How does the APL Pet Placement Network operate?
We are aware of no other pet adoption program that is more successful in finding loving homes for those in need than our Placement Network. The Network assists in re-homing more than 800 pets each year. None of the area shelters can boast of such an outstanding achievement.
The base of the APL Network is two phone lines, one in Burlington and one in Keokuk. Telephone counselors assist callers in many ways. In addition to listing pets available for adoption and making referrals to those interested in adopting a pet, the counselors also deal with callers who report neglect and abuse cases, those looking for temporary housing for their pets, general behavioral questions or concerns, grief counseling after the loss of a pet, accident, injury, and illness referrals, spay/neuter assistance referrals, adoption advice, request for information related to responsible pet care, and an endless variety of other issues as the arise.
Callers looking for assistance in placing their pets are asked a myriad of questions regarding their animal and the most suitable home for them. They are also asked to submit photos of their pet to complete the available for adoption listing. The Network uses the resources of Petfinder.com to expand our listings to the Internet. All APL animals listed must be available at no charge and there is currently no charge for our services. APL available pets remain in their current homes or in foster care homes until they are adopted. The owners remain wholly responsible for the care and placement of their pets and have the ultimate authority to make the adoption to one of our referrals or to anyone they choose.
Callers, hoping to find the perfect pet to adopt, will indicate their preferences, often with the assistance of the Network counselor. The goal is to match those looking to adopt with those who have animals available for adoption. In this way, we are able to keep as many as possible out of the already overcrowded area shelters and pounds where they are often exposed to illnesses, likely to develop behavioral changes, or be threatened with the possibility of euthanasia.
Why is the Network so successful?
The APL Placement Network provides an opportunity for responsible pet owners and caregivers to take a proactive role in finding a suitable home for their animal. Most of those who choose to use the Network do so because they are forced to give up their pets due to circumstances beyond their control or changes in situations which make it no longer possible for them to adequately care for their pet. Most of the animals listed are generally in better health, have been well cared for, and have been important members of the family. Prospective adopters have the opportunity to actually meet with the current owner, ask any questions they may have about the pet's history, health issues, behavioral considerations, and general disposition. The animals make a much smoother transition from home to home, rather than being placed in a shelter or pound environment. Most adoptions include a trial-basis option to return the pet to its original owner should any problem arise. Owners and caregivers feel good about their adoption decision and the home they have chosen for their pet. Adopters are more secure in knowing the background and history of their new family member. Most importantly, the animals we assist in re-homing are loved and cared for throughout the process.
Will the Network continue in operation when Homeward Bound is operational?
Absolutely. The Placement Network will remain as the basic building block of the APL adoption program. The Network cannot currently deal with emergency or immediate placements if foster care homes are not available. Therefore, in immediate need cases, we must refer callers to one of the area shelters or pounds or to law enforcement. Homeward Bound will help us to fill that essential gap in services.
How can I get involved with the APL Placement Network and help find homes for pets in need?
Volunteer Placement Counselors are always in great demand. After initial training and coaching to become familiar with handling calls, you may be asked to retrieve messages left on the APL network answering service from your home phone. You would then return the calls and document the contacts. No other volunteer opportunity provides as much personal satisfaction as knowing that you have assisted in a successful pet adoption. You might also consider becoming an APL photographer who is assigned to travel the service area and take pictures of those available for adoption when the owners have no means to get pictures to us. You could edit those photos and maintain our listings on Petfinder.com. You may choose to help with press releases and mailings of updated listings.
For ultimate participation, you might consider volunteering your home for foster care. The responsibility is greater, and so are the rewards.
