Published: September 06, 2008 04:43 pm            

Paw Prints: Terre Haute Humane Society serves community animals

TERRE HAUTE — The Terre Haute Humane Society is a local organization that is committed to providing food, care and temporary housing for owner surrendered, stray and abandoned animals. The staff and volunteers are dedicated to try and find homes or rescues for each shelter resident, if possible. Although euthanasia cannot be avoided, every effort is made to give each animal a second chance at life.

The Terre Haute Humane Society is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that depends heavily on donations and fundraisers in order to provide food and health care for the animals. The humane shelter employs a manager, animal caregivers and adoption counselors. There are two veterinarians who perform spay/neuter surgeries weekly, and several others that support the shelter by offering their services. The Humane Society is responsible for the costs associated with running the shelter on a day to day basis.

The Terre Haute Humane Society began in 1913 by a group of local citizens. The goal of the humane society is to prevent unnecessary animal suffering and to teach the humane treatment of all living animals through education. A variety of Outreach programs in the community include classroom visits, day care facilities and senior citizen centers. The shelter provides assistance to owner-surrendered, abandoned, and neglected or abused animals. Compassion for animals and responsible pet ownership is promoted, as well as spaying and neutering of animals in order to manage the local animal population. All animals adopted from the Terre Haute Humane Shelter are altered before adoption.

The Terre Haute Humane Society is at 1811 Fruitridge Ave. and the hours open to the public are noon to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and noon to 4 p.m. Saturday, Sunday and Monday. Most of the animals can be viewed online at www.thhs.org. The Humane Society is always searching for good foster homes and active volunteers. Foster families offer temporary housing and care for animals that are too young to be adopted, sick animals, or for those waiting transport to rescue. Volunteers must be at least 16 years of age and attend an orientation and training. Interested persons may contact the shelter at (812) 232-0293.

The humane shelter is continuously in need of donations, which are tax deductible. There is also a need for supplies, such as cat litter, Capstar, Advantage, Revolution, or Frontline (flea medications), bleach, liquid laundry soap, shredded paper (long strips, not confetti), terrycloth bath towels, blankets, collars and leashes, dog and cat shampoo, and office supplies. There is also a need for small, medium and large cat and dog carriers, and gas cards for rescue transport.

Adoption fees help cover expenses (although fundraisers are necessary) and include spaying or neutering, vaccinations (except rabies), ID tag and microchipping, one month free Sheltercare insurance, first veterinarian visit free at participating clinics, worming, nails trimmed, and ears cleaned. Adoption applications are available at the shelter, online or through fax.

        

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