Humane Society and Shelter South Coast beats 2018 adoption goal

The Humane Society and Shelter South Coast celebrated a big milestone recently, as the organization surpassed its 2018 adoption goal by finding new homes for 738 animals last year.

“It involves a lot of hustle, that’s for sure,” said shelter director Melinda Ventura, who has set this year’s goal even higher at 780 adoptions.

The shelter takes in overflow animals from Fall River and New Bedford, and also brings up many animals from the south, where spaying and neutering is less common.

“The other thing is that it’s not just about quantity, it’s about quality,” Ventura said.

The shelter works to match each animal to a home that is a good match, that is ready to adopt, and that can commit to providing a forever home.

“These animals have already been through enough trauma by the time they get here,” Ventura said.

She also emphasized the support that the shelter can provide to pet owners who are having trouble caring for their animals. The organization runs a pet food pantry for those who are having trouble affording food for their animals, and is able to connect pet owners to people who can help with other issues as well.

“We want people to think of us as a resource, not as a last resort,” Ventura said. “There’s help out there for them.”

The organization also runs a summer camp for kids to help them learn about different kinds of jobs that involve animals, and brings pets monthly to visit with seniors at Project Independence.

Upcoming events at the shelter will include a rabies clinic, yoga with kittens, and a trip to Foxwoods.

The shelter is also looking for volunteers, who can help with everything from cleaning and feeding to distributing flyers or helping out at events. There are opportunities for service clubs and for senior citizens.

For the latest information about the shelter, go to its website, hsssc.org, or its Facebook page, www.facebook.com/SOUTHCOASTHUMANE.