The Bartholomew County Humane Society (BCHS) is offering reduced adoption fees through the end of the month.
The shelter is participating in the BISSELL Pet Foundation’s “Empty the Shelters” summer event through July 31. Adoption fees for cats and dogs are $50 during this time, thanks to the foundation. According to the shelter’s website, normal fees are $120 for dogs and $80 for cats.
Individuals who wish to adopt an animal should fill out an application at bartholomewhumane.org and make an appointment by emailing [email protected] or calling 812-372-6063, shelter staff said.
According to BISSELL, more than 335 shelters in 44 states are participating in the reduced fees event, which is being done in collaboration with MetLife Pet Insurance. Foundation officials said that the new partnership has allowed BISSELL to extend its reach to include more shelters while also providing an option to help adopters cover medical costs.
“Veterinary costs add up quickly, and too often, pet owners forgo care or surrender their beloved pets when they can’t afford treatment,” said Cathy Bissell, founder of the BISSELL Pet Foundation, in an official statement. “This collaboration could help to enable more pets in more communities to be adopted through ‘Empty the Shelters’ and can help facilitate adopters seeking treatment to keep their pets healthy and in their new homes.”
BCHS shelter director Kirsten VantWoud said that the MetLife partnership provides free pet insurance for 30 days, and owners can continue that coverage or opt out. She added that adoptions at the local shelter are always provided with pet insurance, which owners can keep or decline as part of the adoption process.
“Insurance is really helpful for some people, especially with animals as they age,” she said in an email. “Care is expensive for humans and animals alike!”
The BISSELL Pet Foundation is a national animal welfare organization aimed at “ending pet homelessness.” The organization said in its release that shelters around the country are “overburdened” with increased owner surrenders and longer stays for pets.
BCHS shared in a recent social media post that the shelter is “bursting at the seams.”
“Please share, share, share so we can find these babies homes!” staff wrote. “Some of these guys have been at the shelter for a very long time and deserve a home.”
