Beginning in June, the Central Pennsylvania Humane Society will become a “one-stop-shopping” place for people adopting animals.
“Every animal that leaves the shelter will be spayed or neutered by our on-staff veterinarian, Dr. Kenyon Brewer before they go to their new home” says Dave Hopkins, CPHS Executive Director.
Fees for the service will be increased according to shelter administrators, however, the total cost to the consumer will be much less than normal. Adopted animals will be given all necessary shots including FVRCP vaccination, rabies, testing for feline leukemia and deworming in cats; parvo/distemper/bordatella vaccinations, deworming and ID tags for dogs. The complete cost for cats, whether spayed or neutered, will be $110. Shelter officials note that figure compares with an average charge for similar services by local Veterinarians of up to $234 (including the old CPHS adoption fee of $45) for cats. The new fee schedule will go into effect on Monday, June 9.
With dogs, the new adoption fee will be $130 whether the animal is spayed or neutered. Similar procedures by local vets average up to $274 (including the old CPHS adoption fee of $65) according to CPHS.
“New pet owners will be getting a deal,” says Hopkins. “They won’t have to worry about making spay/neuter appointments or getting vaccinations. Everything will be done when they pick up their animal…..and they won’t have to worry about us sending out certified letters to remind them, or knocking on their doors to check on the status of the pet.”
To make the new fees an easier adjustment, CPHS has added a new service. They will now be accepting Visa and Mastercard and bank debit cards for payment.
The credit cards will also be accepted at the shelter’s Thrift Shop where CPHS sells “gently used” clothing, games, appliances, toys, books and more.
