The Humane Society for Greater Savannah Inc.

“The return is provided to the executive director for review. The return is also distributed to the governing body for their review. Any necessary changes are made prior to filing.”

“Each year the board members are presented with the conflict of interest policy. They each review it and sign it.”

“The executive committee of the board is responsible for the compensation process for the top official. Its process incorporates information from local organizations of comparable size and functionality.”

“All required documents are made available upon request, in person, at the society's offices for review on the premises.”

“The humane society for greater savannah, inc. (the organization) is a not- for-profit organization dedicated to the welfare of companion animals and their owners. The organization serves as a safety net for pet owners by accepting pets, voluntarily surrendered by their owners, who for various reasons are no longer able to care for them. The organization's purpose is embodied in its mission statement. "the mission of the humane society for greater savannah is to better the lives of pets and people. The humane society for greater savannah envisions a community that understands, values and promotes the ways in which pets enrich our lives." the principal services the organization provides for pets surrendered to its care include: sheltering, feeding; treatment; preventative medical care, e.g. Health evaluations and vaccinations, including rabies; behavior assessment; exercise and socialization; sterilization; and re-homing with adoption counseling. All adoptions include on-going support and follow- up. Free training classes are provided to all dog adopters and their dogs. Services provided to the public include: low-cost immunization and microchipping events, community education, and programs to help reduce pet overpopulation. Bully breed dog training classes are offered weekly. In fy 2013-14, the organization began conducting the canine good citizen certification program (an akc designed, 6-week class) throughout the year. The organization also collaborates with other local animal welfare groups and with regional organizations; i.e. Ashville humane society, charleston animal society and humane society of south coast georgia. Importantly, the organization supports the animal welfare needs of the community by accepting the transfer of more than 400 adoptable animals from savannah chatham county animal control each year. The organization is involved in issues of companion animal advocacy. It also provides advice and assistance to chatham county emergency management agency (cema) on topics pertaining to pet management in disaster. In 2012, the organization launched "operation new hope", a partnership with the chatham county sheriff's office. Dogs with behavior or health problems live with inmates at the county jail. The inmates are given responsibility and purpose - reducing recidivism; the dogs are rehabilitated in preparation for adoption. More than 300 volunteers (14 years and older) support the humane society with shelter activities like dog walking, cat socialization and dog enrichment, as well as special events. In august, 2014, the organization introduced nuzzle buddies, a "reading out loud" to pets program for children 7 to 13 years old that has achieved immediate success. The organization is funded through gifts and bequests, contributions, fundraising, special events, grants and awards, sales of pets accessories (collars, leashes, and microchips, etc.), contributions from "hssc thrift shop, inc.", as well as program fees (surrender, adoption, and shot and microchip clinic fees). The organization is independent and unaffiliated with any national animal welfare organization, e.g. The humane society of the united states.”

“During fye 9/30/14, the organization began conducting the canine good citizen certification program(an akc designed,6-week class)throughout the year. In august, 2014, the organization added "nuzzle buddies", a "reading out loud" to pets program for children 7 to 13 years old.”

“Shelter personnel made weekly television appearances providing pet ownership and adoption advice. Volunteers represented the shelter with pets and educational materials and information at local retail stores, schools, and a variety of community events.”