Tri-County Humane Society Offers Adoption Discounts During October Shelter Animals Month

(KNSI) — October is Shelter Animals Month in Minnesota, to recognize places like Tri-County Humane Society for the work they do.

Executive Director Marit Ortega told KNSI News the recognition is appreciated and comes at a time when the shelter is working to help thousands of animals find homes. “We don’t deny an animal for any reason, so there are some groups that will kind of have a set criteria-if they meet X, Y and Z then they’ll take the animal, if not, then they decline the animal. We’re open admission.”

Last year alone, the organization took in 5,160 animals, with just over half coming from St. Cloud and surrounding areas. The shelter handles stray animals through contracts with local cities, works to reunite lost pets with their owners, and provides adoptions when animals aren’t claimed.

Ortega explains the shelter’s success relies heavily on community involvement. “Part of the reason we’re able to help so many animals is we have around 200 active volunteers coming and working with the shelter animals every week, and then we have around 100 or so volunteers doing foster care for animals.”

For over a decade, Tri-County has maintained placement rates exceeding 90%. Currently, the organization has 146 animals at the shelter and over 100 animals in foster homes.

The proclamation comes as TCHS continues its tradition of celebrating October, which has long been recognized nationally as Adopt a Dog Month. To celebrate, Tri-County is running a “Spin the Wheel” adoption promotion throughout October. Visitors can spin a wheel to receive between 10% and 50% off adoption fees for all dogs, puppies, and cats six months or older.

Beyond adoptions, Tri-County offers pet education programs, birthday parties, school tours, a Book Buddies reading program, and has recently added a pet food pantry to help families keep their pets at home during financial difficulties.

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