What are ASPCA Partner Communities?

The core beliefs and objectives of the ASPCA’s work for the animals with our partner communities

ASPCA partner communities are cities or regions whose major animal sheltering agencies have applied and been accepted to work intensively with ASPCA experts to increase the live release rate for companions in their communities.

Several key elements form the foundation of all our partnerships with communities across the country. Below you'll find a brief statement of our vision, mission, and focus of these partnerships, as well as the assumptions behind what we do and the process we undertake with each community.

Vision and Mission

The vision of the ASPCA is that the United States is a humane community in which all animals are treated with respect and kindness.

The mission of ASPCA Partnership is to work intensively with our partner communities to increase the live release rate of animals in each community, focused on saving the animals most at risk.

Focus of Our Work

Our work focuses a collective effort on sustainable, data-driven plans and programs that engage the community to:

• reunite lost animals with their families,
• increase adoptions,
• target spay/neuter, and
• support feral cats.

Assumptions

Trust and respect are the foundation of a partnership and are achieved through continual honest, open communication.

Our priority is saving lives! We target and/or reallocate time and resources to increasing the community-wide live release rate. Every community is unique. With the participating agencies, we devise plans and approaches based on the specific needs and resources of a community's organizations and leadership.

Data plays a crucial role in the development of programs and focus.

We recognize our partners' knowledge and community leadership. Through effective communication, relationship building, consulting, appreciative coaching, and facilitation with our partners, we accelerate the evolution to a more humane community.

Our Process

Data collection, assessment, and analysis are fundamental. They enable ASPCA partner communities to implement life-saving strategies that take into account the circumstances, strengths, challenges, and needs of each community. Partner communities and ASPCA experts use the data in the work planning process to gain greater understanding of their situation and their respective roles in the work to create positive outcomes for at-risk animals.

The work planning process is conducted with the community baseline data (submitted during the application process) and other relevant materials and resources.

• The resulting work plan guides our work in the community and builds alignment for the collaborative efforts.
• Together, we track progress on a regular basis toward achievement of the outcomes the community has identified as its focus.
• During the annual facilitated planning session with the partner communities, we celebrate accomplishments, and we identify what is working and what changes are needed to update the plan for the coming year.