Calling on Fosters & Adopters: A Plea for Help from Chippewa Valley Shelters
In the heart of Chippewa Valley, a silent crisis is unfolding within the walls of its three main animal shelters. With over 240 adoptable animals waiting for loving homes, the urgency for fosters, adopters, and community support has never been greater. As the colder months approach, these shelters are brimming with furry friends in need of care and companionship.
The Current Situation
The Chippewa Humane Association (CHA), Dunn County Humane Association (DCHA), and Eau Claire Community Humane Association (ECCHA) are all designated No-Kill shelters, committed to providing safe havens for animals in need. However, the numbers tell a stark story: CHA currently houses 64 adoptable cats and dogs, DCHA cares for 152 animals (88 of which are adoptable), and ECCHA has 106 animals, primarily cats and dogs. When considering animals in foster care and those at Mr. Kitty’s Cat Cafe, ECCHA’s total swells to approximately 204 animals.
The influx of animals can be attributed to various factors, including the recent hurricanes Helene and Milton, which displaced numerous pets, as well as ongoing issues such as housing instability and rising pet care costs. These challenges have led to a significant increase in strays entering the shelters, leaving them at full capacity.
The Strain on Local Shelters
In a recent interview with WQOW-TV, Sam Wojcik, executive director of CHA, highlighted the daily challenges faced by the shelter. “For dogs, we’re almost at capacity. Generally, we have around 23 to 25 dogs in the building. Right now, we have 31. Cats are also reaching capacity. We’re getting in strays every day, dogs and cats,” he explained.
DCHA is experiencing a similar situation, having taken in 67 cats and nine dogs since the beginning of October alone. Executive director Harvey Weidman noted the shelter’s commitment to serving the pets of Dunn County, but lamented the lack of available adopters. “Unfortunately, in our community, there are already too many unhoused, abandoned, and abused pets that need our services,” he stated.
ECCHA, as the only open admission shelter in the area, has also been stretched thin. Marketing director Addie Erdman explained that despite being at capacity, the shelter accepted 14 transfer pets from hurricane-affected areas, further compounding their challenges.
The Call for Action
With the situation growing increasingly dire, the shelters are calling on the community for help. The most effective way to make a difference is through adoption. Each shelter has a streamlined application process available on their websites, ensuring that animals find safe and loving forever homes.
Fostering: A Lifeline for Animals
If adoption isn’t feasible, fostering is another critical way to support these shelters. Fostering not only alleviates overcrowding but also provides invaluable insights into each animal’s behavior and needs. For instance, one foster mom at ECCHA recently took in a pregnant cat, who soon gave birth to six adorable kittens. This experience not only helped the shelter manage its population but also allowed staff to learn more about the mother and her kittens.
Erdman emphasized the importance of fostering, stating, “Maybe we have a dog here and we say, ‘yeah it doesn’t really seem to be good with other dogs.’ Then you get them into a foster home where their stress levels come down, and they’re completely different dogs.” This transformation can significantly enhance the chances of adoption.
DCHA’s Weidman echoed this sentiment, noting that while they currently have seven foster homes—an encouraging number—finding additional foster parents remains a challenge. The shelter provides all necessary supplies and medical care for pets in foster care, making it easier for volunteers to step in and help.
Volunteering: A Helping Hand
In addition to fostering and adopting, volunteering is another vital way to support local shelters. Volunteers play a crucial role in the day-to-day operations of the shelters, providing care, socialization, and companionship to the animals. Their efforts help ensure that each animal receives the attention and love they deserve while waiting for their forever homes.
How You Can Help
If you’re interested in making a difference in the lives of these animals, consider the following options:
- Adopt: Visit the websites of local shelters to learn about the adoption process and meet the animals waiting for homes.
- Foster: If you have the space and time, consider fostering an animal in need. The shelters provide all necessary supplies and medical care.
- Volunteer: Reach out to your local shelter to find out how you can contribute your time and skills to support their mission.
- Donate: Financial contributions or supplies such as food, litter, and toys can greatly assist shelters in their daily operations.
Learn More
To learn more about how you can help, visit the following websites:
Conclusion
The Chippewa Valley’s animal shelters are in urgent need of support as they care for over 240 adoptable animals. By stepping forward to adopt, foster, volunteer, or donate, you can play a vital role in helping these animals find the loving homes they deserve. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of countless furry friends waiting for their forever families.