It’s becoming more like a community centre and less like a pound.
That’s how Delta Community Animal Shelter manager Sarah Jones describes the municipally-run facility that has enjoyed another successful year of strong adoption rates, expanded program offerings and community involvement.
“We’re a community centre for animal lovers,” says Jones. “We’re trying to incorporate new things and want to be a resource for the community. We don’t want to be just a pound because that’s not what we are anymore. We want to unite animal lovers and nurture those relationships in the community.”
Opened two years ago, the animal shelter at the corner of Tilbury and Hopcott roads in the Tilbury industrial area provides appropriate space for dogs, cats, and small animals while they await forever homes. It features 18 dog pens, including undercover outdoor areas, two covered dog runs, five separate cat rooms, and space for small animals, shelter staff and volunteers.
Thanks to social media, adoption rates have been “amazing” this year, says Jones, noting the shelter also takes in animals from other communities through the Travelling Tales program.
The shelter still has a few animals up for adoption that are a little more difficult to place because they have had medical issues or are not ideal in homes with young children, but Jones says they are terrific animals nonetheless and she’s hoping people consider them.
When it comes to adopting puppies, Jones says they prefer families with younger children so the puppies grow up with the kids.
“We don’t get a lot of dogs that are suitable for young kids, so it’s when the puppies come, then we can help the families,” she says.
As far as cats, the so-called kitten season when the shelter is usually overwhelmed wasn’t so bad this year, with Jones speculating word has finally got out about the need to spay or neuter.
“Cats are still definitely our number one residents, especially the ones that have needs,” she says.
The shelter also had an influx of bunnies this year but that number has gone down recently thanks in part to a sanctuary taking in some of the animals deemed less social.
Jones says owners reclaiming lost pets has been strong thanks to the Internet as well as microchip identification.
A number of free pet owner classes were introduced this year, ranging from introduction to trick training, dog bite prevention for families and weight control tips for pets, and more will be offered next year. The shelter will also be holding microchip clinics for a low fee.
The shelter also introduced a Tales for Tails reading program for kids this year in which young people can practice their skills by reading stories aloud to animals that enjoy the interaction.
For more information about the Delta Community Animal Shelter, call 604-940-7111.
