Lollypop Farm Celebrates Surpassing 90% Save Rate

Community Support & Innovative Practices Key to Achieving this Significant Milestone

Fairport, N.Y. – Lollypop Farm, one of the few open-admissions shelters in Western N.Y., announces it has achieved a 91% save rate, far surpassing the 85% goal the humane society set as part of its 2018-2021 strategic plan. Making the achievement even more significant is that the three-year strategic plan goal was exceeded one year early, with the save rate increasing by 10% in just the past year alone.

Lollypop Farm, the largest animal welfare organization in the region and the only one with humane law enforcement authority in Monroe County, accepts every companion and farm animal, including extreme cases, and never places a time limit on how long an animal can stay in the shelter. Achieving a 91% save rate is historic for the organization that saves an average of 5,000 pets annually. A 90% save rate is the animal welfare and shelter field’s highest standard, achieved when organizations can reserve humane euthanasia as a last resort, relying more on community-supported programs and innovative practices to ensure every animal possible finds a loving home.

“This momentous achievement is a reflection of our passionate and dedicated team who go above and beyond every day to ensure each pet receives quality care for their individual needs,” said Lollypop Farm CEO Alice Calabrese. “This is truly a celebratory moment in our organization’s 148-year history, but there’s still more work to be done. In partnership with our community, we can continue raising the bar to save even more animals across our region.”

The organization credits its save rate to several innovative programs implemented following the 2018-2021 strategic plan, many of which rely heavily on community engagement:

Enhancements to fostering programs: In 2020, Lollypop Farm over one-third of the pets spent time getting individualized care through Lollypop Farm’s foster care program. Last year, 1,082 pets received individualized care in foster homes. Foster care is a great, lower-stress option for pets recovering from medical conditions. It also frees up more space in the shelter for pets needing to be admitted to the shelter.

Increased adoptions of behaviorally challenged pets: Common behavioral challenges for dogs coming to Lollypop Farm include separation anxiety, timidness, high-energy, and an inability to socialize with other pets. Additionally, some animals brought in by Lollypop Farm’s Humane Law Enforcement suffer from abuse and or neglect, leading to a lack of human trust. These behaviors can be challenging for pet owners, but with understanding, time, and patience, these pets can make wonderful family members.

Added in-house veterinary capabilities: Recently, Lollypop Farm has increased its capabilities to provide complicated orthopedic surgeries in-house. Enhancements such as these provide access to subsidized procedures to help more pets.

Community Resources: Lollypop Farm values its role as the community’s pet care resource. For years, Lollypop Farm has provided subsidized spay/neuter to help families provide for their pets and prevent homeless litters. In 2020, the organization provided over 23,000 pounds of food and supplies to help families who have hit hard times provide for their pets. Lollypop Farm has also increased its efforts to help connect families with community resources for expensive emergency medical procedures.

Looking for more detailed data? Lollypop Farm adoption and admissions statistics are available to view here.

Want to Help?
The mission doesn’t end here. Through donations and volunteer efforts, Lollypop Farm can save even more lives. One key area in which the organization is in critical need of support is volunteers for large breed dog fostering. To learn more about becoming a foster pet parent, visit www.lollypop.org/get-involved/volunteer/foster-care-volunteers/.

Looking to Adopt?
In addition to traditional adoptions, Lollypop Farm is seeking pet parents interested in adopting pets with behavioral challenges. Learn more about adoptions at www.lollypop.org/adopt.

As always, Lollypop Farm is here to help families make the best decision for themselves and their pets. Should you need to surrender an animal for any reason, from financial issues to behavioral challenges that make it difficult for you and your pet to live together, visit our webpage or call us during business hours at 585.223.1330.

ABOUT LOLLYPOP FARM, HUMANE SOCIETY OF GREATER ROCHESTER: Established in 1873, Lollypop Farm is the largest animal welfare organization helping pets and people in the Greater Rochester area. Lollypop Farm is committed to creating a just and compassionate world for all animals, together with our community, through justice, prevention, and life-saving care. With a main campus located on 136 picturesque acres in Fairport and four other adoption centers throughout the community, the organization provides shelter, care, and adoption for dogs, cats, small animals, birds, reptiles, horses, and other farm animals. Lollypop Farm is an independent nonprofit organization supported solely through contributions, grants, investments, proceeds from retail sales, and fees for programs and services. For more information and to meet current animals available for adoption, please visit www.lollypop.org.

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