The third week in September is known as Adopt a Less-Adoptable Pet Week and Ontario County Humane Society – Happy Tails Animal Shelter is joining Petfinder.com to raise awareness about the pets that tend to be overlooked.
Less-adoptable pets are those who, for one reason or another, have been passed over by potential adopters time and time again. Sometimes it’s because they need to be an only pet, other times it’s because they’re seniors or have medical needs and often it’s just because they’re the “wrong” breed or color.
“Less-adoptable pets have just as much love to share and often prove to be some of the most appreciative and loyal companions around,” Ontario County Humane Society Adoption Coordinator Erika Murphy said. “This week is less about the beautiful puppy that will undoubtedly get a home and more about the underdogs and cats in our shelter that have been incredibly patient for a forever home.”
As a licensed no-kill shelter, there is no predetermined length of time that animals can stay at the shelter. Petfinder.com launched its first Adopt A Less-Adoptable Pet campaign in 2009 after recognizing that about 95 percent of shelters and rescue groups are challenged to find homes for certain animals.
“Ontario County Humane Society is not excluded from these heartbreaking statistics,” Shelter Manager Dianne Faas said. “Regardless of their reason for being less adoptable, these animals are still deserving of a loving forever home. We hope the public will make an adoption appointment and get to know them as individuals, not by their breed, color or stereotype.”
All adopted animals are spayed and neutered, microchipped and up to date on vaccinations prior to leaving the shelter. Forever families will receive adoption care kits including food, toys, treats and a certificate for a free evaluation within five days of adoption at a participating veterinarian.
For more information on Canandaigua-based Ontario County Humane Society and Happy Tails Animal Shelter and to learn more about the adoption process, visit www.ontariocountyhumanesociety.org.
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