The Great Falls Animal Shelter is once again participating in the Bissell Pet Foundation’s ‘Empty the Shelters’ event, aiming to alleviate overcrowding and provide optimal care with limited resources.
During this nationwide adoption initiative, facilitated by the Bissell Pet Foundation, adoption fees are reduced to $20 until July 31st (excluding city license fees), encouraging prospective pet owners to adopt. This event, known as the nation’s largest-funded adoption event, has historically doubled the shelter’s weekly adoption rates to approximately 15 to 20 animals.
Beyond adoption, there are various ways to support the shelter and its animals. Volunteers play a crucial role in enhancing animal welfare by walking dogs and interacting with cats, offering them much-needed positive attention outside their kennels.
Laramie Smovir, the operations director, emphasized the importance of community involvement, stating, “Volunteering and spending time with these animals helps enrich their lives beyond their kennels.”
Donations of essential supplies like dish soap, detergent, dishes, beds, and blankets are vital for maintaining a clean and healthy environment. These items are used daily to care for the animals and are always in high demand.
Furthermore, donations to the shelter’s Guardian Fund contribute to essential services such as vaccinations, spaying, neutering, and emergency medical care for animals in need. Smovir highlighted the fund’s critical role, noting, “Our Guardian Angel Fund covers emergency medical expenses, ensuring we can provide necessary care for animals like those injured in accidents.”
For city residents adopting animals during the event, city licenses are required and can be obtained at the shelter or participating veterinary clinics.
The ‘Empty the Shelters’ event not only facilitates adoptions but also underscores the community’s role in supporting animal welfare through volunteerism, donations, and responsible pet ownership.
Related Topics:
