Phil Jack is PALS Person of Month

Thank you, Phil Jack, for your support of PALS and our volunteers.

In September, we took in 11 dogs and adopted out five. One was returned to its owner. No cats came in or were adopted out during the month. Our current numbers are nine dogs and 13 cats.

There are certain procedures we follow when an animal comes to us. All new animals are immediately dewormed and de-fleaed, after which they are placed on monthly flea prevention. Dogs are given vaccinations for parvo/distemper and bordetella. Cats receive a four-way vaccine that protects them from feline rhinotracheitis, feline calicivirus, feline panleukopenia and feline chlamydiosis. Shelter manager Angela Gatton explained that this is necessary at intake to protect all the shelter animals from being exposed to diseases and parasites.

She also pointed out that many of the animals we take in have never received any vaccinations or parasite control. It is important to provide this basic care right away to help the animals get healthy and ready to go to their forever homes. Dogs are microchipped at intake.

Appointments are made with our shelter veterinarian, Dr. Kelli Allen of Allen Veterinary Center, to vaccinate each animal for rabies and to spay/neuter them. If the animal is not old enough, the adopter is asked to pay a deposit of $50, which is refunded when proof is provided that these things have been done. There is no additional charge if the animal is taken to Dr. Allen. 

Also, at the time of feline spays/neuters, the cat is tested for feline leukemia and FIV (feline aids). This is part of the $65 adoption fee for cats, which covers everything listed above.

One of the most important things we do at intake is testing dogs for heartworms. If the dog tests negative, it is started on monthly heartworm prevention. If a dog tests positive, it is taken to Dr. Allen to begin heartworm treatment. Dr. Allen stated that we use the three-injection protocol recommended by the American Heartworm Society. If someone chooses to adopt one of our dogs that is heartworm positive, they must commit to finishing the dog’s heartworm treatment.

By continuing the treatment at Allen Veterinary Center, there is no charge for the adopter.. Dr. Allen stresses the importance of keeping all dogs on heartworm prevention throughout the year.

The adoption fee for a PALS dog is $100. As you read all the above items provided, you can understand that the adoption fee does not cover our expenses for the care we choose to give each dog. Nor does the cat adoption fee cover their expenses. This is why we have fundraisers and why we appreciate your support. 

Last month we transferred four dogs to other facilities to give them additional opportunities to be adopted. We do not receive any reimbursement or adoption fees from the receiving shelters. The joy of learning that these animals, whom we have loved for months, have finally found forever homes more than makes up for the financial loss we incur. Again, this is why we have fundraisers and value your donations.

If you ordered Chicken Mary’s chicken from us, please pick it up Sunday (tomorrow) between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. at the shelter.

Sunday is Blessing of the Animals hosted by St. John’s Episcopal Church. It will be at the church at 2 p.m.

Thank you for your love of animals and your support of PALS, your local state-licensed, no-kill shelter.