Oregon Outback Humane Society

Receives $6,000.00 Grant from PetSmart Charities^®

Lakeview, OR–November 24 2009– The Oregon Outback Humane Society (OOHS) members and the animals that rely on them for a second chance, have much to be grateful for this holiday season. A $6,000.00 grant from PetSmart Charities will allow them to increase the number of homeless, abandoned and misplaced animals the organization can help throughout the year.

Through partnerships with larger humane societies and rescue organizations in metropolitan areas, OOHS often has the opportunity to transfer animals to give them another chance at finding forever homes. One challenge has been holding the animals until they can be transferred. According to Martina Keil, Adoption Coordinator for OOHS, any animal coming into the program needs to be spayed or neutered before placement into a foster situation. “When we have an influx of animals, generally stays coming in, we may have an opportunity to transfer them, but it sometimes takes time to plan the transfer. Partnerships with other animal welfare organizations have been key to helping more animals from Lake County. This grant gives us the opportunity to have the animals spayed and neutered so we can hold them until a transfer can be arranged.” She added that in certain situations, it is possible for owner-surrendered animals to be held awaiting transfer by their former owners and this grant assist is making sure those animals are spayed and neutered as well.  

 “Oregon Outback Humane Society’s efforts to promote and facilitate pet adoptions in Lake County and adjacent communities have been successful, and progress is being made toward ending pet overpopulation in Lake County,” said Susana Della Maddalena, Executive Director of PetSmart Charities. “Innovative and collaborative programs like this are chipping away at the problem nationwide, making communities better places for pets along the way.”

OOHS are always in need of foster homes and there are many opportunities that do not require long tem commitments from families. According to Andrea Letham, Foster Care Coordinator for OOHS, there are often situations where animals just need a safe place to stay for a week or two. “If you want to help, but are not in the position to adopt right now, fostering may be the best way you can help individual animals,” said Letham. Individuals and families interested in fostering can visit www.oregonoutbackhumane.org for more information on becoming a foster parent.

About Oregon Outback Humane Society

Oregon Outback Humane Society is an independent 501(c) (3) nonprofit organization founded in 2007 to improve the quality of life for companion animals and residents in Lake County, Oregon. On average OOHS helps over 560 animals each year through foster/adoption, pet food share and spay neuter services. OOHS receives no direct financial support from national, regional or local animal welfare organizations or governments. OOHS relies on donation from private individuals. To learn more about Oregon Outback Humane Society, visit www.oregonoutbackhumane.org or call 1-877-947-5009.

About PetSmart Charities

PetSmart Charities, Inc. is and independent 501 (c) (3) nonprofit organization that creates and supports programs that save lives of homeless pets, raise awareness of companion animal welfare issues, and promote healthy relationships between people and pets. Since 1994, PetSmart Charities has funded more that $88 million in grants and programs benefiting animal welfare organization and, through its in-store pet adoption program, has helped save the lives of more than 3.9 million pets. To learn more about how PetSmart Charities is working to help find a lifelong, loving homes for every pet, visit www.petsmartcharities.org or call 1-800-423-PETS.