of voting to determine the board of directors and proposed changes to the by-laws of the organization.”

“The draft copies of the tax returns are provided to the independent auditor, the executive director, and the board of directors for review prior to preparing the final tax returns. The finance committee meets annually to review the irs form 990. Once the committee members of the finance committee are in agreement, regarding the contents of the form 990, the draft copies of the form 990 are provided to each of the board members of the organization for review. Upon obtaining approval from the board of directors, the president or executive director are authorized to sign the form 990.”

“The conflict of interest policy is given to all board members and key employees annually, and all parties ae required to sign a statement that they read and understood the policy and they affirmed that they are, and have been, performing all duties for the taxpayer without such conflict. These statements are maintained by the corporate secretary.”

“The board policy has been to review the salary and performance of the executive director annually. Informal communications with other pet shelters in the chicago metropolitan area are made, with regard to the topic of executive salary. The board weighs outside information made available with their own review of the taxpayer's operations, and a joint decision on how to compensate the executive director.”

“Copies of the governing documents are available on-line. The governing documents, conflict of interest statement, and financial statements are made available to the public upon request.”

“A.d.o.p.t. Provides shelter and medical care for unwanted animals, while seeking permanent homes for unwanted animals, as well as neutering services to prevent overpopulation. The services are provided to approximately 1,000 animals per year.”