November, 2003

Dear First Coast Veterinarian/Clinic Owner:

Thank you for all that you already do to improve the quality of life of the pets in the First Coast area, whether it is through participation in our programs, working with other groups or through your daily work.

First Coast No More Homeless Pets was formed in June of 2001 to pursue the goal of ending the killing of adoptable pets in our shelters. Since that time we have facilitated more than 1300 adoptions and 4000 sterilizations. All of our sterilizations are targeted at the pets of First Coast residents who would otherwise not have altered their pets.

National studies have shown that nearly 80% of the pet overpopulation problem comes from as few as 3% of pet owners, these pet owners being those of limited income who do not get their pets altered. With this in mind it was obvious that our sterilization programs should be targeted at the pets of these people. In addition, we have no interest in wasting resources by assisting pet owners who are able and would get their pets altered without intervention.

FCNMHP currently has three levels of programs available to assist pet owners with sterilization of their pets, all based upon client income. The SpayJax program, funded by the City of Jacksonville and endorsed by the Jacksonville Veterinary Medical Society is the most widely known of these programs. We also have our Rolling Spayathon Series funded by PETsMART Charities and our Low Cost Referral Program. All of these programs rely on discounted services offered by participating clinics. We invite you to participate, at some level, in all three programs.

We believe that after three years of targeted, effective neutering we will see a decrease in shelter admissions by as much as 50% and euthanasia by 30%. In order to accomplish this we need to increase effective sterilizations by at least 5000 per year for those three years. I stress increase surgeries, because merely discounting surgeries that would have occurred without help will accomplish nothing.

Attached is detailed information on our programs and a fax in sign up sheet. I would like to invite you to join us in our work to end the killing of adoptable pets. If you have any questions please feel free to call me. I am looking forward to working with you to end the pet overpopulation problem in the First Coast.

Sincerely,
Rick DuCharme
We’re on a mission…
To end the killing of adoptable dogs and cats in our community through Sterilization, Adoption and Education

First Coast No More Homeless Pets, Inc.
Spay & Neuter Hotline: (904) 425-0005

Rick DuCharme, President
p. (904) 928-0805
f. (904) 928-9650
c. (904) 728-3675

1125 Akers Dr.
Jacksonville, FL 32225

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