Some furry friends have been keeping some city employees company at Boerne City Hall recently as part of a partnership between Animal Care Services and the city’s Customer Care and Billing departments.
The dogs, which are available for adoption at Boerne ACS, have been spending part of their days with city employees to help them with socialization and training while promoting the Pet of the Week adoption program. Each night, one city employee takes a dog home and gives it a comfortable place to stay before heading back to the office in the morning.
“Our colleagues at Customer Care have been amazing for the dogs in the city’s care,” ACS Supervisor Stefanie Fisher said. “We know when we pick the dogs up at the end of the day that they have been loved and cared for by people who truly want the best for them. The benefits of this partnership are then passed on to the residents who adopt the dogs.”
The “paw-sitives” of the program go beyond just the pets. Information from the city stated that studies show having dogs in the workplace reduces stress among employees, increases teamwork and morale and boosts productivity. Plus, city employees enjoy spending time with their fourlegged coworkers, too, the information stated.
“Having these loveable pets at city hall during the week is so wonderful,” said Jill Christian, manager of the Customer Care and Billing Department. “They are so friendly and bring a calming presence to everyone in the office. Taking a quick break to pet and play with these dogs is a highlight of the day.”
Each week on Facebook, ACS features a pet of the week – a dog or cat available for adoption at the city’s shelter. Currently, it’s just the dogs making regular visits to city hall.
The partnership is already paying off as in just the first few weeks two canines – Sparky and Camilla – have found their new forever homes, the city stated in a press release.
“It is a really cool collaboration between our departments that emphasizes the culture we work to build every day as an employer of approximately 275 people,” Boerne Communications Director Chris Shadrock told The Star.
All pets adopted through ACS already are examined by a licensed veterinarian, vaccinated, treated for flea/ heartworm prevention and spayed/neutered, the city stated.
Adoption fees are $100 for dogs and $90 for cats.
In addition, ACS facilitates pet fostering for cats and dogs that are not yet ready for adoption.
“ACS provides all materials needed to care for an animal, including food, blankets, puppy pads, medical care and anything else a pet may need,” information stated. “The work of a foster home is vital to the success of animals in our community. A foster home does the most important work of socializing animals and providing a temporary, safe home.”
Anyone interested in adopting a dog or cat is asked contact Boerne Animal Care Services at 830-249-2456 to schedule an appointment. ACS also can be emailed at [email protected].
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