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TEARS requests that either a new software package be developed for their use or that an existing software package be customized.
The following software packages are available for animal shelters:
- Animal Shelter Manager - A free customizable animal shelter software package. The package needs to be adapted for TEARS needs. Some uniquely South African criteria or features may need to be added. The downloaded software and manuals are available at TEARS
- The following packages, with the exception of Rescue Connection Lite (free), are also available, but at an exorbitant cost. ShelterBuddy, printout of software specifications and features and Rescue Connection software, five versions available. Printout of software specifications and features available from TEARS.
How will it be accomplished?
A hardware upgrade is seeked at TEARS offices. Any place equipped with a PC will be suitable for software customization/development.
Everyday TEARS, like other animal shelters in South Africa and the world over, faces unique data capturing and storage problems. A computerized software package is essential to keep track of a complex system of criteria relating to rescued animals as well as the medical status, sterilization, vaccination and de-worming of the animals owned by residents of the informal settlements which are being managed by the TEARS/IFAW/CLAW initiative. Software also does away with volumes of paperwork.
The management of a Lost and Found pets information system is also a huge problem. It is also essential to be able to produce accurate statistics of costs as foundations which fund animal welfare activities as well as the public, are entitled to these facts. Funding can often not be obtained without producing these statistics. The computer software must be able to calculate the number of animals admitted, how many were sterilized and what costs are involved over time.
Extensive research by TEARS into the availability of software packages for animal shelters revealed that they are exorbitantly priced and therefore out of reach of TEARS budget and also too complex for shelter staff and volunteers and therefore find it very difficult to manage complicated software.
This will benefit TEARS greatly and help to manage their data capturing and processing.
Beneficiaries: who are they?
Beneficiaries include all animals rescued by TEARS and the people adopting them, the re-uniting of lost and found pets with their owners and the health management of the animals of impoverished owners living in the informal settlements which TEARS services.
This efficient management of information relates to the health of the pets and therefore impacts directly on the health of the communities involved in terms of pet overpopulation and parasite control, e.g. management of worm infestation and mange, both of which can be transmitted to humans.
What are the key challenges you foresee?
An open source, unique and customizable, easy to use animal shelter management software package for the animal welfare organizations of South Africa to alleviate extensive paperwork and to keep track of numerous criteria relating to animal rescue and management.
What will it take to achieve this?
- Skills required for the customization/development of software packages
- Upgrade of TEARS PC/replacement of existing equipment - estimated at approximately R6000.00
- Number of volunteers - 3
What is the cost?
R6000.00
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