At the most recent City Council meeting, Scruffy Tails Board Member Val Tuseth spoke to the Council about the financial issues they are facing at the facility. Sadly, some of the first sentences that were spoken were about how close the Humane Society is to having to close its doors, largely due to the lack of donations that they usually receive throughout the year. In visiting with Erin Wilson, the Manager of Scruffy Tails, on Friday, we learned more about why speaking with the City was so important. “So, right now we are at a very minimal amount of funds, at the point of the meeting we had maybe $7,000 in our bank account, we have gotten donations which is great, since that meeting, so we are able to last like a month,” says Wilson.
Wilson explained that the Humane Society’s donations go towards vet expenses, utilities, and staff wages. As a nonprofit business, it relies heavily on donations and grants to cover its operating costs. When asked if there are ways of saving money or cutting costs, Wilson said the staff hours are cut back so the organization can stay in operation.
Not only does Scruffy Tails usually take in surrenders, which they have had to stop at this time due to lack of funds, but they also house the City of Crookston Police Animal Impound. “Right now, the City Impound is five kennels they get, they get a straight fee, kind of like rent, and then if an animal comes in, they will pay an additional $18 a day,” said Wilson.
In the past fundraisers have been huge sources of funds to keep the facility open. When asked about upcoming fundraisers, Wilson mentioned a couple.”We are working on doing a Halloween thing, and then we are working on Purse BINGO, so we’re going to go around soon and ask for donations of purses and door prizes and stuff like that, which I’m kind of excited about because the last Purse BINGO we had in town really hit it off, so that was awesome,” said Wilson.
When asked about the bottom line and what was needed for Scruffy Tails to remain open, Wilson said, “Our monthly expenses without unforeseen vet costs are about $15,000. Our biggest thing is vets.”
Our interview today had the beautiful background noise of kittens asking for attention and playing in their enclosures. Right now Scruffy Tails has somewhere upwards of 25 felines for adoption and two canines. The dogs, Walter and Bear, are Blue Healer Mix siblings that came into Scruffy Tails together and are awaiting their forever home. Unfortunately Scruffy Tails is not able to take in any surrender animals as they just cannot cover the cost.
What happens to the animals at Scruffy Tails if they have to close? Wilson explains. “They will go to other shelters, obviously take care of them until we can find them other places, but that is something we are working on right now, too.”
Wilson really wanted people to know also that they have haulted all renovations. No work is being done at this time. Walking through, though, we saw the improvements that were being made for the well-being of the animals. They have a new space that still needs finishing for the Police Impound, which is bright and safe as opposed to the dark, small room they have now. Everything they have been doing to improve the facility is for the animals, says Wilson. “The whole point of the renovations was to make the lives of the animals better.”
What are the costs associated with caring for an animal, you might wonder? Wilson breaks that down for us. “Our animals are in our care on average, 40 days, and it costs us about $1,000 to do their care, their shots, vet costs, and all of that,” says Wilson. The cost of adopting one of the animals is far less. Right now, the cost for cat adoption is between $100-150, and for Dogs, between $200-250. Those adopted pets have had their initial care done, shots given, and spayed or neutered.
The staff at Scruffy Tails are always looking for volunteers to help care for and walk the animals. They would also be happy to show people around. Just visit and see what it’s all about. It is a beautiful facility, and it’s clear that the staff enjoy their jobs and have found purpose in caring for the animals and finding them homes. If you wish to make a donation, donations can be made in several ways, and that information can be found at www.ScruffyTails.org. Wilson wanted people to know that right now, Greater Goods Charities is matching donations up to $10,000, so now is really a great time to donate.
