|
|
|
Members of the Herkimer County Humane Society Board of Directors put together a list of 18 of the most frequently asked questions about the shelter.
Below are the first 6 in the first of a three-part series about the humane society.
How did the Herkimer County Humane Society start?
In 1912, it took a circus traveling through the Herkimer area and the courage of one woman, Zaida Zoller, to call attention to the need for an organization to promote animal welfare. Zoller was appalled by the condition of the overworked horses pulling circus wagons and called the police. The police cited the circus for abuse and confiscated the horses. This created such a strong public reaction that the Herkimer County Humane Society was formed by a group of Ilion businessmen. They incorporated the organization on Feb. 13, 1913. The incorporation was approved by the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.
Are you a Herkimer County run agency?
No. This is the question that we receive the most. The Herkimer County Humane Society is not a county run agency, but does receive a very small portion of funds from the county. The amount the shelter received for 2011 is $15,000 which covers approximately seven weeks of payroll expenses. All other moneys received are through fundraising events, donations, memorials or if a person makes a gift to the shelter through their last will and testament. The employees of the Herkimer County Humane Society are NOT county employees.
Are you a no-kill shelter?
No. The Herkimer County Humane Society considers itself a very low kill shelter. In 2010 we took in approximately 495 animals and lost only 40 to euthanasia. This is usually because of severe illness or a highly aggressive animal. We also work with rescue groups and have people who foster our animals until they find their forever homes.
Who can volunteer at the shelter?
Anyone who is 16 years or older. If you are under 16 years of age, a parent or guardian must remain at the shelter while the volunteer works. We are always looking for people to walk the dogs, fold laundry, play with the cats or just help wherever needed. Volunteers make up a huge portion of our work force and we literally could not run the shelter without the help of our many volunteers. Approximately two years ago, the Booster Club was formed under the direction of Danyel Sommer-Everson, board member. The club meets once per month, plans events and works with the board to attend as many fundraising events as possible. They are an indispensable part of the shelter. You can become a booster by visiting our website and downloading the application.
What if I can no longer keep my dog or cat? What is the fee to surrender my animal at the Herkimer County Humane Society?
The fee is $40 to surrender a dog and $20 to surrender a cat. However, the Herkimer County Humane Society has the right to refuse to accept an animal if we simply do not have the space for them. This does not include animals that come to the shelter after being picking up by an animal control officer. These are animals that are running at large, where no known owner is able to be found. Once the animal is surrendered, the shelter is free to adopt the dog or cat into their forever home. We strongly encourage people who cannot keep their pets for whatever reason to try to find a home for them. There are rescue groups for most pure breeds of dogs. It is not that we don’t want to take an animal, but sometimes we are filled to capacity and although we are a low kill shelter, we don’t want to have to euthanize for space, something that we have tried to never do.
What is the cost to adopt an animal from the Herkimer County Humane Society?
The cost is as follows: Adult dogs — $80 (dogs that have already been spayed or neutered). This fee includes distemper vaccine and worming. Twelve weeks of age and up also includes rabies vaccine (one year); puppies — $140 (dogs that have NOT already been spayed or neutered). This fee includes a $60 deposit as per state Spay/Neuter Law, Section 377-a of Article 26. The total deposit of $60 is refundable in full in the animal is altered within 30 days of turning six months old. Adult cats (cats that have already been spayed or neutered) — The regular adoption fee is $60. At this time and for an indefinite period of time, the fee has been reduced to $30. We will announce when the fee returns to the original price of $60. This fee includes distemper vaccine and worming. Twelve weeks of age and up also include rabies vaccine (one year) and Felv/Fiv Test. There is an additional $5 charge for the Felv/Fiv Test. Please note: There is no Felv/Fiv Test for kittens under twelve weeks of age; Kittens — $85 (cats that have NOT already been spayed or neutered) This fee includes a $35 deposit as per state Spay/Neuter Law, Section 377-a of Article 26. The $35 deposit is refundable in full if the animal is altered within 30 days of turning six months old. The Herkimer County Humane Society only has dogs, cats, puppies and kittens available for adoption.
———
Editor’s note: This is the first of a three-part series about the Herkimer County Humane Society.
Members of the Herkimer County Humane Society Board of Directors put together a list of 18 of the most frequently asked questions about the shelter.
Below are the first 6 in the first of a three-part series about the humane society.
How did the Herkimer County Humane Society start?
In 1912, it took a circus traveling through the Herkimer area and the courage of one woman, Zaida Zoller, to call attention to the need for an organization to promote animal welfare. Zoller was appalled by the condition of the overworked horses pulling circus wagons and called the police. The police cited the circus for abuse and confiscated the horses. This created such a strong public reaction that the Herkimer County Humane Society was formed by a group of Ilion businessmen. They incorporated the organization on Feb. 13, 1913. The incorporation was approved by the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.
Are you a Herkimer County run agency?
No. This is the question that we receive the most. The Herkimer County Humane Society is not a county run agency, but does receive a very small portion of funds from the county. The amount the shelter received for 2011 is $15,000 which covers approximately seven weeks of payroll expenses. All other moneys received are through fundraising events, donations, memorials or if a person makes a gift to the shelter through their last will and testament. The employees of the Herkimer County Humane Society are NOT county employees.
Are you a no-kill shelter?
No. The Herkimer County Humane Society considers itself a very low kill shelter. In 2010 we took in approximately 495 animals and lost only 40 to euthanasia. This is usually because of severe illness or a highly aggressive animal. We also work with rescue groups and have people who foster our animals until they find their forever homes.
Who can volunteer at the shelter?
Anyone who is 16 years or older. If you are under 16 years of age, a parent or guardian must remain at the shelter while the volunteer works. We are always looking for people to walk the dogs, fold laundry, play with the cats or just help wherever needed. Volunteers make up a huge portion of our work force and we literally could not run the shelter without the help of our many volunteers. Approximately two years ago, the Booster Club was formed under the direction of Danyel Sommer-Everson, board member. The club meets once per month, plans events and works with the board to attend as many fundraising events as possible. They are an indispensable part of the shelter. You can become a booster by visiting our website and downloading the application.
What if I can no longer keep my dog or cat? What is the fee to surrender my animal at the Herkimer County Humane Society?
The fee is $40 to surrender a dog and $20 to surrender a cat. However, the Herkimer County Humane Society has the right to refuse to accept an animal if we simply do not have the space for them. This does not include animals that come to the shelter after being picking up by an animal control officer. These are animals that are running at large, where no known owner is able to be found. Once the animal is surrendered, the shelter is free to adopt the dog or cat into their forever home. We strongly encourage people who cannot keep their pets for whatever reason to try to find a home for them. There are rescue groups for most pure breeds of dogs. It is not that we don’t want to take an animal, but sometimes we are filled to capacity and although we are a low kill shelter, we don’t want to have to euthanize for space, something that we have tried to never do.
What is the cost to adopt an animal from the Herkimer County Humane Society?
The cost is as follows: Adult dogs — $80 (dogs that have already been spayed or neutered). This fee includes distemper vaccine and worming. Twelve weeks of age and up also includes rabies vaccine (one year); puppies — $140 (dogs that have NOT already been spayed or neutered). This fee includes a $60 deposit as per state Spay/Neuter Law, Section 377-a of Article 26. The total deposit of $60 is refundable in full in the animal is altered within 30 days of turning six months old. Adult cats (cats that have already been spayed or neutered) — The regular adoption fee is $60. At this time and for an indefinite period of time, the fee has been reduced to $30. We will announce when the fee returns to the original price of $60. This fee includes distemper vaccine and worming. Twelve weeks of age and up also include rabies vaccine (one year) and Felv/Fiv Test. There is an additional $5 charge for the Felv/Fiv Test. Please note: There is no Felv/Fiv Test for kittens under twelve weeks of age; Kittens — $85 (cats that have NOT already been spayed or neutered) This fee includes a $35 deposit as per state Spay/Neuter Law, Section 377-a of Article 26. The $35 deposit is refundable in full if the animal is altered within 30 days of turning six months old. The Herkimer County Humane Society only has dogs, cats, puppies and kittens available for adoption.
———
Editor’s note: This is the first of a three-part series about the Herkimer County Humane Society.
