Humane Society Lowers Kitten Adoption Fees

Humane Society Lowers Kitten Adoption Fees

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

November 8, 2013

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Phaedra Kohler, Director of Customer and Volunteer Services

(772) 388-3331 ext. 27

(Vero Beach, Florida) - To help place more than twenty-five kittens and young cats needing homes, The Humane Society of Vero Beach and Indian River County (HSVBIRC) has temporarily lowered its adoption fee to $20 for all cats one year of age or younger. The adoption fee includes spaying or neutering, microchip, age appropriate vaccinations, free pet ID tag and a complimentary bag of pet food. The Humane Society is located at 6230 77th St., Vero Beach and is open Tuesday and Wednesday, 11:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. and Thursday-Saturday from 11:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. For more information call the shelter at (772) 388-3331 ext. 10 or visit the shelter's website at www.hsvb.org.

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Votes Needed To Help Humane Society Win Cat Room Makeover

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                           

August 23, 2013

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Tim Swift, Director of Development

(772) 388-3331 ext. 27

Votes Needed To Help Humane Society Win Cat Room Makeover

(Vero Beach, Florida) – The Humane Society of Vero Beach and Indian River County (HSVBIRC) was just notified that the shelter is one of ten finalists selected from across the U.S. to compete for a $1,000 cat room makeover. This “catification” is courtesy of Vertical Cat and Hauspanther, the premier online magazine for design-conscious cat people.

What exactly is “catification”? According to cat behaviorist and My Cat from Hell television personality Jackson Galaxy, it’s the ability to create a feline-friendly space by recognizing a cat’s innate desire to climb, perch, rest and play. Hauspanther’s “catification” would provide shelter cats with a variety of cool cat gear such as scratching posts, perches, loungers, toys and more to help keep our felines happy and healthy while awaiting adoption. The shelter would also win a phone consultation with Jackson Galaxy, cat style expert Kate Benjamin and a “catification team”. The deadline for voting is Monday, August 26. The link to vote for The Humane Society’s “catification” makeover can be found on the shelter’s website www.hsvb.org.

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Humane Society seeks pet food, toy and treat donations

  

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                           

July 26, 2013

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Janet Winikoff, Director of Education

(772) 388-3331 ext. 18

Humane Society seeks pet food, toy and treat donations

(Vero Beach, Florida) – The Humane Society of Vero Beach and Indian River County (HSVBIRC) is currently seeking donations of pet food, pet toys and pet treats. Food donated by the public is redistributed back to county residents registered with the Humane Society’s pet food bank as well as to pet parents who obtain services through community organizations including Meals on Wheels.

Donations are gratefully accepted at the Humane Society of Vero Beach and Indian River County, located at 6230 77^th St., Vero Beach, the Humane Society thrift shop in Vero Beach, located at 4445 20^th St. or the Humane Society thrift shop in Sebastian, located at 441 Sebastian Blvd (Rt. 512). Indian River County residents facing financial difficulties who are in need of pet food should apply for assistance at the Humane Society. For more information call (772) 388-3331 ext. 12.  

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Humane Society Shops Hold “Back to School” Tax-Free Sales Event

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

July 26, 2013

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Annette Barcus, Thrift Shop Manager (772) 567-2044

(Vero Beach, Florida) – Need to get your kids getting ready for school? Then visit The Humane Society of Vero Beach and Indian River County’s two thrift shops August 2-4 and take advantage of tax-free savings on back-to-school clothing and supplies.

The shelter’s thrift shops carry a variety of items, including vintage and contemporary clothing, shoes and accessories. Each shop also has a “Young and Trendy” area for students seeking a stylish look. Proceeds from all sales will directly benefit the animals of Indian River County.

Hours of operation for both thrift shops are Friday, August 2nd from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturday, August 3rd from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday, August 4th from noon to 4 p.m. The Humane Society's Vero Beach Thrift Shop is located at 4445 20th St., Vero Beach (next to Big Lots), while the Sebastian Thrift Shop can be found at 441 Sebastian Blvd. (CR 512). 

The shelter’s thrift shops are also seeking both donations of gently used items and volunteers. If you would like more information about volunteering or have items to donate, call the Humane Society’s Vero Beach Thrift Shop at (772) 567-2044 or the Sebastian Thrift Shop at (772) 388-0323.

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Humane Society Says Keep Your Pets Safe on the Fourth

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

July 1, 2013                                        

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Janet Winikoff, Director of Education

(772) 388-3331 ext. 18

                                                                                               

Humane Society Says Keep Your Pets Safe on the Fourth

Vero Beach, Florida –  With lots of fireworks, music and neighborhood festivities, The Fourth of July is so exciting we sometimes forget how the holiday affects our pets. But the Humane Society of Vero Beach and Indian River County (HSVBIRC) says that July 4^th and 5^th are the two days when the greatest number of lost reports for dogs and cats are filed. The shelter offers the following tips so you can keep your pets safe before, during and after Independence Day:

Don’t take your pet to fireworks displays. Since fireworks often frighten our four-legged friends, never take them to Independence Day events or keep them waiting in the car. Heat and humidity inside a car can injure or kill your pet - even after nightfall. Leaving your car window cracked isn’t a safe option either, since heat is still an issue and strangers can easily steal your pet. It’s best to leave animals at home where they feel most comfortable..

Walk dogs prior to nightfall. Dogs may become fearful upon seeing or hearing fireworks. Walk your dog on a leash at dusk when it’s both cool and quiet outside.

Keep pets indoors. Dogs and cats left in yards or in screened patio enclosures will often dig, climb or tear through patio screens when hearing fireworks or other noises. The safest place for your pet is in your home. Create a sanctuary by putting your pet in a quiet room and turning on soft music or talk radio.

Speak with your vet. If your pet usually becomes anxious from loud noises, speak with your vet prior to Independence Day to determine if medication might be an appropriate solution for noise-related stress. Stress-relieving products such as an elasticized cloth wrap like the Thundershirt may help to relieve a pet's firework phobia. 

I.D. is the key. National statistics show that only two percent of lost cats and sixteen percent of lost dogs without any ID are ever found again by their families. Since pets can't carry wallets, make sure your animals are microchipped AND are wearing a collar and current I.D. tag. Humane Society I.D. tags are available free of charge to Indian River County residents and can be obtained by visiting the Humane Society at 6230 77^th St., Vero Beach. Microchipping is an inexpensive and fast procedure performed by a veterinarian that provides your pet with life-long, permanent identification. Please speak with your vet or the Humane Society's Animal Wellness Clinic AT (772) 388-0801 about microchipping your companion animals before the Fourth.

Call the Humane Society immediately if your pet becomes lost. The Humane Society of Vero Beach and Indian River County makes every effort to reunite lost pets with their families. If your pet becomes lost, call (772) 388-3331 ext. 29 or e-mail lostfound@hsvb.org. Families should visit the Humane Society to look for their pet as well as file lost reports with other animal shelters, humane societies and animal control facilities within a 50 mile radius of their home.

Humane Society Hosts Cat Adoption Event June 22

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

June 19, 2013

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Phaedra Kohler, Director of Customer and Volunteer Services (772) 388-3331 ext. 10

Alisha Zaleuke, Customer Service Supervisor (772) 388-3331 ext. 10

Humane Society Hosts Cat Adoption Event June 22

Are you crazy about cats? So is The Humane Society of Vero Beach and Indian River County! That's why The Humane Society is set to host a cat adoption event on Saturday, June 22 from 11-4. On that day, the shelter is determined to find loving homes for cats by waiving all cat adoption fees for five hours. Cats available for adoption will be spayed or neutered, microchipped and will receive age-appropriate vaccines. For more information call (772) 388-3331 ext. 10 or visit www.hsvb.org. The Humane Society is a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping and protecting the animals of Indian River County and is located at 6230 77th St., Vero Beach. 

Register Now for Pet-Friendly Shelter

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 19, 2013

FOR MORE INFORMATION
Ilka Daniel, Director of Animal Protective Services
(772) 388-3331 ext. 28

Register Now for Pet-Friendly Shelter

(Vero Beach, Fla) - With tropic waters stirring up, The Humane Society of

Vero Beach and Indian River County (HSVBIRC) is urging pet owners living in

designated evacuation areas to pre-register for housing at the county's

pet-friendly disaster shelter. Evacuation areas for Indian River County

include the barrier island, manufactured homes, areas prone to flood and

areas east of US 1.

Registration for sheltering with your pet at Liberty Magnet School (6850 81st St., Vero

Beach) is being handled by the Humane Society as well as the Indian River County

Department of Emergency Services. Applications can be obtained at

www.hsvb.org or www.irces.com. Individuals without computer access can call

(772) 388-3331 ext. 28 or pick up a registration form from the Humane

Society, located at 6230 77th St., Vero Beach.

"Emergency sheltering should be an option of last resort," explains HSVBIRC Director of

Animal Protection Ilka Daniel. Daniel encourages pet owners to seek out

family and friends first due to limited space at Liberty Magnet. Pet owners

must be able to care for their own animals and bring at least three days

worth of food, water, medications and other necessary supplies for

themselves and their pets. Pets accepted at the shelter include dogs, cats,

birds, rabbits and small animals such as gerbils and hamsters. Proof of

Indian River County residency as well as current pet vaccinations including

rabies is required. According to Daniel, the Humane Society provides a pet

emergency supply checklist on its website www.hsvb.org along with

instructions on how to create a pet first aid kit.

Health care professionals, disaster responders and pet owners with special

medical needs must also call the shelter at (772) 388-3331 ext. 28 to

pre-register their pets for emergency housing.

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Cooperative Effort Leads to Dog Rescues

Indian River County Animal Control Supervisor Jeff West  holds one  puppy rescued after a recent drug  raid. Twelve dogs were found in the home and rescued thanks to cooperative efforts between the Indian River County Sheriff's Office, Animal Control and The Humane Society of Vero Beach and Indian River County.  PHOTO: Humane Society of Vero Beach and IRC

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 11, 2013

FOR MORE INFORMATION
Ilka Daniel, Director of Animal Protection
(772) 388-3331 ext. 28

Cooperative Effort Leads to Dog Rescues

(Vero Beach, Fla.) – A cooperative effort between The Humane Society of Vero Beach and Indian River County (HSVBIRC), Indian River County Department of Animal Control and the Indian River County Sheriff’s Office has resulted in the hope for a better life for nine dogs confiscated during a recent drug raid. Three weeks later, one puppy has been adopted while seven other puppies and their mother are currently on the mend and looking for new
homes.

Twelve dogs were found on May 14 by members of the Multi-Agency Criminal Enforcement (MACE), Indian River County Sheriff’s Office and SWAT team at a home in the 3800 block of 44th Place in Gifford. In addition to finding cocaine, ecstasy, methylone and marijuana, authorities discovered the neglected dogs. The animals were promptly removed from the home by Animal Control and brought to The Humane Society for medical attention.

“This is another wonderful example of the great working relationship between Indian River County law enforcement, Animal Control and The Humane Society,“ explained The Humane Society’s Director of Animal Protection Ilka Daniel. “Thanks to inter-agency cooperation, these dogs were able to receive immediate care.” Most of the dogs suffered from demodectic mange, hookworm, roundworm and flea infestations. One puppy had two small shoulder wounds while another puppy was dehydrated after being found without shade or water.

Daniel says Humane Society staff has given the dogs names like Shasta, Diamond, Jubilee and Wrangler to reflect their fun-loving personalities. Daniel also revealed that safeguards are in place to ensure the dogs will be adopted to appropriate homes. “Thanks to compassion and good communication we were all able to do our part to help these dogs,” she added. Anyone interested in adoption is encouraged to call The Humane Society at (772) 388-3331 ext. 10 or visit the shelter’s website www.hsvb.org. The HSVBIRC is a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping and protecting the animals of Indian River County.

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Humane Society’s “Art for Animals” has Call for Artists

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                          
June 7, 2013

FOR MORE INFORMATION
Sheila Marshall, Co-Chair: Mars4114@bellsouth.net
Rita Ziegler, Event Co-Chair: ritaziegler@gmail.com    
Andi Beck, Event Co-Chair: andibeck54@gmail.com

Connie Cotherman, Assistant Director of Development
(772) 388-3826  E-mail: ccotherman@hsvb.org

 Humane Society’s “Art for Animals” has Call for Artists

(Vero Beach, Fla.) The Humane Society of Vero Beach and Indian River County (HSVBIRC) is set to host its third “Art for Animals” art show and sale. All artists are encouraged to enter this show, which serves to benefit the animals of Indian River County. While animal artwork is preferred, any subject matter can be featured through mixed media, paintings and drawings, sculpture, pottery, jewelry, needlework, photography and digital art. This year’s show will include first, second, third and honorable mention awards as well as a “People’s Choice” award.

Artists wishing to participate can obtain guidelines and registration information by visiting The Humane Society of Vero Beach and Indian River County or downloading the “Art for Animals” application from the shelter’s website www.hsvb.org. The cost to exhibit is $15 per piece and artists can submit up to two entries. Fifteen percent of all sales will benefit Indian River County animals. The deadline for artist applications is November 1st. All art must be delivered to the shelter by November 19th.


Co-chaired by local animal advocates Sheila Marshall, Ritz Ziegler and Andi Beck, the event will be held at The Humane Society of Vero Beach and Indian River County, located at 6230 77th St., Vero Beach. The show will be open to the public and free of charge November 30th and December 1st from 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

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Humane Society Seeks Pet Food Donations

Humane Society Seeks Pet Food Donations

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                           

April 17, 2013

FOR MORE INFORMATION (Media Calls Only)

Maria Ramirez, Director of Animal Protection

(772) 388-3331 ext. 29

Vero Beach, Florida - The Humane Society of Vero Beach and Indian River County (HSVBIRC) is seeking donations of pet food to help replenish its community Pet Food Bank. In addition to helping pet owners who have signed up with the Humane Society, the shelter's Pet Food Bank also aids pet owners obtaining assistance through local agencies such as Meals on Wheels. "We may be seeing the economy rebounding but  there are still some families struggling to support themselves and their animals," Humane Society Director of Animal Care Maria Ramirez said. "Our goal is to help keep pets and people together through our food bank and by supplying pet food to other organizations that work with pet owners in need," she added.

All dog, cat and small animal food items will be gratefully accepted. Contributions of opened bags of dry food will also be taken since all food is checked and re-packaged prior to distribution. Donations can be dropped off at the Humane Society of Vero Beach and Indian River County, located at 6230 77th St., Vero Beach, the Humane Society thrift shop in Vero Beach, located at 4445 20th St. or the Humane Society thrift shop in Sebastian, located at 441 Sebastian Blvd (Rt. 512). County residents facing financial difficulties who are in need of pet food should apply for assistance at the Humane Society. For more information call (772) 388-3331 ext. 12.