Operation Kindness

Operation Kindness is a no kill animal shelter for cats and dogs located in Carrollton, Texas. It is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization and describes itself as the oldest and largest no-kill animal shelter in the North Texas area. It receives no government funding and derives its income from donations from individuals and businesses, adoptions, fundraising events, and the sale of pet-related merchandise.

Operation Kindness
Founded1976
Type501(c)(3) non-profit organization
75-1553350
FocusAnimal welfare, no-kill shelter, pet adoption
Location
Coordinates32.967351, -96.847446
Area served
Dallas, Texas, Fort Worth, Texas and most of North Texas
Key people
Bob Catalani, CEO[1]
Revenue
$5,186,332 (2017) [2]
WebsiteOperation Kindness

Since its founding in 1976 they have saved the lives of nearly 105,000 homeless animals. It serves as the go to facility for 74 municipal animal shelters and animal rescue groups who have run out of space or have animals in need of medical services.

History

The shelter was founded in 1976, as an alternative to shelters that euthanized or destroyed unwanted and stray animals after a period of time if homes could not be found for them.[3] Its first twelve years were spent in a small building in Garland, Texas. In 1998, the building was no longer available, and a larger shelter reopened in Carrollton, Texas. An even larger shelter, measuring 10,000 square feet or 929 square meters, was completed in 1999. In 2005, a new Spay/Neuter Surgery and Treatment Center began operation.

During 2018, they managed the successful adoptions of 4,825 dogs and cats. They also provided care for a total of 5,043 animals, serving more than 324,000+ meals to animals in need.[3]

In 2018, construction began on a $12 million dollar capital campaign to build a new state-of-the-art animal hospital and renovate the existing animal shelter. The animal hospital is anticipated to be complete by September 2019, with the remaining renovations completed by summer 2020. Once finished, overall animal capacity will be increased by 35%.[4]

Programs

Adoptions

Almost 5,000 dogs and cats are adopted from Operation Kindness each year.[3] Operation Kindness cares for nearly 1,500 animals each year in the homes of its foster volunteers.[5]

Adoption is promoted by campaigns such as a Black Friday special for animals with black coloured fur.[6] In 2014, the organization held its fifth annual reunion picnic for dogs and cats adopted from the shelter, with about 200 people participating.[7]

Operation Kindness Pet Food Pantry

In August 2017, the organization launched the Operation Kindness Pet Food Pantry, taking over for the North Texas Pet Food Pantry to fulfill the growing needs of the community. The pantry is designed to lower the number of pets surrendered to shelters by providing temporary free cat and dog food to qualified low-income families. The pantry also provides free cat litter and flea and tick prevention for up to three months to owners with a financial need.[8]

Special Needs Animals

Operation Kindness has programs to help find adoptive homes for special needs animals. The Medical Fund enables the organization to provide lifesaving medical care, including surgeries, heartworm treatment, post-operative care, physical therapy and more so that sick and injured homeless animals can heal.[9] The Max Fund was established to provide the special training dogs with behavior issues need to get adopted faster, reduce returns, and ensure happy adoptions.[10]

Humane Education

Operation Kindness has a humane education program to teach children to become the next generation of responsible pet owners, delivering programs at area schools, community recreation centers and at its shelter.[11]

News

During 2015, Operation Kindness made national headlines when it paired abandoned 5-week-old Chihuahua "Chip" with 4-week-old kitten "Adele" who became instant best friends and were later adopted together.[12][13]

In November 2017, Operation Kindness Operation Kindness hosted its 25th annual Canines, Cats & Cabernet event to raise funds and awareness for homeless animals. Texas Rangers Manager Jeff Banister and his wife Karen served as honorary co-chairs of the event.[14]

In December 2017, Operation Kindness was awarded with a $100,000 donation from Reliant Gives, the charitable arm of Reliant Energy.[15]

Awards

The Dallas Observer noted that Operation Kindness received the following awards:[16]

  • Best Cat Sanctuary - 2011
  • Best Place to Get a Pet - 2004 and 2001

Charity Reputation

Operation Kindness has earned a 4 Star Rating from Charity Navigator and a Platinum rating from Guidestar. Financial information is posted for the public on the Operation Kindness website.[17]

See also

References
  1. Abril, Danielle (July 29, 2013). "Operation Kindness hires Jim Hanophy as CEO". Dallas Business Journal.
  2. "Operation Kindness". Charity Navigator.
  3. "Operation Kindness is the original and largest no-kill animal shelter in North Texas". operationkindness.org.
  4. "Operation Kindness Capital Campaign Plan". operationkindness.org.
  5. "Foster Program". operationkindness.org.
  6. Trizila, Jo (November 28, 2014). "Operation Kindness Offers Black Friday Special: $20 Off Black Pets". Advocate Magazine. Archived from the original on November 29, 2014.
  7. Schmitt, Madeline (May 17, 2014). "Animal Alumni Gather To Celebrate Adoption From Operation Kindness". CBS Local.
  8. "Pet Food Pantry". operationkindness.org.
  9. "Medical Fund". operationkindness.org.
  10. "Ways to Give". operationkindness.org.
  11. "Kindness for Kids". operationkindness.org.
  12. Main, Sami (March 26, 2015). "Abandoned Kitten And Puppy Become Best Friends Despite All Odds". Buzzfeed.
  13. Boone, John (March 26, 2015). "An Abandoned Puppy and a Stray Kitten Became Best Friends for Life". etonline.com.
  14. "Operation Kindness Presents Canines, Cats & Cabernet". dallas.culturemap.com.
  15. Santiago, Maria (December 7, 2017). "Operation Kindness Welcomes Holiday Season with $100,000 Donation". NBC Local.
  16. "Operation Kindness". Dallas Observer.
  17. "Financials". operationkindness.org.
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