More shelters interested in dog transport agreements

From The Aiken Standard:

By HALEY HUGHES - Staff writer - email:hhughes@aikenstandard.com

 

More transfer agreements between the Aiken County Animal Shelter and no-kill shelters across the country are in the mix.

Early last year, the Aiken County Animal Shelter reached an agreement with the Northeast Humane Society in Salem, Mass., to transfer dogs from Aiken to Massachusetts, where they have a greater chance of being adopted. They may have otherwise been euthanized in Aiken due to space limitations and overcrowding at the shelter.

Now, more shelters up north are interested in getting involved.

A resolution passed through Aiken County Council last week that will clear the red tape from the process.

It provides that the County shelter and the other designated shelter will enter into a one-year agreement for the purpose of placing animals in qualified homes. Neither party will be charged any fees in the process. At the end of one year, the parties will either terminate the agreement or continue with it.

"We won't have to go Council every time we want to do a transfer. It is now a blanket agreement, and all we have to do is fill in the blanks," said Todd Glover, assistant County administrator.

Previously, dogs heading to Massachusetts were transported in an insulated, closed-stall trailer normally used for shipping show horses. The dogs had food and water and arrived safely each time. Staff at the Northeast Humane Society reported they were adopted quickly.

Shelters in the northern part of the United States report they see more demand for adoptable dogs and cats, said Jennifer Miller with Friends of the Aiken County Animal Shelter (FOTAS).

"The reason why northern shelters can take some of our pets is they have aggressive spay/neuter programs," Miller said.

The County Shelter has its own spay/neuter program. It is popular but vouchers go fast, and there is still a large population of stray animals roaming the County.

FOTAS was formed in 2009 to raise support and awareness for the animal shelter. The group's mission is "to improve quality of life for shelter animals, increase pet adoption and prevent unwanted and mistreated pets."

Miller said an agreement with Buddy Dog Humane Society in Sudbury, Mass., is in the works.

According to its website, Buddy Dog Humane Society "accepts homeless dogs and cats, in good health and of friendly disposition, which could, without our help, be destroyed. These animals find refuge at our shelter and can depend on becoming someone's forever friend. There is no time limit on their stay."

"Friends of the Aiken County Animal Shelter (FOTAS) has been really aggressive with this and other initiatives," Glover said. "They are very passionate about it."