Talbot Humane recently reached a record that its Executive Director, Brian Metcalf, said points out the urgent need for community assistance for the organization and its animals. At the end of September, it was caring for a record number of 208 pets, with 151 animals at the Adoption Center and 57 others in foster homes waiting for space at the facility.
Of that number, 168 were cats and kittens. Metcalf announced that, in response to the challenging situation, Talbot Humane has reduced its cat adoption fees to $35 each, or $50 for two. “Our fees are the lowest of the year for cats,” he noted. “We desperately need to find families for these lovable friends.”
Metcalf emphasized the value that Talbot Humane is offering on each adoption. By the time the cat or kitten is ready for a new home, the organization has invested approximately $100 in the animal’s welfare. Each one is spayed or neutered, receives a micro-chip implant and all vaccinations prior to adoption. “We spend more than the adoption fee just to spay or neuter the cat,” he added.
For those who cannot help by adopting or offering a foster home for an animal, said Metcalf, any financial aid they can provide to the nonprofit organization would be most welcome. Sustaining the facility’s services costs nearly $2,000 each day, including expenses for animal care, community animal control services, subsidized adoption fees and low-cost spay and neuter surgery. Low-income families are regularly assisted by Talbot Humane’s pet food pantry.
“Our doors are open to all Talbot County companion pets,” explained Metcalf. “We keep pets for as long as it takes to place them into loving homes.” Some pets may take as long as six months to a year to be adopted.
For Talbot Humane, given the current weakened economy, that means reaching a record Metcalf greatly wishes could be reduced. “This is the perfect time to adopt, if you can,” he encouraged, “but if you can’t, please help us with the cost of our care for these homeless pets.”
For more information, to make a contribution, or to volunteer, call Talbot Humane at 410-822-0107 or visit www.talbothumane.org.
