Happy Tails Pet Sanctuary

Overview

Happy Tails Pet Sanctuary is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization located in the Sacramento area of California. Founded in 1993 by Melanie diLuck and a group of volunteers, it operates as a no-kill, cage-free animal shelter, focusing on rescuing, nurturing, and providing medical care to abandoned, abused, and homeless cats and dogs[1][3][5].

Mission and Activities

The sanctuary's mission is to improve the lives of animals by offering them a safe environment and finding them loving, forever homes. It achieves this through a variety of activities:

• Animal Rescue and Adoption: Happy Tails offers a safe haven for animals awaiting adoption, ensuring their medical and emotional needs are met by local veterinarians and volunteers[1][5].
• Spay and Neuter Programs: The organization provides spay and neuter services, aiming to reduce pet overpopulation in the Sacramento area[1].
• Feral Cat Management: Happy Tails maintains multiple colonies of healthy, altered feral cats as part of its efforts to manage local feral populations[1].
• Assistance Programs: The sanctuary offers support to low-income pet owners and seniors, helping them retain their pets by providing necessary care[1].

Organizational Structure

Happy Tails is largely volunteer-driven, supported by over 200 volunteers with a small staff of paid employees handling administrative and veterinary tasks[1]. The organization relies heavily on donations, grants, and fundraising events to fund its operations[1][3]. As a tax-exempt organization, donations to Happy Tails are deductible[2].

Financials

Historically, the majority of Happy Tails' revenue comes from donations, which typically account for over 85% of its total income[2]. Program services and other revenue sources contribute to its overall budget, which is reported to be between $500,001 and $1 million annually[3].

Partnerships

Happy Tails is a partner of Best Friends Animal Society, part of a network dedicated to making shelters across the United States no-kill by collaborative efforts in lifesaving[5]. This partnership allows access to additional resources and support, enhancing Happy Tails' ability to care for and place animals in forever homes.