Just like impact measurement, this assessment should be regularly updated to identify changes that may drive a desire for scaling a program up or down, such as a growth in pet ownership, a loss or addition of services at the organization or community, and so forth. Examining program impact and usage within the framework of the community assessment will help organizations determine how, or if, to scale their programs.
Finally, organizations need to consider the program’s end‐of‐life. Is there a natural endpoint that would dictate the closure of the program? What resources are needed to sustain the program, and what happens if those resources are not there? Again, knowing the community landscape will help an organization with these decisions. Once the decision is made to end a program, a phase‐out plan must be developed and should include how to communicate the closure to existing and past clients, how to transition those clients from the program to other services, if necessary, and how to best support those clients during the transition. Staff and volunteers, too, must be considered, as they may grapple with mixed feelings related to the program closure as well as worries about employment and volunteer opportunities. Thinking of these issues well in advance will help make the process for determining program closure clearer and ease the closure process for all involved.
5.5 Conclusions
Safety net programs are key to supporting pet retention and the behavioral health of pets at risk of shelter relinquishment. These programs benefit animals, pet owners, organizations, and communities. Given the multitude of program options, strategic program selection is critical, including consideration of goals, impact, and available resources. Programs must be thoughtfully planned, managed, and monitored to ensure that they meet pet ownership needs in the community and evolve as community needs change. With these considerations in mind, successful safety net programs are a critical tool in fostering an accessible and equitable support system for pet owners in the community.
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