Homeless animals in Callaway County will again benefit from the ingenuity and dedication put forth by the Callaway County Humane Society as a new program, Pet Partners, rolls out in March allowing supporters to get more personally involved by sponsoring the medical care of a particular animal.
When sponsors become Pet Partners, they fill out questionnaires designating how they prefer their money to be spent. Categories include: $100 for spaying, neutering or other medical needs; $50 for vaccinations and/or micro chipping, which helps locate pets should they get lost; and $25 for flea and tick prevention treatments.
There is also a $250 business sponsorship allowing businesses to be listed as Pet Partners on the CCHS website.
Once the program is in place, as animals are rescued and the funds are used, partners will receive cards sharing the pets' photos and stories, allowing them to get to know the animals they have sponsored.
"Many people don't understand the positive impact they've made," said Nikki Hartley, CCHS membership chair. "They just donate, then they are done. This way they can see how they have helped."
After an animal has received the attention it needs, a Pet Partner can choose to sponsor another animal's medical care. They can do this as often as they choose.
There is also an option for folks who want to donate but don't have a specific request as to how their funds are spent. Those donations can be made in any amount and generally go to operating expenses.
"We are grateful for any amount people want to give," said Hartley.
"If they have five or ten dollars they are willing to give, that helps us, too."
Because the CCHS does not have a shelter that supporters can be involved with, the Pet Partners program is set up to offer pet-lovers a "hands on" experience with the rescued animals that they are so passionate about helping.