In 2004, leaders from animal-welfare organizations across the nation gathered at the Asilomar Conference Center in California to address the unfortunate historical friction between groups with differing philosophies.

The conferees agreed on common principles and goals, consistent language and standards for the classification and collection of animal statistics.

Until recently, Longmont Humane Society was unable to provide the detailed statistics required under the Asilomar Accords. But in 2009, thanks to new software help from the Metro Denver Shelter Alliance and Maddie’s Fund, LHS is now able to report Asilomar statistics.

Using this data, shelters are able to calculate a “live release rate” – the percentage of cats and dogs that leave a shelter alive. The live-release rate helps shelters measure their annual progress in saving animals.  We are proud to report our live release rate for Dogs in 2009 is 92.5 percent and 66 percent for cats.  Our live release rate for both species is 83.58 percent. 

Our Asilomar Report for 2009 demonstrate a commitment to excellence in animal care and placement. The shelter’s annual live-release rate of nearly 84percent more than doubles the national average of 36 percent, according to the most recent data from the National Council on Pet Population Study & Policy Shelter Statistics Survey.

Open-admission shelters such as LHS, which take every animal without regard to age, health, breed or any other factor, typically have lower live-release rates. “Limited-admission” shelters and sanctuaries often report higher numbers because they accept limited numbers of animals and often only those likely to be adopted.

Longmont Humane Society's Asilomar Report for 2009

Longmont Humane Society’s Asilomar Report for 2008

Collection of animal statistics information and other LHS activities on behalf of lost, stray and homeless dogs and cats are generously supported by a grant from Maddie’s Fund. Maddie was a beloved miniature schnauzer who inspired her guardians to create this charitable foundation to help animals. Please visit www.maddiesfund.org for more information.

For more information on the Asilomar Accords, visit www.asilomaraccords.org