Snake River Animal Shelter to hold 36 hour Adopt-a-Thon
IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) - One month ago, a severely injured and shaking cat was found underneath a local dumpster behind a popular restaurant a mere 15 minutes away from Snake River Animal Shelter. Thanks to a Good Samaritan, he was found and brought to an emergency veterinarian, where his injuries were treated and he was eventually released into the care of Snake River Animal Shelter. His road to recovery continued as he has received additional vet care to ensure that his wounds heal and he is free of infection. Now, this strong, brave cat named Knight is available for adoption along with 80 other orphaned pets who are at Snake River Animal Shelter currently waiting for a new home.
2023 has been a challenging year for shelters and rescues nationwide. Pet adoptions are down 2% from 2022, while intakes of stray and surrendered animals remain at an all-time high. Eastern Idaho is no exception. Several of the pets in our care have been here for over three months, even though their adoption fees have been partially or fully sponsored.
“We have several dogs (and a few cats) at our rescue who are sponsored by generous community members who want to bring attention to the orphaned animals who need a new home,” SRAS Executive Director, Michelle Ziel-Dingman said. “In our experience, sponsored adoptions bring attention to a particular animal but they do not attract folks who are just seeking a “free pet.” In fact, many adopters who take home a sponsored pet still generously donate to the shelter. We are also careful to interview and select qualified adopters who will take amazing care of their new pet."
To help Knight and the other pets at the shelter find forever homes, the Snake River Animal Shelter is holding its first 36 hours Adopt-A-Thon, a three day event to highlight the shelter pets in need and offer the community expanded business hours to encourage them to adopt a new pet during the holidays. The event will run 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Dec. 15, Dec. 16 and Dec. 17 at the shelter, and every adopter will receive a special gift bag of pet supplies plus each day will feature extra fun including treats and cocoa.
“We know that many prospective adopters are only available for pet meet-and-greets on nights and weekends. We are excited to offer these expanded hours in hopes of attracting those who are looking to add a pet to their family but cannot come to the shelter during our regular hours,” Ziel-Dingman said.
Additionally, on Saturday, Dec. 16 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., the community is invited to bring their own pets for Pet Photos with Santa Paws. Ellie Bean Photography will provide the photos which will be delivered digitally. No appointments necessary. Dogs must be leashed and cats have to be brought in a carrier to participate.
Snake River Animal Shelter is also offering a special “Christmas Getaway” program that will invite foster families to host a pet in their home from 12/23-12/25 to allow an orphaned cat or dog a chance to spend the holidays with a family.
The Snake River Animal Shelter is located at 3000 Lindsay Boulevard, Idaho Falls, ID 83402.
