If you’ve been a Connecticut Humane Society supporter for a little while, you’ve likely heard the phrase “keeping pets at home” before. Do you know what it means?
At the Connecticut Humane Society, it means putting pets first in a different way. Over the years, CHS’ mission has grown into something that cares for pets in a full-circle way: one that ensures pets who need support get it both in the shelter when rehoming is the right solution, and right at home when there’s an opportunity to keep a family together.
Many pets have end up in shelters due to financial constraints at home. Sometimes a family is struggling to put food on the table. Sometimes a medical emergency drains savings and there’s not enough left for costly veterinary bills. Every so often, someone ends up in the hospital unexpectedly or loses their housing and doesn’t have anyone to care for their pet while they get back on their feet. No matter the details, too often families have to separate from their companion animals when they would rather not have to.
But what if the heartbreak didn’t have to happen? This is where CHS is changing the narrative and hopefully the future for pets in need. The goal is to keep pets at home with the families who love them. Here are a few of the ever-growing programs available in Connecticut to reduce surrenders and keep pets in loving homes:
Pet Food Pantry
Monthly distributions at all three CHS locations provide families in need with free pet food, easing the financial burden of caring for their pets.
Pop-Up Community Clinics
Free wellness clinics bring preventative veterinary care—such as exams, vaccines, and flea/tick prevention—into communities where access to care is limited.
Fox Memorial Clinic and CHS Veterinary Clinic in Wilton
The Fox Memorial Clinic in Newington offers reduced-fee veterinary care for thousands of pets each year, from routine wellness to diagnostics and surgery. Soon, CHS will expand this access with a new full-service, low-fee veterinary clinic in Wilton.
Special Assistance Fund
When a pet faces unexpected medical needs, the Special Assistance Fund provides financial support so families don’t have to make the impossible choice between treatment and surrender.
Safe & Sheltered Pets Program
For families in crisis—whether fleeing domestic violence, facing medical emergencies, or experiencing homelessness—CHS provides temporary foster care for pets until they can return home.
Pet Rehoming & Adoptions
Even with other resources available, it’s not always possible for a pet to stay in their current situation. For families who do have to make this hard decision, CHS will continue to be a safe shelter for those pets. Once medical and behavioral needs are met for pets who arrive, they are made available for adoption, and staff work to match them with the right families and educate adopters on each pet’s needs.
If you or someone you know is having trouble affording food or veterinary care, or are going through hardship that has you considering separating from your pet, start by calling CHS at 800-452-0114 to learn more about the programs that might be able to help you keep your pet.
Was CHS able to keep you and your pet together forever? Your story could save even more pets in need. Share your story today with marketing@cthumane.org.
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Lola
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