Donations keep shelter running

The Mat-Su Borough Animal Care and Regulation facility relies heavily on community donations and support to make it a success.

Presently at the shelter, several organizations sponsor Pet of the Week programs, in which dogs and cats are chosen by one of several companies, including the Frontiersman, Animal Food Warehouse, the Palmer Veterinary Clinic, Willow Trading Post and Landscape Supply, to name a few. Often a discount is offered with the adoption of the animal, or a bonus gift accompanies the pet. Businesses are always welcome to become part of the Pet of the Week program.

In addition to adoption incentives, several businesses and community members faithfully donate needed supplies to help keep the animals at the shelter comfortable. Blankets, towels and toys are always needed for dogs and cats, and newspapers are accepted to line cages in the cattery.

Monetary donations are also appreciated, and the shelter is always looking for items to help make the atmosphere more homey. Creative Interiors recently donated $300 in carpet for use in the family room, an area where prospective pet owners can take dogs or cats for one-on-one socialization. Chairs, couches, tables and lamps are often needed in this area.

If you're interested in donating, contact Bob Bassett at the shelter at 746-5500.

How many critters

68 million dogs and 73 million cats are claimed as pets across the United States.

Four in ten, or nearly 40 million households have a dog, while 34.7 million households are home to a cat.

On average, most dog owners have two dogs and most cat owners have two cats.

Twenty percent of the cats and dogs were adopted from some sort of animal shelter.

Seven of 10 dogs are spayed or neutered, as are 8 of 10 cats.

Between 8 and 10 million cats and dogs enter shelters each year.

Between 4 and 5 million dogs and cats are euthanized at shelters each year.

Between 15 and 30 percent of dogs and 2 to 5 percent of cats that enter shelters are reclaimed by their owners.

In the Mat-Su:

In 1997, of the 2,693 animals brought in to the Mat-Su Animal Care and Regulation shelter, 2,211, or 74 percent, were euthanized. Thirteen percent were adopted and 12 percent were claimed.

In 1998, 2,650 animals were brought in, 1,980 of which were euthanized. Again, 13 percent were adopted and 12 percent were claimed.

In 1999, 3,134 animals were brought in and 71 percent, 2,256 were euthanized. Twelve percent were claimed and 15 percent were adopted.

In 2000, 3,273 animals were brought in. Of that number, 58 percent were euthanized, 15 percent were claimed and 26 percent were adopted or rescued.

In 2001, 3,311 animals were brought in and 43 percent, 1085, were euthanized. Sixty-seven percent, 2,226 animals, were adopted, claimed or rescued.

Obtained from three sources: the 2001-2002 American Pet Products Manufacturers Association's National Pet Owners survey, the Humane Society of the U.S. and numbers from Mat-Su Borough Animal Care and Regulation.