CLARKSVILLE, TN (CLARKSVILLE NOW) – First established in 1968, the Humane Society of Clarksville-Montgomery County has been serving not only the community’s citizens but their pets as well, and all animals who need a safe and healthy environment.
Amy Shaver, executive director, said their main focus is on proactive programs like low-cost spay-neuter, a pet food bank, and a pet placement program. They do everything they can to keep animals out of the shelter at Montgomery County Animal Care and Control.
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Shaver highlighted the spay-neuter program. “High volume low cost spay neuter directly correlates to decreasing the overpopulation, suffering and euthanasia in the community,” she said.
The Humane Society set a goal in 2009 to open a clinic where the surgeries could be performed. “Our low-cost spay neuter runs anywhere from $35 for a feral cat to $60 for a female dog,” Shaver said. She added that since opening in August 2017 the spay-neuter clinic has completed over 30,500 surgeries.
The Cat’s Meow Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) program is one of the Humane Society’s largest programs. Cats are humanely trapped, spayed or neutered by a veterinarian, vaccinated, ear marked, which shows they have been fixed, and then returned to their outdoor home. Shaver said at last count, about 380 cats have gone through the TNR program this year.
A few years ago, the Humane Society closed their foster program with volunteers placing pets in their homes until permanent homes could be found. Shaver said hat Clarksville-Montgomery County today is blessed with several animal rescue groups that are doing a good job of taking care of animals in need.
The Humane Society operates on financial and other donations from the community, and the organization is not funded by the city or county.
Shaver said the Humane Society is proud of their pet food bank which distributes around 40,000 pounds of food each year to over 600 families in need. Dry pet food is available to be picked up every three months.
The Humane Society also operates their Re-Tail Store, which features both gently used donated and new items for pets. All of the items in the store are for sale to the public at a very low price with all of the money raised going to support the organization.
Shaver said both the local community and businesses have been incredibly generous in their support of the Re-Tail store, which is open Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday from 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Shaver emphasized the importance of spaying and neutering and adopting pets. “The single most responsible and effective thing everyone can do to help their pets and the community, and all of us that are fighting to prevent animal suffering is simply just to spay and neuter their animals, and when you’re looking for a new pet, find one to adopt,” Shaver said.
The Humane Society is at 940 Tennessee Ave. behind Arby’s on Riverside Drive, and they are open Monday-Saturday from 9 a.m.-2 p.m.
To learn more or to make a donation, visit clarksvillehumanesociety.org, email humanesociety@clarksville.com or call 931-648-8042.
Giving Grace, sponsored by Grace Dental, is an ongoing Clarksville Now series showcasing local nonprofit organizations.