How We Plan to Expand Our Feeding Station Network 🧡 🐾

Introduction

TailsPal is preparing a practical plan to expand feeding stations that support stray and community animals across Georgian neighborhoods. Our focus is on creating a sustainable, safe system that communities can care for together.

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Why expand the network

Feeding stations reduce stress for animals and create predictable points for observation and care. When thoughtfully placed and maintained, they help manage public cleanliness and foster community responsibility.

How we choose locations

We follow simple, repeatable criteria:

• safe access for animals away from fast traffic;
• considerate distance from homes and businesses, with community input;
• stable installation surface and good visibility to reduce vandalism;
• feasibility for regular maintenance.

Process: site survey → community consultation → pilot placement → review.

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Design and materials

Good feeding stations should be:

• weatherproof and durable (coated metal or robust plastic);
• easy to clean and repair;
• designed to minimize attraction of rodents and pests;
• adaptable to seasonal needs (shelter from rain/snow).

Prioritize designs that are simple to maintain and source parts for locally.

Maintenance and logistics

Consistency matters. Our maintenance plan includes:

• refill and cleaning schedule tailored to local demand;
• named volunteers or partner organizations responsible for each site;
• basic repair kit and spare parts available nearby;
• a simple reporting routine (photo + short note) when refilled.

This approach keeps oversight light but reliable.

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Engaging the community

Local ownership is essential. Recommended actions:

• inform neighbors before installation and invite feedback;
• recruit volunteers for refilling, cleaning, and monitoring;
• provide short training on safe animal interaction and hygiene;
• organize community clean-up days and info sessions.

Funding and sustainability

Build a realistic budget that covers ongoing needs, not only initial purchase. Possible sources: small local fundraisers, donations from supporters, and purchases from local suppliers to support the local economy.

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Safety and legal aspects

Check local regulations and coordinate with municipal services where needed. Define clear responsibilities: who maintains, who reports issues, and where to direct health concerns.

Pilot and scale-up

Start small: one neighborhood pilot lets us test design, logistics, and acceptance. Use lessons learned to refine processes before rolling out to more areas.

Next steps you can take

• survey a potential site and talk with neighbors;
• choose a simple, durable feeding station design;
• assign maintenance roles and create a filling schedule;
• recruit and train volunteers early in the process;
• run a pilot, collect feedback, and iterate.

Together, with practical planning and community involvement, we can expand feeding stations in a way that helps animals and respects local neighborhoods.