Since its founding in 1992, PETS Inc. has succeeded in saving the lives of more than 44,000 pets and stray animals. But consider that in those same 20 years, more than 400,000 mostly healthy, adoptable animals were euthanized in municipal shelters. Pat McQueen and Jane Brundage, the founders of PETS Inc., are on a mission to educate the community about the problem of animal overpopulation and to develop a solution to this dilemma.
“Saving a pound animal is noble and generous, but it does nothing to address the real problem – the areas from which this continuing flood of unwanted animals originate,” says Pat, president of the nonprofit. PETS Inc. believes that an aggressive long-term solution to overpopulation is necessary, and that solution is to spay and neuter animals on a grand scale.
PETS, Inc. has developed programs to address the problems from the point of rescue, through the rehabilitation and adoption processes and then, going a step further, to ensure the animal has a reasonably good chance for successful integration into the family by addressing its training and emotional needs.
With these primary objectives in mind, PETS Inc. has developed policies and programs that have enabled them to rescue and place more than 41,000 dogs and cats; sterilize more than 43,000 dogs and cats at its low-cost spay/neuter clinic; offer a limited service dental clinic; provide heartworm and flea preventative at the shelter’s pharmacy; register more than 54,000 animals in their Ticket Home pet identification program; reunite 350 to 400 pets with their owners each year using the Pet ID Program; assist 67,000 families with animal related problems; and educate the community on proper care of companion animals.
PETS Inc. also wants to be sure that their involvement with adoptive families positively impacts the way they interact with their future pets. “We believe that most people who do not provide properly for their pets simply don’t understand their animal’s basic nature, instincts and emotional as well as physical needs. It is our mission to assist people with their pets through education, counseling, training assistance and low-cost health care,” Patricia explains.
Daily animal care at the shelter is provided by an underpaid – but much appreciated – staff of dedicated caring people who share an uncommon love and respect for animals. “There are no executive salaries at PETS, Inc. This is a labor of love,” Pat says.
Volunteers complete the rescue efforts by dedicating their time and talents in countless ways throughout the year. Financial support is provided by private donations and a few private grants. PETS, Inc. receives no government funding.
To learn more about PETS Inc, and their 20 years of service in the community, visit www.petsinc.org.
