ASHLAND — Are you looking for some extra companionship? Maybe a new friend to keep you company while you exercise or to share couch space as you binge watch the next series on Netflix?
The cathouses (no, not those kinds) and kennels are reaching max capacity, and heading into spring is the perfect time to adopt.
Adopt a dog
The Ashland County Dog Shelter (ACDS) is a great place to start.
“Right now we have 24 dogs,” said Arlene Beasley of ACDS, which is located at 1710 Garfield Ave., off of Claremont, behind the fairgrounds. You can walk right in and view the pups. For an advanced screening, most of the dogs are listed on Petfinder.
“Majority [of the dogs] are strays. We try to contact the owner for three days, and if no one comes or we can’t ID them, they are put up for adoption,” Beasley said.
ACDS is a non-profit that is operated through the county, but doesn’t receive tax dollars. It relies on donations and adoption recuperation fees. Help also comes from No Paws Left Behind and from volunteers that deal directly with the animals, such as taking them on walks and playing.
ACDS is not associated with the Humane Society (HS). HS deals more with animals that have been neglected or abused, along with spay and neuter mobile clinics.
A lot of perspective pet owners don’t want to go through the “puppy” phase of training, dealing with accidents on the carpet, establishing a workout routine, having everything chewed up — adult canines eliminate all that stress.
Fees: it’s $100 to adopt, and that includes, “a current dog license, first set of shots, bordetella shot (kennel cough), microchip, leash, collar, heart worm test and spay or neuter,” as stated on the ACDS website.
Adopt a cat
There are currently 100 cats needing homes at The Cat House Feline Sanctuary (CHFS) in Ashland. They are at max capacity and can’t take any more animals.
CHFS is a non-profit no-kill sanctuary that is funded through “the goodness of the hearts of people in the community,” said executive director and founder, Laura Bailey.
Felines can be viewed through Petfinder or on their Facebook page. In-person visits are by appointment only. The adoption process breaks down like this: make contact via social media, calling 419-289-3658 or by emailing thecathousesanctuary@zoominternet.net.
An adoption reference is required to help ensure the kittens are going to a safe home. If you rent, CHFS will need to contact your landlord to make sure pets are allowed on the property.
Once the appointment is made, you can go and buy a new adult cat for $75 or a kitten for $125. Kittens are not available until they are at least 8 1/2 weeks old.
“The cost covers spay and neuter and also testing. Along with your animal, you will receive a folder that has their vet history,” said Bailey.
