Today we’d like to introduce you to Dr. Kim Sanders.
Hi Dr. Sanders, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
In 2016 I took over a “failing” animal shelter. At that time, Anderson County PAWS was euthanizing nearly 60% of the animals entering the facility. New protocols were implemented, ordinances were updated, staff were properly trained and within 90 days PAWS was able to save over 90% of the animals entering the facility and have maintained that to this day. As an impassioned shelter Director and Veterinarian, I strive to save lives across the state of SC. Using the knowledge that I have gained I have reached out to numerous shelters to assist them in implementing similar lifesaving programs.
One key component of animal welfare is being community-focused; it is important for PAWS to give back to our community. We are here are a resource center to help people keep their pets. We have a food bank, offer medical assistance, and provide many alternatives to surrendering a pet.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Along the way, I’ve faced quite a few challenges. There are those people that don’t like animals and therefore don’t support our mission. One of the biggest changes we made was implementing a community cat program. This allows cats to live outside as long as they are spayed/neutered and vaccinated for rabies. For many years citizens had been allowed to drop off cats and they would be euthanized so when we changed the program, they were no longer allowed to do that. It took lots of educating but the public is seeing the benefit of sterilizing the cats instead of euthanizing them.
Large dogs are a challenge in every shelter as they end up staying for longer amounts of time versus puppies and small dogs. We get creative with marketing, off-site adoption events, daycations, and we work tirelessly to keep the dogs from getting stressed and bored in the kennels. Fosters are always needed for our large dogs.
Animal Cruelty/hoarding is a challenge that our team faces on a daily basis. We see the very worst things that can be done to animals and it can certainly break our hearts. I remind staff to focus on all of the positive and to remember that we are able to make a difference every single day. SC certainly needs stronger laws in place for animal cruelty that would prevent such suffering.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
PAWS does 40-50 spay/neuter surgeries per day (4 days/week) Takes in over 7,000 animals annually
Manages 30 staff and over 100 animals on a daily basis.
Is there a quality that you most attribute to your success?
Anyone working in animal welfare has to have a sense of humor! It’s a given that we love animals but one of the most important qualities is also loving people. We can’t help animals without helping their people! This job takes patience, resilience, serious teamwork, the ability to have your heart broken repeatedly, while at the same time realizing that you have the most satisfying, life-changing, career in the world.
Contact Info:
- Email: pawsrescue@andersoncountysc.org
- Website: https://www.andersoncountysc.org/work-live/for-residents/adopt-a-pet/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/search/top/?q=anderson%20county%20paws
Image Credits
Todd Williams
Ken Ruinard
