Programs to Help Pets
There are some programs in the local area that can be of great benefit to the residents of Franklin who are having difficulty caring for their animals in these hard economic times:
1. Sullivan Animal Food Eatery (S.A.F.E.): This is a pet food pantry that is open to residents of Sullivan and surrounding towns, including Franklin. If you are having trouble making ends meet and feeding your pets, contact the Sullivan Town Hall, 422-6282. The pet food, both dry and wet, for dogs and cats is available at the Sullivan Town Hall during business hours. Donations are also gratefully accepted.
2. Protecting Animals’ Welfare (P.A.W.): This is an animal advocacy group of volunteers who may be able to assist you with animal isssues and questions. They are working on Trap/Neuter/Return (T/N/R) programs, fostering and all other ways that we can help animals in the Hancock County area. They meet once per month. New members are cheerfully welcomed. Contact: Marie Zwicker at 460-8920 for any inquiries about the group and how they might assist you with your animal questions, problems or concerns.
3. Voucher Program for Spay/Neuter: There is a voucher program available through the Ark Animal Shelter for those people who need to spay/neuter their companion animals but who cannot afford the whole price. The way the program works is that the Ark pays 1/3 of the cost of surgery, the veterinarian gives up 1/3 and you wind up paying only 1/3 of the original price. All the local vets are involved in the program. You call the Ark at 546-3484 first to indicate that you need help through their voucher program, then you set up an appointment with your vet and let them know that you will be getting assistance from the voucher program, then you call the Ark back and give them the appointment date and time, the animal’s information and your name and contact information; the Ark then faxes a voucher certificate to your vet prior to the surgery date. The SPCA of Hancock County also has a voucher program that works the same way, but you will need to check with them first at 667-8088 to see if funds are available.