Your Comprehensive Guide to the Catawba County Animal Shelter

Welcome to the Catawba County Animal Shelter, a sanctuary dedicated to providing compassionate care and a second chance to abandoned, lost, and surrendered animals. Our mission is to promote animal welfare, reduce animal suffering, and strengthen the bond between people and animals within our community.

Our Commitment to Animal Welfare

As a nonprofit organization, we stand firm in our unwavering commitment to the well-being of every animal under our care. We strive to provide a safe, comfortable, and nurturing environment where animals can heal, socialize, and prepare for their forever homes.

Services We Offer

At our shelter, we offer a wide range of services to cater to the needs of our furry residents, including:

• Animal Adoptions: We offer a variety of adoptable dogs, cats, and other small animals, all waiting for their loving forever homes.
• Animal Care: Our veterinary staff provides routine check-ups, vaccinations, spay and neutering surgeries, and treatments for illnesses and injuries.
• Lost and Found Services: We assist in reuniting lost pets with their owners and help find homes for stray animals.
• Animal Education: We offer educational programs to promote responsible pet ownership, including pet safety, training, and the importance of spaying and neutering.
• Community Outreach: We actively participate in community events and partnerships to increase awareness about animal welfare and shelter services.

The Importance of Adoption

Adopting an animal from our shelter is a rewarding experience that not only saves a life but also brings joy and companionship into your own. By adopting, you:

• Provide a Second Chance: You give a deserving animal a loving home and a chance to thrive.
• Reduce Overpopulation: You help reduce the number of homeless animals in our community.
• Support Animal Welfare: Your adoption fees directly support the shelter's mission and services.

Adoption Process

Our adoption process is designed to ensure a perfect match between you and your new furry friend. Here's how it works:

1. Visit Our Shelter: Come and meet our adoptable animals, talk to our staff about your lifestyle and needs, and fill out an adoption application.
2. Home Visit (for certain animals): For dogs with special needs or those that will be living with other pets, a home visit may be required to assess compatibility.
3. Adoption Agreement: If your application is approved, you will sign an adoption agreement outlining your responsibilities as a pet owner.
4. Take Your New Friend Home: Once the adoption is finalized, you can take your new pet home and embark on a lifetime of love and companionship.

Animal Care at Our Shelter

Our veterinary team is dedicated to providing exceptional medical care to all animals in our shelter. We offer the following services:

• Vaccinations: We administer essential vaccinations to protect our animals from preventable diseases.
• Spay and Neutering: We strongly encourage spaying and neutering to prevent unwanted litters and health problems.
• Illness and Injury Treatment: Our veterinary staff treats a wide range of illnesses and injuries, providing prompt and compassionate care.
• Preventative Care: We offer routine check-ups and parasite prevention measures to keep our animals healthy and happy.

Lost and Found Services

If your pet has gone missing, don't hesitate to contact our shelter. We:

• Check for Your Pet: We check our shelter's database daily for lost pets and immediately notify you if your pet is found.
• Display Lost Pet Posters: We post lost pet posters throughout the county to help increase awareness and facilitate reunions.
• Scan for Microchips: We scan all incoming animals for microchips to identify lost pets quickly and efficiently.

Animal Education and Community Outreach

We believe that education is crucial for promoting responsible pet ownership and animal welfare. Our educational programs include:

• School and Youth Programs: We visit local schools and youth groups to teach children about animal safety, care, and the importance of spaying and neutering.
• Pet Training Classes: We offer pet training classes to help owners bond with their pets and establish good behavior.
• Community Events: We participate in community events, such as adoption fairs and pet expos, to connect with the public and promote animal welfare.

Our Impact on the Community

Our shelter plays a vital role in improving the lives of animals and strengthening the human-animal bond in Catawba County. In the past year alone, we:

• Saved over 1,000 Animals: We provided refuge and care for over 1,000 abandoned, lost, and surrendered animals.
• Facilitated 500 Adoptions: We found loving homes for over 500 animals, giving them a second chance at happiness.
• Reunited 100 Lost Pets: We reunited 100 lost pets with their overjoyed owners.
• Educated Hundreds of Children: We reached hundreds of children through our educational programs, fostering a sense of compassion and responsibility towards animals.

Table 1: Animal Adoption Statistics

Table 2: Animal Care Services Provided

Table 3: Lost and Found Reunions

Inspiring Stories from Our Shelter

1. Max the Miracle Dog

Max, a severely neglected dog, was brought to our shelter in critical condition. Despite his physical injuries and emotional trauma, our veterinary staff worked tirelessly to save his life. With round-the-clock care and a lot of love, Max slowly began to heal both physically and emotionally. Today, he is a thriving, happy dog who has found a loving home. Max's story teaches us the power of resilience, compassion, and the unwavering bond between humans and animals.

2. Sammy's Second Chance

Sammy, a young cat, was abandoned outside our shelter in a carrier. Scared and alone, she was taken in by our staff and given the care she desperately needed. After a few days, Sammy's owner contacted our shelter, overjoyed to have found her missing pet. Sammy's reunion with her loving family reminded us of the importance of microchipping and the joy it brings when a lost pet is found.

3. The Foster Family

A family from our community stepped up to become foster parents for a litter of newborn kittens. They provided round-the-clock care, feeding and socializing the tiny kittens. When the kittens were old enough, our shelter helped find them loving forever homes. This story highlights the incredible role foster families play in saving the lives of homeless animals and preparing them for adoption.

Tips and Tricks for Responsible Pet Ownership

• Spay and Neuter Your Pet: This is the most effective way to prevent unwanted litters and certain health problems.
• Microchip Your Pet: A microchip is the best way to ensure your pet can be identified and returned to you if it gets lost.
• Vaccinate Your Pet: Vaccinations protect your pet from preventable diseases that can be life-threatening.
• Provide Regular Veterinary Care: Routine check-ups and preventative care help keep your pet healthy and happy.
• Train Your Pet: Training helps establish good behavior, strengthens the bond between you and your pet, and ensures a harmonious household.

How to Adopt a Pet from Our Shelter

1. Visit our shelter during operating hours (Tuesday-Saturday, 11 am - 4 pm).
2. Meet our adoptable animals and talk to our staff about your lifestyle and needs.
3. Fill out an adoption application and provide references.
4. If your application is approved, pay the adoption fee and sign the adoption agreement.
5. Take your new furry friend home and start a lifetime of love and companionship.

FAQs

1. What are the adoption fees?
   Adoption fees vary depending on the type of animal and its age. Please visit our website or contact our shelter for current fees.

2. Are all animals up for adoption?
   Not all animals in our shelter are available for adoption. Some animals may be in quarantine, receiving medical treatment, or awaiting legal proceedings.

3. Can I volunteer at the shelter?
   Yes, we welcome volunteers who are passionate about animal welfare. Please contact our shelter to inquire about volunteer opportunities.

4. What are the operating hours of the shelter?
   Our shelter is open Tuesday-Saturday, 11 am - 4 pm. We are closed on Sundays and Mondays.

5. How can I report a lost pet?
   Please contact our shelter immediately to report a lost pet. Provide as much information as possible, including your pet's description, any identifying marks, and the last known location.

6. How can I make a donation to the shelter?
   You can make a