By Kaitlan Morehouse
On April 23 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., you can help the organization celebrate being in the community at the Adoption and Education Center, 279 New Vale Road in Newland.
The event will be hosted by Avery Humane Society and sponsored by Avery County Chamber of Commerce.
Shelter Manager Charlene Calhoun said the Birthday Bash will celebrate all of the good work the organization has done for animals over the years. The event will also give the public a chance to get involved and get to know AHS.
Last year, AHS spayed 358 cats and dogs in Avery County, 182 of them for free. The humane society has already spayed 145 animals this year.
The organization took in nearly 800 animals from across the county in 2015, as well as 10 other species: 4 rabbits, 4 guinea pigs and 2 potbelly pigs.
You can adopt 39 of the available animals today: 22 dogs, 16 cats and one adult rabbit!
Do you want to become involved and volunteer at the shelter?
Visit the shelter and sign an application. From there, you will go through volunteer orientation and be mentored – the shelter needs foster homes and transportation for the animals!
“The Avery County Humane Society is there for the community,” said Erika Siegel, chair of the board of directors for AHS. “If someone has animals that can no longer be cared for, we try to take care of them until they are found a home.”
AHS offer a rabies vaccine clinic and spay and neuter clinics to members of the community.
For more information, visit the Avery Humane Society online or on Facebook or Twitter pages, call 828-733-2333, email Shelter Manager Charlene Calhoun at [email protected] or mail to PO Box 1213, Newland, NC 28657.
Shelter Hours:
Monday through Saturday: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Sunday: 12 to 4 p.m. – Adoptions only
Intake Office:
Monday through Saturday: appointments only
About AHS
Established in 1978, Avery County Humane Society, a nonprofit, strives to respond humanely to the needs of animals in Avery County, as well as be a valued member of the greater community, forging relationships will many community institutions.
AHS moved to its current location, 279 New Vale Road in Newland behind Ingles, in April of 2012.
The new shelter houses approximately 95 animals. In 2014, the organization had more than 800 adoptions and has 1,500 visitors every year.
If you would like to help AHS, you can adopt, hold a fundraising event, donate or shop in the Happy Paws Pet Boutique in the shelter or the Paws and Claws resale store, which will reopen on Thursday, April 14. Otherwise, the nonprofit receives income from grants. The organization does not receive state or federal, United Way or any affiliated national group funding, such as ASPCA or Humane Society of the US.
You can donate items from the wish list or send check or money online, over the phone or in the mail. You can also donate your time by joining a volunteer team by phone or email, [email protected]. AHS asks that all volunteers be sixteen or older, unless accompanied by a parent or guardian. Visit http://www.averyhumane.org/volunteer to learn more.
AHS aims to find your best animal match for your personality and lifestyle. The adoption fee is $85, which includes a free vet check (at any participating veterinary office, a free collar, free 30-day pet insurance and coupons for area pet stores and Petango, the online pet store. For more adoption information, email [email protected]
