Supporters took a paws from their usual Saturday night routines to help those who help animals in need.

The Humane Society & Shelter – SouthCoast in Dartmouth hosted its first fund-raising gala Saturday, Nov. 4 since the pandemic. The event, the year’s biggest fund-raiser for the shelter, took place right at the facility on Ventura Drive.

That gave visitors a chance to eat, drink and be merry, while also visiting with the animals available for adoption and touring the shelter for a behind the scenes peek at the staff’s work.

People don’t realize how much space the shelter has, said Melinda Ventura, executive director of the shelter. With the addition of a tent in the front lawn, there was plenty of space for people to sit and socialize or to walk around and bid on silent auction items.

The pandemic brought an onslaught of people to shelters, as they looked for furry companions to keep them company during the lockdown as they worked from home.

But when people returned to work, or had no job to return to because of the economy, they often had to surrender those animals, dogs in particular. And in some cases, when the animal had behavioral or physical problems, rehoming them became more challenging, Ventura said.

This adds up to more animals for longer stretches — and that costs money.

The animals require veterinary care, which can add up, even when veterinarians offer reduce rates. And then there are other items, such as non-scoopable cat litter, which the shelter spends “thousands’’ on, Ventura said, as well as kitten formula and kitten chow.

Donating cash helps greatly, she said.

But not all giving has to be costly. The shelter always needs volunteers, she said. People should also consider the shelter when looking for a pet, she said. “Adopt, don’t shop,’’ she urged.

And volunteers willing to take in animals temporarily as they are prepared for adoption — known as fostering — helps greatly, she said. “All the shelters and rescues are desperate for fosters,’’ she said.

In some cases, the gala has served as an introduction that can change the life of an animal and a human companion.

Danielle Gallagher, who was at the Nov. 4 event, attended a gala years ago and met a deaf and blind dog. “I fell in love with him,’’ she said. “I had to adopt him. That was one of the best things that has happened to my family.’’

Sonar, a Jack Russell/beagle mix, continues to be a loving family member, Gallagher said.

In addition to the usual dogs and cats, the shelter also offers a few smaller animals, such as guinea pigs and rabbits, for adoption.

As Jeff Bolton made friends with a pair of lettuce-loving guinea pigs, he talked about his interest in the shelter. “My wife and I are animal lovers and care for them deeply,’’ he said.

“What the shelter does for our community is so worthwhile,’’ Patricia Sands said.

Kathy and John West have been attending the gala for nearly 20 years and have adopted two dogs from the shelter.

John West said he appreciates the chance to see the animals and the people who care for them.

Their work, he said, provides the opportunity for people to “rescue some wonderful, deserving creatures.’’