The current state of our economy is posing challenges for man as well as man’s best friends. 2008 has proven to be a most challenging year for all animal shelters, and The Hancock County Animal Shelter has not been spared. Sadly, our furry friends are caught in the middle without a voice of their own, and they desperately need your help.

As a result of the continued reluctance of many pet owners to responsibly spay and neuter their pets, our nation’s animal shelters continue to house millions of dogs and cats, each and every one so deserving of finding that forever home with the consistent love and companionship for which we all yearn. Now coupled with the current state of our economy, the nation’s animal shelters are bearing an even larger burden. Home foreclosures and financial struggles are making it more and more difficult for people to care for their pets and, as a result, the number of pets being surrendered to our nation’s animal shelters is increasing exponentially.

There are a variety of ways in which the citizens of the community can help their local animal shelters and the wonderful, homeless animals housed within, survive this very challenging time.

How can you help? We are so glad you asked!

1. Spay and Neuter your Pets!!
2. Adopt a forever friend! Animal adoption rates have decreased dramatically, thus further exacerbating the challenges associated with the overcrowding in our nation’s animal shelters. Please find a way to open your heart and your home to a very deserving animal!
3. Donate your time! Overcrowding in the animal shelters requires additional hearts and hands to care for our homeless critters on a limited and static financial budget. There are numerous ways in which your time and talent can be donated to our furry friends onsite at the shelter including, but not limited to, cleaning cat cages, walking dogs, and helping out with the administrative office duties.
4. Become an adoption counselor! Help out at off-site adoption events that provide socialization and visibility for our animals with the hopes of finding that forever home!
5. Fundraising! Personal donations of monies, food, litter, blankets, and toys can go a very, very long way in helping the animal shelters to curtail its costs during such financially difficult times.
6. Become a foster parent! Fostering an animal(s) for your local animal shelter is worth its weight in gold! Not only are you affording the animal an opportunity to live life outside of a shelter cage until a formal adoption takes place, you are making room for other homeless critters who find themselves dependent upon the shelter for its interim care and attention until the right family comes along with an open heart.

If there was ever a time that your local animal shelter needed you, it’s NOW! Please reach into your hearts and help in whatever possible way you can. Every life counts!

MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN THE LIFE OF A SHELTER ANIMAL!!! CONTACT HCASF TODAY AT 304-387-4102!