Month: March, 2020
Monday, March 30, 2020
What can you do to help save lives at CCHS
COVID-19 has shaken the world of animal welfare. The valve has tightened to critical levels on funding and staff has been reduced to critical levels to put a stop to any possible introduction or spread of infection. What has not changed is our dedication to the homeless pets of Chautauqua County.
Here are some things you can do to help CCHS during this time of national crisis:
1. Stay up on the news.
Keep up with the latest information from national animal welfare organizations. Just this past week, the National Animal Care and Control Association and the Association of Shelter Veterinarians made several recommendations for animal shelters. They said that animal shelters should be considered essential public services and should remain open and operational, but that they should focus on emergency services, including emergency intakes, adoption and foster placement.
2. Don’t take healthy stray pets to the shelter.
If you find a stray pet in need of help, hold on to that animal and call your local shelter to file a found report. Post the pet on lost and found social media groups like Chautauqua Missing Pet Alert on Facebook. By keeping pets in their neighborhoods, you may actually increase their chances of finding their way back to their families. If the pet you found is not reclaimed, contact your shelter and ask if you can help re-home the pet yourself. You can use those same social media platforms to find it a new home, which will help keep that pet out of the shelter. If you own a pet and cannot keep it, try to find that pet a home yourself, instead of taking it to the shelter. Shelters need to maintain a low number of animals due to the possibility of conditions changing due to COVID-19 and the possibility of a sudden community need for services due to a COVID-19 outbreak locally, or if staff should become ill and need to be quarantined.
3. Adopt or foster a pet.
The single most important thing anyone can do right now is to take home a shelter pet. Whether you foster or adopt, you will help to create a cushion of space so your shelter can help the pets who truly need lifesaving care once the busy spring and summer season begins. Before COVID-19, foster caregivers would often be asked to foster for a short period of time, from a couple of days to several weeks. That has all changed now, because we need foster parents to be part of helping us get their pets adopted. If you are a foster caregiver or plan to become one, you can learn more about the CCHS Fostering Program here...
4. Leave cats and kittens alone.
You find a litter of kittens and want to help. In most cases, the very best thing you can do is to leave them alone. Their mom is probably out finding food and will be back soon. Even in the best of times, kittens are one of the most vulnerable populations of pets in shelters and sadly, they don’t always survive without their moms. Unless they’re visibly sick or injured or otherwise in immediate danger, don’t move them and instead just monitor to make sure their mom returns in a few hours to care for them. For adult cats, the best place for them during COVID-19 is in the community. Just like with kittens, unless they need medical attention, adult cats should be left alone. Most communities are not performing spay and neuter services for community cats in an effort to conserve precious medical supplies.
As we enter the next few weeks, we ask you to help us turn our entire community into an animal shelter, caring for pets in the places they live, taking in animals that need you and supporting your Chautauqua County Humane Society by fostering, adopting, donating and simply spreading the word. Now is the time to help each other.
Tuesday, March 24, 2020
We are working hard to find homes for 20 cats and 6 dogs as a way to prepare for whatever repercussions may come from the COVID-19 Pandemic. Over the next few days we will be offering fee waived adoptions to get as many pets home as possible.
This is the perfect time to adopt, because there will be a week or two (at least) at home with your new pet for everyone to adjust and adapt.
If you are interested please fill out the standard application form found at this link now and we will call you to make an appointment:
See all available pets here:
We are spacing out the adoption appointments to allow time to complete the standard adoption protocols and for proper cleaning of the facilities before the next adopter arrives. Appointments will be scheduled between 1 and 6pm, Wednesday, March 25th and possibly Thursday and/or Friday.
Our efforts to clear the shelter are to allow us to prepare should the effects of the COVID-19 Virus create a situation where folks become sick and need emergency sheltering for their pets. This is the best way we can prepare to serve our community - and we are counting on you to help us create the space.
If you are looking for a companion this is the day! Thank you.
Monday, March 16, 2020
Chautauqua County Humane Society Recommends Including Pets in COVID-19 Preparedness
With the number of confirmed cases of coronavirus on the rise worldwide, it is important for Chautauqua County area residents to include their pets in preparedness plans in the event that our local community is impacted, according to the Chautauqua County Humane Society (CCHS). Executive Director Kellie Roberts said “The more we plan ahead, the better we can handle situations like this where we have no idea how things are going to play out from one day to the next. As we plan we need to keep our pets in mind so they continue to receive the proper care should a medical or financial issue arise due to the effect of not just the Coronavirus, but any other life changing event that could happen. The CDC has sent a preparedness plan that can help us make sure our pets always have proper care.”
Make a preparedness plan for your pets:
· Identify a trusted family member or friend to care for your pets in the event that you become ill and are unable to provide care.
· Research potential boarding facilities to utilize in case boarding your pet becomes necessary.
· Have crates, food, and other supplies for your pet on hand should moving them becomes necessary or social exposure has to be reduced.
· All animal vaccines should be up-to-date in the event that boarding becomes necessary.
· Ensure that all medications are documented with dosages and administering instructions. Including the prescription from the prescribing veterinarian is also helpful.
· Pets should have identification including a collar with current tags and an accurately registered microchip.
CCHS recommends staying diligent in preparations but not overacting to COVID-19 concerns. By creating a preparedness plan ahead of time less stress will be on the pets, their owners, and animal service resources in the unlikely event that our area is significantly impacted by this virus.
The World Small Animal Veterinary Association states that there is no evidence that companion animals can be infected with or spread COVID-19. This is also the view of the World Health Organization. However, as this is a rapidly evolving situation, people with confirmed COVID-19 should avoid contact with other people as well as pets.
The Chautauqua County Humane Society is a 501 (c)(3) not for profit organization serving Chautauqua County since 1905. CCHS’s mission is “To improve and save lives through compassionate care, advocacy for animals and commitment to the community.”
Thursday, March 12, 2020
Fourteen dogs that were allegedly abandoned in a trailer in the Village of Panama are now safe thanks to the joint efforts of the Chautauqua County Sheriff's Department, Chautauqua County Humane Society (CCHS), and Village of Panama Animal Control Officer, Aaron Constantino.
Sheriff's deputies had received complaints from residents on School Street in the village about loud barking. It appeared that the trailer the barking originated from had been unoccupied for some time. On the morning of March 8th, members of CCHS were called in to help assess the condition of the dogs that were held in the trailer and to transport them to the safety of the CCHS Strunk Road Adoption Center. Deputies presented a warrant before making entry into the unoccupied trailer where the 14 dogs were found living in deplorable conditions. CCHS Director of Animal Services Sue Bobek said, “The dogs were filthy, there was no sign of food or water. As they came out of the trailer, they were trying to eat snow to satisfy their needs. We don’t know how long they had been left alone, but it had been quite some time.”
While a few of the dogs may be up for adoption soon, others will need more attention from the behavior staff at CCHS. Bobek said, “Each one of the dogs is starting to come around. With some patience and compassionate caring they should learn to trust and bond with people. They should be able to become loving members of families.”
CCHS Executive Director Kellie Roberts said, “We are committed to rehabilitating these dogs so they can have a life where they are loved and respected. This will take a considerable amount of resources with this many dogs, but we are counting on the community to rally behind them and show their love and support. We are looking for folks who would be interested in fostering. We are also counting on those who would consider donating monetary gifts to help with the cost of their care. These dogs have been with us for a week now and the expenses for the care of these dogs so far is around $2,000.”
There is a warrant out for the arrest of the unidentified occupant of the trailer. The specific charges have yet to be released publicly. We will have more details as soon as they are available.
If you would consider fostering one of these dogs, donating to their care and rehabilitation, or may be looking to adopt, please call 716-665-2209, visit Chqhumane.org or find the Chautauqua County Humane Society on Facebook for more information.
The Chautauqua County Humane Society is a 501 (c)(3) not for profit organization serving Chautauqua County since 1905. CCHS’s mission is “To improve and save lives through compassionate care, advocacy for animals and commitment to the community.”
Tuesday, March 10, 2020
Here is HOW you can adopt:
The Chautauqua County Humane Society is in need of pet parents! CCHS is offering special adoption opportunities from 1 to 7pm Sunday, March 22nd. Adoptions done by appointment only and curbside service will be offered. Go right now to the adoptable animals page at Chqhumane.org and find the dog or cat that you are interested in and fill out the application under the adoption tab. We will call you to set up your appointment. We need to get 10 dogs up for adoption and have another 17 that need a foster family. We also have 20 cats and 1 rabbit looking for homes. The adoption fee will be dropped to just nineteen dollars. Help us get them all home.
Here is WHY you should adopt:
There has NEVER been a better time to adopt or foster a pet from the Chautauqua County Humane Society than right now. While our opportunity for interpersonal contact has been reduced, spending time with animals is being encouraged.
The top of the list of recommended activities during this time is to take a dog for a walk. At CCHS we are under direct order from Governor Andrew Cuomo to limit the number of people in our building, so volunteering to dog walk right now is not an option. But because animal care has been deemed an essential service in New York State, CCHS is still able to adopt pets to families and send them into temporary foster homes.
The benefits of adding a pet to the family whether through adoption or fostering include:
-A companion to get you through lonely and boring times you may be experiencing at home as a result of recent changes in your life due to COVID-19 restrictions.
-Having more time to teach your children about the responsibility of caring for a pet.
-Being able to have time at home with your new pet to allow them to grow into your family.
If you are interested in adopting or fostering please visit Chqhumane.org to fill out the adoption form. We will call you to set up an appointment to come in to meet the pet you are interested in.
Be assured that the Chautauqua County Humane Society is taking every precaution to keep all visitors and staff as safe as possible. Appointments will be staggered to allow for thorough cleaning of surfaces between each visitor.
Monday, March 9, 2020
The Chautauqua County Humane Society’s (CCHS) St. Pawtrick’s adoption event is back March 13th, 14th and 15th. This is one of the largest adoption events of the year and we are once again looking to get at least 17 lucky animals home during the Media One Group Radio Spring Home and Recreation Show at the Chautauqua Mall. CCHS Director of Community Relations Brian Papalia said “We are so fortunate to have community partners like the Chautauqua Mall, Media One Radio Group and Happy Hounds Hotel and Day Spa to help us set up such an amazing adoption opportunity. Last year we set a goal of 17 and saw 29 pets go home.”
Area Marketing Director Sharon Bennet said “Chautauqua Mall is thrilled to be hosting this great event. So many deserving pets will have an opportunity to meet their forever family and we are happy to be able to be a part of the fantastic mission of the Humane Society.”
Media One Radio Group Marketing Manager Andrew Hill said “Our group of radio stations has always been supportive of the shelter. Anytime we can help give them a little more attention so they can expose these animals to our community we are happy to do it.”
Make plans to stop by the Chautauqua County Humane Society’s St. Pawtrick’s adoption event at the Chautauqua Mall from 10am-9pm Friday March,13 and Saturday, March 14th and 11am to 6pm on Sunday, March 15th. Learn more at Chqhumane.org.
The Chautauqua County Humane Society is a 501(C)(3) not for profit organization serving Chautauqua County since 1905. CCHS’s mission is “To improve and save lives through compassionate care, advocacy for animals and commitment to the community.” Find out more at Chqhumane.org.
Monday, March 9, 2020
NEWS RELEASE
For Immediate Release
CHAUTAUQUA COUNTY HUMANE SOCIETY RECEIVES $30,000 GRANT FROM PETSMART CHARITIES® TO HELP MORE HOMELESS PETS FIND HOMES IN CHAUTAUQUA COUNTY
Working together to save more lives through increased adoption
Jamestown, NY – February 25 – The Chautauqua County Humane Society (CCHS) has received a $30,000 grant from PetSmart Charities to help prepare more shelter pets in Chautauqua County for adoption and ensure they are ready to find loving homes. With the help of this grant, the Chautauqua County Humane Society will increase the number of offsite adoption opportunities to directly connect homeless pets to adopters and to support its efforts to help homeless pets find homes.
Cat overpopulation is a real issue in Chautauqua County and CCHS works in a number of ways to eliminate this, such as working with a number of trap, neuter and release groups as well as likeminded community members to have pets spayed or neutered through the CCHS low cost spay/neuter clinic. In addition to spay/neuter procedures, CCHS will use this generous PetSmart Charities Grant to provide vaccinations and a microchip to prepare 300 more animals for adoption in 2020. “At CCHS we are a limited admission shelter with a continuous waiting list,” said Sue Bobek, Director of Animal Services. “This grant from PetSmart Charities is going to allow us to expand our adoption preparation efforts and our offsite adoption program. This will give us the opportunity to bring more pets looking for homes directly to adopters in the community. This is great because we can get more animals into homes and at the same time allow us to promote our low cost spay/neuter clinic to create more awareness on how everyone can do their part to help gain control of the local pet population.” “We are thrilled to support CCHS’s work to find loving homes for local homeless cats, while providing essential wellness care that will promote a healthier pet population throughout Chautauqua,” said Johnny Jenkins, associate relationship manager at PetSmart Charities. “This initiative will continue to provide crucial care and give these cats the best chance at finding a loving home.
Since 1994, through its partnership with nearly 4,000 humane societies, SPCAs and pet rescues across North America, PetSmart Charities has helped more than 9 million pets to find loving homes via its in-store adoption program in over 1,650 PetSmart® stores. The leading funder of animal welfare has also donated nearly $400 million to positively impact communities, to help preserve families, to improve access to veterinary care and to connect people and pets through initiatives like this with the Chautauqua County Humane Society.
Learn more about services and programs provided by the Chautauqua County Humane Society at Chqhumane.org or visit the shelter at 2825 Strunk Road in Jamestown.
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About The Chautauqua County Humane Society
The Chautauqua County Humane Society is a 501(c)(3) not for profit organization serving Chautauqua County since 1905. CCHS’s mission is “To improve and save lives through compassionate care, advocacy for animals and commitment to the community.” Find out more at Chqhumane.org.
About PetSmart Charities®
ABOUT PETSMART CHARITIES®:
PetSmart Charities, Inc. is committed to finding lifelong, loving homes for all pets by supporting programs and thought leadership that bring people and pets together. Through its in-store adoption program in all PetSmart® stores across the U.S. and Puerto Rico, PetSmart Charities helps to find forever homes and families for more than 500,000 shelter pets each year. PetSmart Charities also provides grant funding to nonprofits aligned with its mission. Each year, millions of generous PetSmart shoppers help pets in need by donating to PetSmart Charities using the PIN pads at checkout registers inside PetSmart stores. In turn, PetSmart Charities efficiently uses more than 90 cents of every dollar donated to fulfill its role as the leading funder of animal welfare in North America, granting more than $390 million since its inception in 1994. Independent from PetSmart Inc., PetSmart Charities is a 501(c)(3) organization that has received the Four-Star Rating from Charity Navigator, a third-party organization that reports on the effectiveness, accountability and transparency of nonprofits, for the past 16 years in a row – placing it among the top one percent of charities rated by this organization. To learn more visit www.petsmartcharities.org.
Follow PetSmart Charities on Twitter: www.twitter.com/PetSmartChariTs
Find PetSmart Charities on Facebook: www.Facebook.com/PetSmartCharities
Follow PetSmart Charities on Instagram: www.instagram.com/PetSmartCharities
See PetSmart Charities on YouTube: www.YouTube.com/PetSmartCharitiesInc
Media Contact:
Brian Papalia 24-Hour PetSmart Charities
Director of Community Relations Media Line: 623-587-2177
716-665-2209 x213
bpapalia@chqhumane.org
Monday, March 2, 2020
Pretzel
Are you a loner? You appreciate your space, maybe aren’t real fond of having company over. Doesn’t that lifestyle ever get, well, lonely?
We have the dog for you at CCHS. Pretzel is a 5 year old girl who loves to go for walks and play fetch (She will even bring the ball back to you!)...and that’s about it. She doesn’t like cats, and is not a fan of strangers. Heck, she doesn’t even like to be pet unless she seeks you out for some attention. So if you are looking for the companionship of a dog who wants to be left alone to a quiet happy life (just like you!), Pretzel is your dog.
Pretzel came to CCHS as a transfer from the McKean County SPCA in July of 2019. She was adopted out of the shelter for about a month after that for a short time, but due to her dislike for cats things didn't work out and it was a better option for Pretzel to come back to CCHS.
Monday, March 2, 2020
CCHS Spotlight On Animal Care
The Chautauqua County Humane Society’s Pennies 4 Paws campaign is going on through April 30th. During the campaign we look to the community to get involved through fundraising, and at the same time invite everyone to learn more about the attention and care that goes into getting a happy and healthy animal into a loving home. Today we are focusing on care, specifically the Animal Care team at CCHS.
The Animal Care team works 365 days a year to make sure the basic necessities of the animals are met. Lead Kelly Joslyn and her team make sure that the animals have the proper food and water, if necessary are kept on proper medicine schedules, and have a clean environment to live in. That is where the work begins for this team. Given that hundreds of animals that come in each month Joslyn and her team never know what to expect.
Joslyn shared the story of a stray dog that was recently brought into CCHS. She says that the dog was really interested in food and very afraid of being leashed. This dog was so afraid Joslyn said “He didn’t try to bite me, he tried to bite the leash. He was just really afraid of it.” There was a kennel in the room so Joslyn said “I threw some treats down and put a hot dog piece in the kennel. The dog went in and I was able to close it up.”
That is just one example of a situation that her team may face. Joslyn, who has been with CCHS since 2013 said “We have come to work to find a dog leashed up to a tree near the building, we have had to take care of a potbellied pig, we’ve had to care for an African gray parrot. I am lucky to have a team that can adjust to whatever situation that comes up and do the best we can to take care of that animal so it can go home.”
During the Pennies 4 Paws campaign going on now through April 30th, the Chautauqua County Humane Society is asking for your support to keep this work funded. Whether you create a Facebook fundraiser, donate at Chqhumane.org, put money into our collection containers located at a number of area businesses, or send a check marked Pennies 4 Paws to the Chautauqua County Humane Society at 2825 Strunk Road, Jamestown, NY 14701. We also invite you to stop by to meet Cedar and see all that you are supporting.
Thanks to Happy Hounds Hotel and Day Spa, The Post Journal, Media One Group Radio and 2nd Chances Thrift Store for supporting Pennies 4 Paws.
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