EASTON, a 5-month-old short-haired brown tabby with white markings, was just nine days old when he arrived at Woodford Humane Society with his mother and littermates, according to Beth Oleson of the humane society. She said he is one of 279 kittens taken in by the Woodford Humane Society this year. (Photo by WHS volunteer Whitney Branson)
BAXTER, a 2-and-a-half-year-old shepherd/hound mix is one of 15 dogs that have been at Woodford Humane Society for more than a year. He arrived Aug. 11, 2024, according to Beth Oleson of the humane society. She described Baxter as happy-go-lucky and energetic, and tons of fun. He gets along great with other dogs, and we think he would also get along with both cats and kids, she said. (Photo by Beth Oleson)
Adoption fees are being reduced by 50 percent for dogs, cats, puppies and kittens at the Woodford Humane Society from Dec. 10-17.
With a very large population in its shelter, “we’re hoping the adoption drive can be that nudge that tells (someone) this is the right time” to adopt a pet, said Beth Oleson, marketing director for the nonprofit society.
“Our goal is always to be finding lifelong placements. And making an appropriate match is a big part of making an adoption last,” she added.
Adoption fees are reduced to $75 for adult dogs, $87.50 for puppies and $50 for senior dogs (8 years and older), $25 for adult cats, $37.50 for kittens and $12.50 for senior cats (10 years and older), according to Oleson.
The fees include the pets being spayed or neutered, core vaccinations (with dogs tested for heartworms and cats tested for feline leukemia), and a coupon for a free post-adoption veterinarian exam at all participating vets in the area, she said.
One-hour adoption appointments are available from noon to 6 p.m. Tuesday-Friday, and noon to 5 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. Call 859-873-5491 seven days a week beginning at 10 a.m. to schedule an appointment.
Anyone interested in adopting can visit woodfordhumane.org to see dogs, puppies, cats and kittens available for adoption, and “if folks call us and kind of tell us what they’re looking for,” said Oleson, “we’re happy to make recommendations,” because “we know (many of our animals’) likes and dislikes.”
Applications are provided prior to appointments so families can focus on getting to know and meet their potential pet or pets, and see which one is the best fit, she said, noting every adoption has a seven-day trial period.
The reduced adoption fees are sponsored by Quantrell Auto Group, which has partnered with the Woodford Humane Society to make the annual adoption drive happen every December since 2012, Oleson said.
More than 1,000 pets have found a forever home since the adoption drive began, “so it has made a huge difference and we’re very grateful that they continue to partner with us and help us make December just a little bit brighter for the animals and the adopters too,” Oleson said.
Oleson said the Woodford Humane Society’s dog population has been overcapacity for the last few years, with 33 dogs currently in a shelter built for 28. She noted that 15 dogs have been with them for one or more years.
While not as high as the dog population, the shelter currently has 103 cats and kittens, Oleson said. “We’ve taken in close to 300 (279) kittens this year,” she added, “so it has been a very, very busy year for us for cats as well.”
Oleson said she has been at the Woodford Humane Society since 2008 and others on their team have been there longer. “I don’t think you last very long in this line of work if you’re not passionate about it,” she said. “And that’s definitely true for all of us … We’re just really invested in making sure that these animals have a chance for a better life…”