By Zach Dunkin
Current in Noblesville
In more than five years of service at The Humane Society for Hamilton County, Executive Director Rebecca Stevens says she has never seen anything like it.
The shelter has taken in 300 kittens and cats since Sept. 1, increasing its feline total to nearly 600.
“We typically see a large influx in the late spring due to kitten season, but it is unusual for the fall,” said Stevens.
To help reduce numbers, the shelter is offering a discounted adoption fee of $25 ($15 for senior citizens) for each cat adopted on Saturday and Sunday. In addition, the first 15 cat and kittens and cats adopted on Saturday and Sunday will come with a $25 gift card to Pet Supplies “Plus.” Additionally, anyone adopting a black cat will receive a special cat goody bag.
All cats will be spayed or neutered prior to pick up and will receive a complimentary wellness exam and a certificate for a free rabies vaccine, which is redeemable at any of the shelter’s participating veterinarians unless noted otherwise. Each cat also receives 30 days of free pet insurance and will have received, at a minimum, their first round of vaccinations, is de-wormed, and will have received a heartworm/flea and tick preventative.
In addition, all cats are Feline Leukemia/FIV-tested and are microchipped and registered to the adopter for free.
The Cat Adoption Extraganza will be from noon to 5 p.m. each day at the shelter, 1721 Pleasant St., Noblesville.
Stevens says what’s happening in Hamilton County mirrors national trends where folks are surrendering their pets for financial reasons and a lack of commitment to what should have been a lifetime family member. “When it comes to kittens, it is clearly an issue of cats not getting spayed or neutered in our community, which is mandatory in Hamilton County.”
Even though the shelter is seeing record numbers, Stevens is hopeful.
“We know there are enough homes out there for every animal sitting in this shelter. It’s simply a matter of people making a conscience decision to adopt versus buying from pet stores and breeders,” she said. “Too many families are missing out on the unconditional love, companionship and life lessons that come from owning a feisty feline.”
So far in 2010, the shelter has taken nearly 2,700 animals.
Black and brindle dogs seven months and older are also on an adoption special during the month of October. Their adoption fees are just $55.
For more information, log on to www.hamiltonhumane.com or call the shelter at 317.773.4974.