Exciting Milestone Reached!

Cascades Humane Society reached a milestone this year – adopting out more than 1,000 animals!

CHS adopted 1,057 animals during our last fiscal year from July 2015 through June 2016. This is the most adoptions CHS has done during a one-year time span! In addition, CHS is on track to pass the 1,000 adoptions mark in the 2016 calendar year as well.

This is exciting news for all of us here at CHS. These adoptions are due to the tireless efforts of our staff and volunteers, working to make sure every pet is cared for as if they were their own. Staff are dedicated to the animals, and to our mission, of connecting animals in need with people who care. They are the front line, matching these animals with their new families and making sure all of their needs are met. Volunteers help in so many integral ways–from cleaning kennels and walking dogs to helping at the adoption desk and answering phones. No matter what they do for us, volunteers contribute to these animals finding their forever homes.

So where do all these pets come from? CHS accepts owner-surrendered animals, strays, and transferred animals from other shelters. We are pleased with the relationships we have built with other shelters, such as the Jackson County Animal Shelter, Ingham County Animal Shelter, Addison Veterinary Clinic, Hillsdale Humane Society, and the Detroit Animal Care and Control. Animals at these shelters are at risk for euthanasia due to space constraints. Being a no-kill facility that will not euthanize for space, we are able to give these unwanted pets a second chance at finding their forever families. The more adoptions we do–the more animals we can save.

Since 1966 we have been making a difference in Jackson County. Adoptions are just one piece of this, as the programs we offer help hundreds of families a year, many of whom are facing financial hardships. We are proud to say we spayed or neutered 733 owned animals this fiscal year as a part of our low-cost spay or neuter program (SNAP). These are all animals that will not be furthering the unwanted pet population. We also spayed or neutered 267 feral cats through our Forgotten Feline Program. Through this program feral cats are trapped, sterilized, and re-released to ensure they will not produce more litters of kittens (and for only $10 each, as it is subsidized through generous donors!). Lastly, we gave out 34,000 pounds of dog and cat food to families who can’t afford to feed their pets, helping to keep the animals in their homes!

We are lucky to be able to do what we love, and we are grateful that so many people in the Jackson Community (and beyond!) support our work. Not only through adopting our animals, but with generous in-kind and monetary donations. In-kind donations of food, cat litter, cleaning supplies, toys and bedding go a long way at CHS! We are always in of these items and getting them donated means we can spend more of our budget on the animals themselves!  We are also thankful for the gifts of money, in any amount. Every dollar goes to keeping the shelter running and the animals taken care of. Without any funding from the government, we truly rely on individuals, businesses and events to help make all that we do possible.

So, thank you to our staff, volunteers, and generous supporters for all that you do! This milestone is YOURS to celebrate!