How to help animals in Decatur: Shelter offers new, low-cost spay/neuter + foster programs
Reading time: 3 minutes
People looking for ways to help animals in Decatur have two new impactful initiatives, thanks to the efforts of Decatur Animal Services.
One program targets pet overpopulation, a top reason animals land at any shelter. Another initiative aims to ensure the best outcomes for animals already there.
Low-cost spay/neuter
Spaying or neutering your pet is one of the most impactful ways to help animals in Decatur.
Unexpected litters of puppies and kittens can happen even under the best circumstances. When friends and neighbors aren’t willing to take on a new pet, they end up at a shelter. Having an influx of young animals is not good for anyone, most of all the little critters themselves.
While funding allows, Decatur Animal Services now offers assistance to qualifying residents to spay or neuter their current pets at a reduced rate. The aim is to reduce the total number of unwanted animals in the general population—and ultimately those taken in at the shelter.
Pet fostering
The second initiative is a case-based fostering program for residents willing to help animals in Decatur at the shelter with exceptional needs of different types.
It’s ideal to have every available cat or dog in the building when people come to adopt. However, there are times when a fostering situation is in their best interest.
Other things to know about Decatur Animal Services’ current fostering opportunities:
- DAS currently seeks people who know animals well and have a little space and extra attention to give.
- Fostering in this capacity could mean nurturing a young litter or giving a longer resident adult pet a break from the shelter.
- This program is not a “foster to adopt” where you take any animal home simply to see if it works out. However, if you decide to adopt in one of these special cases, no one will be mad about it.
Adopt a pet
One of the most rewarding ways to help animals in Decatur? Adopt one! You can view the current adoptable animals on the Decatur Animal Services Facebook page:
Other ways to help
To help, spread the word about these programs and similar programs in your community if you live outside of Decatur.
Also, Decatur Animal Services welcomes donations, including:
- Adoption sponsors
- Newspapers
- Towels
- Pet food
- Treats
- Cat litter
Where: 300 A, 6372, 300 Beltline Rd SW, Decatur, AL 35601
When: Monday-Friday, 11:30AM-4:30PM | Saturday, 10:30AM-1:30PM (Closed for Thanksgiving Nov. 28-Dec. 2.)
Contact: 256-341-4790 (Select option 2 for info about spay/neuter and fostering.) | Facebook
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