County Shelter Offers “Senior Pets For Senior Citizens”

COURT HOUSE – Fonzie is a friendly older cat that came to the Cape May County Animal Shelter & Adoption Center when his owner passed away. He is a mature cat that would prefer sharing a home with a mature owner. Fonzie and other senior pets available for adoption have prompted Shelter officials along with the Animal Alliance of Cape May County to team up to offer a special program from now until the end of 2012.
“Senior Pets For Senior Citizens” is hoping to pair the more than 25 cats and dogs over the age of eight with seniors over the age of 60. Freeholder Leonard Desiderio said, “A quiet doting home of a senior citizen is the perfect match for an older animal in need of a new home. Senior animals often need gentler, calmer companions.”
Adoption fees for dogs and cats in the “Senior Pets For Senior Citizens” program will be waived for the adopter and paid by the Animal Alliance of Cape May County – a nonprofit organization that works closely with the Shelter. “Once again the Alliance has stepped up to assist the Shelter in placing our homeless pets,” said Sheriff Gary Schaffer who oversees the County Animal Shelter. Sheriff Schaffer added, “We are fortunate to have their continued support and as a result can offer great programs that benefit County residents and County pets.”
Research suggests that companion animals improve overall physical and mental well-being. Pet owners often experience the added benefits of lowered stress levels and blood pressure as well as companionship. Freeholder Desiderio said, “Dogs and cats can provide friendship and company that seniors may miss if relatives are not close by.”
The Cape May County Animal Shelter & Adoption Center is located in the Crest Haven Complex at 110 Shelter Road in Cape May Court House (Exit 11 off the Garden State Parkway). The facility is open seven days a week for adoptions and visitors from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. In addition, cats from the Shelter are available for adoption at the PetSmart store in Rio Grande.
For additional information call 609-465-8923, email animalshelter@cmcsheriff.net or visit capemaycountygov.net.