Cause for Paws seeks donations
Albany’s Cause for Paws’ mission is to give an affordable option to pet owners to get their cats and dogs fixed, according to the non-profit’s president Lacey Anderson, but that mission comes at a price.
“Our last fundraiser was a bake sale last spring, and although the funds we raised then were nice, we average spending about $1,000 a month, so it goes pretty quick,” said treasurer Buford Salters. “We had vet bills of over $1,200 this November. We want to get our balance back up because it is easier to ‘operate’ with funds.”
Salters said that even though owners are asked to help with a co-pay amount, Cause for Paws is still paying the majority of the cost of the surgeries.
“We are an organization run by volunteers that all have full-time day jobs,” Anderson said. “We do this in our spare time because we are dedicated to stopping the severe pet overpopulation problem that results in many healthy animals being euthanized for lack of homes. By spaying or neutering companion animals, we can end these unwanted births and reduce the needless suffering that homeless animals endure.”
Cause for Paws operates using a voucher program that reduces the cost of spay and neuter surgeries. Clients pay the balance.
“The local veterinarians we work with are incredibly helpful in scheduling surgeries and helping educate owners about the importance of the procedure, not only for prevention of unwanted litters but for the overall health of the animal,” said Anderson. “We have noticed a dramatic decrease in homeless and unwanted pets since the organization was founded.”
Since it was founded in 2009, Cause for Paws has aided in sterilizing over 860 animals by contributing over $81,000 toward the costs of the procedures, according to Anderson.
“Our organization operates solely on contributions from the community,” she said. “When you donate to Albany’s Cause for Paws, you’re giving life-changing support to help end pet homelessness and animal suffering. Without the support of compassionate community members like you, we could never help so many animals.”
