AMHERST – They’re changing it up. The Lillian Allbon Shelter will be holding an adopt-a-thon Friday and Saturday this week to encourage good pet owners to bring home a new furry family member.
“This is our second year,” said Corinne Burke, president of the shelter. “Last year was our pilot to see if it would be a success and it was, so we decided to do it again this year.”
Because the adopt-a-thon was such a success, Burke said she’s hoping it will help find good homes for all the cats currently in the shelter and on waiting lists.
“With the amount of people that are throwing cats and kittens into the yard, it’s causing health risk,” she said. “If one of these cats get sick, all of them get sick.”
On Friday and Saturday, during regular hours (10 a.m. until 4 p.m.) people are invited out to the shelter to see which cat may be right for their family, and are able to take the feline home for $30, a reduced price.
“You bring your cat carrier along with you, with one reference and vet records, fill out an application and you can go home with your animal,” she said. “If you don’t have a vet record, you can bring in two references. For example, if you lived west (moved here) and now, you don’t have the same vet or something.”
Potential new pet owners must have a disclaimer from their landlord proving they are able to bring the cat home.
All cats that will be eligible for the adopt-a-thon will have been spayed or neutered, had all their shots and have had flea treatments.
“We send them home with a bag of food as well,” said Gordon Martin, one of the staff members at the shelter.
For each new owner who is able to take home a cat, there will be some special goodies to go along with your new pet.
“Dogs to Divas is throwing in a coupon for nail trimming and the Amherst Veterinary Hospital is going to do 20 per cent off their first visit after the adopt-a-thon,” said Martin. “Shur-Gain is going to give a coupon for a small bag of cat litter and a $10 gift certificate. On the gift certificate, there is no minimum purchase.”
One of the newest town councilors, Frank Balcom, thought the adopt-a-thon was a great idea.
“Especially with the fact that there’s an overabundance of kitties and cats here now, it’s a great opportunity for someone to come out, take advantage of this deal and take home a beautiful feline,” he said. “It can make your home much more comfy.”
Also available at the shelter is their new calendar. All money raised through purchasing a calendar will go towards the shelter.
jturner@amherstdaily.com
