Q. Why are so many pets brought into the Klamath Humane Society Animal Shelter?
A. Many animals are strays brought in by the public and Dog Control. Other pets are dropped off by their owners. Often, life's circumstance and / or unfortunate financial hardship force some responsible people to give up their pets and leave them at the shelter. But, in many cases, people are simply irresponsible. They get a young pet, and as the pet matures, the 'cute' stage fades. The pet, usually untrained, is viewed as a problem and is discarded. Unthinkable? YES! But this story is a daily reality at the shelter.
Because pets multiply at an alarming rate, unwanted pets are born every day and end up at the shelter simply because there aren't enough homes. Sad, but true. In seven years, 2 unaltered cats and all of their offspring can result in 420,000 cats! In six years, 2 unaltered dogs and all of their offspring can result in 67,000 dogs! Each day in America, 70,000 puppies and kittens and only 10,000 humans are born.
Q. How long do you keep an animal at the Klamath Humane Society?
A. There are no time limits. Each animal is evaluated on an individual basis. Time depends on temperament, mental and physical health, breed and space. Though aggression can surface in any breed, some breeds are predisposed to aggressive behavior and many that come to the shelter are aggressive. Animals that pose a threat to children, adults or other animals are not available for adoption. They are put to sleep. Time can be as short as 1 day, or as long as needed to find a home for a safe, adoptable pet. Many pets stay at the shelter for months, waiting for their new, forever homes.
Q. What does the Klamath Humane Society do to find homes for pets?
A. The staff and volunteer's efforts are strong! Pets are advertised locally every week. Photos of adoptable pets can be seen online. Shelter pets can also be seen at Double - C, 4141 Washburn Way, and PETCO on South 6th Street. In addition, relationships with other shelters in the region, pet rescue groups and service dog organizations help the pets find homes. Through our volunteer Foster Care Program, pets that are not ready for adoption are placed with foster families and receive temporary care in their homes. We are always in need of Foster Homes! If you would like to become a part of the Foster Care Program, please call 541-882-1119, Ext. 0.
Q. What does the Klamath Humane Society do about the pet overpopulation problem in Klamath County?
A. The Humane Society has partnered with local veterinarians to provide low cost spay and neuter services through the Spay Neuter Incentive Program known as "SNIP". This is a financial need based program. Applications and SNIP Vouchers are available only at the Klamath Humane Society Animal Shelter, 500 Miller Island Road. The cost of the voucher is based on the client's ability to pay. The program is funded through grants and community donations.
Pet overpopulation is a huge problem in Klamath County and in our nation. Published statistics show that 4 to 5 MILLION unwanted animals are put to sleep each year in the United States. This is a National average of 12,000 animals per day! We are dedicated to reducing the pet overpopulation problem in Klamath County through education and "SNIP". Please, be part of the solution, have your pets spayed or neutered.
Q. How can the number of pets put to sleep (euthanized) be decreased?
A. Responsible pet ownership, adopting a pet from an animal shelter and stopping the pet overpopulation problem through spay and neuter would decrease the number of pets that are put to sleep. Please, adopt a pet, spay or neuter your pets, and encourage others to do the same.
Q. How much does it cost to adopt an animal at the shelter and what are the fees used for?
A. Adoption fees, which include spay / neuter and a variety of services and items, vary depending on the animal, the breed, age and health. Adoption fees are used to provide care for other homeless pets.
Q. Does the Klamath Humane Society receive any national funding?
A. NO! National groups, such as the Humane Society of the United States, do not fund local animal shelters. As a local, non-profit organization, ALL funding comes from donations, animal adoptions, owner release fees, a contract with Klamath County Animal Control, and tireless volunteers spending a huge amount of time searching for, and applying for, grants. Donations enable us to provide care for homeless pets.
Note: The Klamath Humane Society is paid for boarding stray and court held dogs only for the legal "hold period". At the end of the 'hold period" (which is 72 hours for strays) all County funding for care stops.
Q. Why do we need a new Animal Shelter?
A. The existing shelter is old and lacks separate areas for stray, sick, and adoptable pets. In addition, the current shelter is too small and has inadequate ventilation and drainage systems to care for the nearly 300 community generated animals per month.
Q. Where will the new facility be located, what is the progress on the project, and how much is needed to finish it?
A. The 18,000 square foot, functional, not fancy, Animal Shelter is under construction on donated land at 4042 Washburn Way, just before the over-pass, by the railroad tracks, across from Double-C. The building is up! Utilities are to the building, plumbing and concrete are in, and interior walls are in progress! Many have given time, money and services and are turning the dream of a new animal shelter into a reality. This is a "pay-as-we-build" project. When the facility opens, it will be debt free. It is estimated that $350,000 to $400,000 will complete the project. Your help is needed.
Q. What can I do to help with the building of the new Animal Shelter?
A. You can help with "Project Animal Shelter" by raising funds, volunteering your time to work on the project, giving generous, tax deductible, donations and asking all of your friends and family to do the same. We encourage you to ask your tax professional about tax laws that allow you to write off donations of stock and other items at their current, fair market, value, instead of their actual cost. Save taxes! Help Pets!
Q. How can I donate? On line by clicking on "Donate and Help", or by mail at the address below.
A. Send your donations to: Klamath Humane Society, P.O. Box 482, Klamath Falls, OR 97601
