A cat awaits adoption from the Central Alberta Humane Society in Red Deer. (rdnewsNOW/Josh Hall)

By Josh Hall (Twitter: @Vancan19)

food for thought this Christmas

Central Alberta Humane Society urges ‘adopt, don’t shop’ mentality this holiday season

Dec 8, 2022 | 3:19 PM

Spirits are high at the Central Alberta Humane Society (CA Humane), but the Red Deer-based organization is dealing with capacity issues, and there are some key messages to be shared about pet adoption around the holidays.

“We want people to adopt, not shop,” says Kelly Richard, Fund Development Coordinator. “We do not encourage animals as gifts. Please be sure you and your family are ready to commit to the animal for their whole life.”

The adoption process is thorough, and individuals aren’t permitted to adopt if gifting to someone outside the household. Otherwise, all adults in a household are consulted.

“It’s a lifelong commitment,” Richards adds.

Adoption fees are currently $375 for a puppy and $200 for adult dogs, while kittens are $175 and adult cats are $150. Senior cats go for $60.

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There are currently 80+ cats and kittens, as well as 30+ dogs and puppies at the CA Humane building (4505 – 77 Street) in the city’s north.

Snickers (right), a one-year-old male husky mix, arrived in October as a transfer from Calgary, while his buddy Artemis, a three-year-old lab mix and former stray, has been at the Humane Society since June 2022. Both are well cared for, but are looking for forever homes. (rdnewsNOW/Josh Hall)

It’s a bustling place with retail space at the front, plus the litany of things going on behind the scenes.

That includes dignified cremation, meet and greet room, x-ray and blood testing labs, seemingly endless kennels, operating rooms, and one room packed with donated pet food. Animals also have outdoor space to run when the temperatures aren’t frigid, and giant washers and dryers churn, constantly keeping hundreds of donated blankets clean.

According to Richard, the average stay for an adult dog before being adopted was 33 days, back in 2019. It’s now 60 days, though it’s not uncommon for dogs – and other animals like bunnies — to be there several months or even a full year. For one week, the estimated cost to shelter is $75.

(rdnewsNOW/Josh Hall)

Couple that with declining adoption numbers in 2021 and 2022, and it’s caused more than 400 cats and 100 dogs to be on waitlists this year. That means people are at home awaiting a spot at CA Humane to surrender their furry friend.

About one-third of animals come in through the organization’s on-site drop-box, while others arrive via Alberta Animal Services, or they’re surrendered in person.

This young cat named Basil was recently brought to the Humane Society after being found with both ears, as well as its nose, frostbitten. Basil won’t be up for adoption until fully healed. (rdnewsNOW/Josh Hall)

“CA Humane is not government-funded and we rely on donations and fundraising efforts to offset our $1.4 million dollars in operating costs. When our community is struggling, charities like ours struggle even more,” says Richard.

“We are full, and because we want to ensure we can provide the best care possible to all animals in the shelter, we never intake over capacity. However, we will always utilize people or families who are willing to foster animals in their homes for a short time or until they can be adopted.”

Richard also noted puppies usually spend seven or eight days there before adoption, but even with the cuteness factor – which is why they’re typically adopted faster – that wait has ballooned to an average of 25 days.

This December, CA Humane is running its Giving Tree fundraiser to offset operating costs. Paws on the tree – located on-site — cost a minimum $10 donation, with funds going to life-saving surgery, spaying and neutering, animal enrichment, a new microscope, a kitten incubator, and other things.

One veterinarian ,Dr. Morgan, and one registered vet tech, Jess, at the Central Alberta Humane Society perform a procedure on a furry patient. (rdnewsNOW/Josh Hall)

Speaking of spaying and neutering, CA Humane did nearly 600 this year.

That and other critical work is why CA Humane won Non-Profit of the Year from the Red Deer and District Chamber of Commerce this year.

Currently, CA Humane is also selling raffle tickets (in store) for six different baskets, and a 2023 Who Rescued Who? calendar is available. Dog licenses are also available at CA Humane, with The City of Red Deer supporting the organization with $7 from each license sold. That amount is $1 when the registration is done through The City directly.

Kelly Richard, fund development coordinator at CA Humane Society, mingles with some cats during a recent visit. (rdnewsNOW/Josh Hall)

Richard also notes CA Humane has close to 400 volunteers, though not all are active, so more people signing up is always encouraged.

For more information, visit cahumane.com.

You can also follow CA Humane on Facebook for the most up to date information on available animals and fundraising efforts.

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