Humane Society of Tampa Bay Making Good Matches

According to an article in this week's Tampa Tribune, Hillsborough County Animal Services euthanized almost 2000 animals in April of this year. More cats than dogs are brought into the shelter and more dogs are adopted, so cats are the majority of the animals being euthanized. The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, through their program Mission Orange is working in Tampa Bay to lower the number of animals euthanized because of homelessness. As a part of that effort, the Humane Society of Tampa Bay has been transporting animals from HCAS to its facility at 3607 Armenia Ave. in Tampa. HCAS took in almost 90 strays a day in April, which has the capacity for only 325 dogs and 344 cats. The Humane Society has space for 200 animals and executive director, Sherry Silk, says she doesn't want to have empty cages when they are euthanizing animals down the street.

The SPCA has developed a personality test called Meet Your Match that helps partner potential pet owners with animals that are compatible. Humane Society clients are asked to fill out a 16 question form which helps determine what kind of pet they are most suited to. The animals are labeled in categories like Love Bug, Goofball and Couch Potato. Silk says the match making has helped prevent the return of pets after adoption. She feels if the pet stays in the new home for 30 days, then the bond is likely to stick. Last year the Humane Society placed 3,181 animals. This year adoptions have already increased by 125 for January and 208 for February, which is a good sign that Mission Orange is making a difference.

Volunteers also help to make a difference in this effort. Like my friend, Rohana who spends several hours a month in the Humane Society's cat area. Rohana has the sensitivity and gentleness to work with frightened animals. She looks for the cats and kittens who seem the most needy, then brings them out to the play area and spends time with them, helping them socialize. Baby Girl was a sad, withdrawn little kitten. Rohana brings treats and toys, but some cats, like Baby Girl are too shutdown to play. So, she sits with them and gradually draws them out of their shells. Each time Rohana went, she found Baby Girl a little less timid, but still she was a long way from being social. Rohana knew it would take a very special person to care for this kitten. Last week, Baby Girl was adopted after months of waiting. With the care being given to match people and animals, Baby Girl has a better chance of staying with her new owner for the rest of her life. Rohana has moved on to her next candidate, Quincy, who is a shy white cat, with eyes that remind her alot of Baby Girl. People like Rohana are a vital part of the solution to the homeless pet problem. The ASPCA working together with the Humane Society and Animal Services to make good matches, is another.