Reduction in Cat Adoption Fee Extended

The temporary reduction in cat adoption fees has been extended through the month of September.  If you adopt one cat, the adoption donation will be $15 instead of $20. If two cats are adopted, the adoption donation for the second cat will be only $10. In addition to the adoption donation, there is a spay/neuter fee of $55 for female cats and $45 for male cats for cats adopted from the Society. All cats over the age of four months are spayed or neutered before leaving the Society. There is also a $17 rabies shot fee if the animal is over three months old at the time of adoption.

Meet General

General is a friendly 1 1/2 year old rabbit who needs to the be the only animal in her new home. If you would like to visit General, stop by the Society on Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. or on Wednesday from 1 p.m. – 7 p.m. Visit our website for more details on adoptions.

Signs in front of the Women’s Humane Society alert passing motorists that cute kittens and wonderful cats can be found inside.

About Michael Vick

We have been asked recently what we think about the Philadelphia Eagles’ decision to sign quarterback Michael Vick. Vick was convicted of running a dogfighting operation in August 2007 and served 23 months in jail. He was also suspended by the National Football League at the time. We were appalled when we first heard the details about Vick’s dogfighting ring. The Women’s Humane Society was involved in the lobbying effort to make dogfighting a felony in Pennsylvania and we support making dogfighting a felony in every state.

We were glad that Vick received a stiff sentence for his crimes against animals. Now that he has served his sentence, his life must go on. Whether the Eagles were right to hire him, we can’t say. We know a lot more about animals than running a football team. Vick has said that he plans to become a spokesperson for humane issues and we hope that his newfound concern for animals is genuine and that he has truly learned something about the value of the life of every animal.

Planning on Visiting the Women’s Humane Society?

If you are considering adopting a pet and will be visiting the Women’s Humane Society, the following tips may help you make the best use of your time.

 * Download, print out and complete an adoption application form from our website rather than filling out the form when you arrive here. Application forms are only accepted in person.

* Bring a copy of your lease if you are renting. The lease must state that you are permitted to keep an animal of the size and type you are considering in your rental unit.

* Bring children 12 and under who live with you along for your visit. Animals are often returned to us because someone in the family was allergic to them. Bringing your children along with you will not only help you determine if your child has allergies, but will give you an idea as to how your child will interact with a new pet.

* Be prepared for long waits on Saturdays. If there are many adoption applications in process, we may need to stop adoption interviews earlier than usual and it is best to visit us earlier in the day for this reason.

Not Just Dogs and Cats

These rabbits are in our Small Animal Room are eagerly waiting for new homes.  In addition to rabbits, our small animal room also shelters guinea pigs, hamsters, gerbils and even birds from time to time – all of them available for adoption.

Meet Kush

Kush is one of the many cats available for adoption at the Society this summer. She’s a friendly 11 month old who likes other animals and children.  If you would like to visit Kush (tag number 2587), stop by the Society on Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. or on Wednesday from 1 p.m. – 7 p.m. Visit our website for more details on adoptions.

Canine Flu Virus Vaccine Approved

The U.S. Department of Agriculture has issued a conditional license for the first canine influenza vaccine. Canine influenza was first identified in dogs in 2004 after an outbreak in racing greyhounds in Florida. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), most dogs don’t have immunity against the canine flu because it is a novel pathogen. The virus can spread quickly, affecting dogs in kennels, shelters, clinics and pet stores. The vaccine, developed by Intervet/Schering-Plough Animal Health, is intended to control infection caused by canine influenza type A, subtype H3N8. The virus is administered in two injections, given two to four weeks apart. Dogs six weeks of age and older can receive the vaccine, which can be given on an annual basis.

(photo courtesy of BeverlyLR/sxc.hu)