The Power of Strong Government Relationships

The Power of Strong Government Relationships

6 ways that leadership at Cincinnati Animal CARE has strengthened relationships with local government

By Meaghan Colville, Shelter Director, Cincinnati Animal CARE
(Best Friends Executive Leadership Certification Graduate, Cohort 2)

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The success of animal services in any community relies heavily on relationships. These relationships are with community residents, supporters, partners, critics, and often, government officials. 

Government officials are unique stakeholders in the ecosystem of animal services in that they wield a substantial amount of power. Many animal shelters around the country are operated by municipalities while others are independent non-profit organizations who partner, or contract, with their local governments. Elected and appointed leaders at local levels greatly influence how animal services are resourced and operated.

Building successful relationships with local government officials is critical and should be approached strategically and with intention. Like all relationships, they also must be nurtured and fostered over time. We must also be aware that elected leaders and their appointees may change after election cycles and we have to begin anew with the trust and communication building. 

In Hamilton County, Ohio, we have been very fortunate to work with a great government partner. Since Cincinnati Animal CARE was awarded the operations of the Hamilton County animal shelter and dog warden services in 2020, we have been very intentional about our approach to relationship-building with our county. Although our county commissioners have a myriad of competing priorities, I believe it is clear to both parties that we need them and they need us. This relationship is truly founded in a desire and commitment to work together toward what is best for the community. 

Our relationship with Hamilton County commissioners has included the following strategies:

1. Understand Priorities

It’s important for animal services leaders to understand, acknowledge, and remember that animal services is our number one priority but one of many for our government officials. We must take the time to understand what matters most to our commissioners or city leaders and help them find connection back to animal services. For example, if a commissioners or city leader is focused on eviction, we can help them understand how pets, and in turn animal services, is impacted by housing insecurity. Finding common goals and learning to “speak their language” help both parties achieve our objectives. 

2. Use Data

As experts in our profession, we understand both the large impact and nuances of the complexities and challenges of animal services. What is obvious to us may not be obvious to others. The use of data, statistics, and studies can simplify and bolster our requests for support and changes. Data allows government officials to quickly see the connection between the needs of animal services and the needs of their constituents.

This approach is particularly important when trying to convey that funding and support are directly tied to saving lives and much more. It may cost more to save lives than to end them but there are big benefits associated with lifesaving. Investing in a safe and humane community for pets and their people creates brand equity and positive reputations for cities and counties. Lastly people and their pets contribute to the economy in a meaningful way along with connecting people socially.

3. Emphasize the Impact on People

For most elected and appointed officials, they have been focused on people-issues and for far too long, animal services have not been recognized as being in that category. It is up to animal services leaders to connect the dots between the people and animals in our communities. Animal services ARE people services and when government officials can see what a critical role animal services plays for their constituents, they are more likely to prioritize animal services initiatives.

In Hamilton County, we remind our community as much as possible that every animal is connected to a person. They got to the shelter because someone could no longer care for them and they are only finding a live outcome if a person takes them home. Lifesaving is driven by community participation and government officials must understand that animals matter to their community. 

4. Be Transparent

In Hamilton County, we’ve built a relationship based on trust. This trust has been built by being exceptionally transparent. We send data reports each month, attend a set monthly meeting, and communicate regularly throughout the month as issues need our collective attention. We even invited a representative of Hamilton County to serve ex officio on our board so that the county could be present at every Cincinnati Animal CARE board meeting. In other words, we have nothing to hide and our commissioners are always aware of what is going on in our organization and in turn, at their county animal shelter. 

5. Go Beyond the Commissioners

In Hamilton County, we have three elected commissioners with whom we work closely with to achieve strong animal services, however, we don’t stop there when it comes to building relationships. Although we are still a new organization, just four years old, we have been working to make connections with other government agencies and representatives as well. These include City of Cincinnati and local neighborhood officials, police and fire chiefs, and health department staff.

As we continue to expand our reach and make connections throughout the county, we not only build relationships that could help animal services one day but we also begin to establish ourselves as “one of them”. Animal services has for too long been an after-thought in the architecture of local government entities but through relationship-building, we begin to become part of the local conversation.  

6. Lead with Patience and Respect

Government relationships will test your patience. Actions and decisions move slowly and as mentioned above, animal services are not often the priority. We have to acknowledge those facts and accept them. Feeling like you’re not being heard and working without the support you feel you need can be exceptionally frustrating but patience and respect must persevere. Representatives of animal services must remain respectful and professional in all interactions with government officials. If the heat must be turned up, leave that to your supporters. 

The Impact of Strong Government Relationships

So much has changed in animal services over the last several decades. As a Shelter Director in the mix every single day, I have a front row seat to the incredible work being done and the impact we have. To a lot of people though, animal services still has a “dog pound” image and generally, there seems to be confusion about the role of animal services in 2024. For many people in our community, including those in local government, they are not aware of, or at least not fully versed, in the rapid change and growth animal services has experienced in recent years.

Reconciling the old image of animal services with new progress and expectations can be challenging but that is the story we must articulately tell over and over again. Misunderstanding the role of animal services has led many in our community, including elected officials to miss the potential of what is possible. Animal services doesn’t have to be an embarrassment, headache or throw-away department within a municipality- it can be a shining star and a platform to be proud of.  

As leaders in animal services, we will collectively earn a seat at the table as a respected and valuable human-service through professionalism, communication, and respect. Strong relationships take time but they are well worth the investment.

This blog post is part of a series written by Cincinnati Animal CARE’s Shelter Director called Inside the Industry. If you’re interested in reading more of the series, check out our past blog posts here.