Around 11,000 animals end up at Fort Wayne Animal Care and Control every year. These animals would have no homes and be on the streets if it weren’t for the amazing shelter staff.
“FWACC is northeast Indiana’s largest open-access animal shelter…” Community Outreach Educator, Delaney Atkinson said in an email, “…Open-access means the animal shelter cannot legally turn animals away from Fort Wayne, no matter the condition they are in or their species.”
FWACC often finds itself overflowing with animals in need.
Luckily there are ways that you can help them out.
“Our needs continuously change, but common items that we always seem to run low on are pate style wet cat food, soft dog treats, ground wet dog food, paper towels, cat toys, and we can always use blankets and towels,” said Atkinson.
Donations can be dropped off Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at one of the main entrances.
Fostering animals is another great way to open up some space for the shelter and make sure that the animals are ready to be adopted.
“Complete an online application, have an onboarding with our Foster Team and join the Foster FB page. We provide everything you will need to care for your fosters, and you supply your time and love,” said Volunteer Coordinator (and this reporter’s father) Jeoffry Dingeldein.
Foster families pick the available animals to take into their home and take care of until they are cleared for adoption.
This is a great way to interact with many different animals and help out the community.
FWACC takes volunteers of ages 18 or over. They also offer many job opportunities. During the Summer they host a pet exploration camp where kids 13 years and older can volunteer as a teen buddy. During that camp there is also a camp counselor opportunity for kids 17 and older.
“I have a whole new outlook on animals and pet ownership. I am an avid advocate for animals and love to educate others about animal shelters and the resources that are available to the public,” said Atkinson.
When adopting an animal it is essential that you know what you’re getting into. Without the proper education you risk having to give the animal back up to the shelter.
“People can help by researching about the pet they are thinking of getting. With education they will learn about the needs for the pet (supplies, vet care, training, time, etc.) and be able to plan and budget accordingly which will lessen the chance the pet will end up in a shelter. They can also adopt, volunteer, or foster,” said foster coordinator Emilee Smith in an email.
If you are above the age of 18, there are many volunteer opportunities that you can take up at FWACC.
Dingeldein, who is in charge of the volunteers, lists the opportunities as Morning Dog Care, Morning Cat Care, Laundry, Small Animal Care, Triage, Offsite Cat Care, Afternoon Dog Care, Afternoon Cat Care, Adoptions Counter, Enrichment and Fundraising.
Dingeldein also mentions that the availability of the positions can vary.
Make sure to take the best care of your pets as possible. Those little critters need your care and shelter.
If you are looking for a new addition to the family, FWACC is the perfect place to go. You’ll be freeing up more space at the shelter and getting to have a new furry friend.
Anything can help, and all help is appreciated.
