Wanted: A Bigger Food Pantry for Needy Pets

Branford Animal Shelter Director Laura Burban (pictured) sees a big increase in the number of Branford residents who have been forced to give up their pets because of the recession. ​“Relinquishments,” as they are called, have doubled from last year; 282 animals have been impounded this year.

“It often comes down to feeding the kids or feeding the cat,” she says ruefully.

Branford’s experience is similar to other towns and cities across the nation.

Petfinder.com conducted a recent national survey of shelters to determine what impact the economic crisis was having on them. The survey found that 84 percent of its shelters and rescue groups (totaling more than 12,500) are caring for more pets than in the past. Of those animal shelters, 74 percent reported an increase in surrendered and abandoned animals since the same period last year. The survey also reported that 37 percent of shelters and rescue groups experienced a decrease in pet adoptions in the past year.

People are devastated when they surrender their pets. Burban tries to be reassuring and encourages them to visit their pet at the shelter. However, animals are often just dropped outside the shelter, off hours.

The new animal shelter director assessed the situation, determined to find a way to help people keep their pets. She established a Pet Pantry, which enables residents to pick up food for their furry member of the family. It is located at the very busy Volunteer Services Center’s clothing bank on Harrison Avenue, but a larger place is needed.

Now Burban is on a mission to find a location that’s accessible to residents and provides more storage. She says that approximately 100 pet owners are in need. Many more have been turned away. If readers have ideas, please e‑mail her here or email us here.

Burban has reached out to other town facilities. She says the pantry needs to be on a large scale. Since the shelter, which also services North Branford and Northford, can accept food only for its residents, the Pet Pantry must be off-site. Citing space problems most of the town departments have already said no.

Burban is thinking of approaching some local churches. She hopes someone will come forward once the word gets out.

Meanwhile, Help Willy’s Friends will be accepting donations for the Pet Pantry. Help Willy’s Friends is a non-profit organization based in Durham that collects, food, supplies and funds for local animal shelters. A Pet Fair in Durham May 17 will benefit local shelters.

There’s also a pet pantry at the East Haven Animal Shelter, but Animal Control Officer Kristina Ruszczyk reports that few people have taken advantage of it, despite the fact that information is posted on the shelter’s website. She believes, sadly, that people just prefer to give up their animals.

“People think cats can live off the land and abandon them when they move,” she says.

That practice results in a large feral cat population, where cats reproduce randomly and live short, painful lives.

The Branford shelter tries to keep pairs — siblings or companion cats – together and that’s 99 percent successful, says Burban. Three pairs of cats are available right now: Asja and Blaze, Fifi and Bella, and Rusty and Honey. Burban says the duos do take a bit longer to adopt, three to four months rather than the typical month, however, she believes it’s important to keep the emotional and physical welfare of the pet in mind.

There are ways for pet owners to save on their bills. Ruszczyk says her shelter offers help with spay/neuter and vaccinations. People have sought out information about the low-cost Compassionate Care Animal Center (860 – 380-0415) and TEAM (888 – 367-8326), which offers low-cost spay/neuter and vaccinations for cats through its mobile van. The East Haven pet shelter is located at 183 Commerce St.

“People really take advantage of TEAM,” says Ruszczyk. ​“It’s like gold!” Approximately 38 to 40 cats are spayed when it’s in town.

Mary Mellows, president of the Branford Compassion Club, which rescues, rehabilitates and places cats and kittens, has also seen an increase in phone calls from people needing to surrender pets. She says she has calls pending for a 15-year-old cat, a 10-year-old cat, as well as three 12-year-old cats from an older person. People are also reporting finding abandoned friendly cats who are wearing collars.

Cat owners are also calling looking for food, she says.

Depending on the age of the cat, she says they are placed in foster homes or referred to the Branford Animal Shelter or Animal Haven in North Haven. Mellows says people ought to think about adopting a nice older cat instead of insisting on a kitten.

Guilford has a new shelter located at the Guilford Public Safety Complex on Route 77, but only stray dogs are picked up. The shelter does not accept relinquished pets or cats, nor have they seen an upsurge in people surrendering their pets, according the ACO Debra Volpe. Mostly they pick up roaming dogs, which are usually reunited with their owners.

Overall, animal shelters, volunteer groups and veterinarians will work with residents who are financially strapped.

Call or stop by the pet pantries for food. Work with your veterinarian on costs; ask about installment payments. Look into area rabies clinics and discounted opportunities for spay/neuter costs. If you have to move, try to take the time to find a pet-friendly apartment. See if a friend or relative can foster your pet rather than give it up.

If you’re looking to adopt, go to the shelter first. There are lots of wonderful dogs and cats just waiting for a furr-ever home and staff on hand to help you find the purr-fect one.