It’s time to announce the ten finalists in the 2014 Ultimate Cat Shelter Makeover! There were so many wonderful nominations, it’s always so hard to choose! This difficult task went to Kathie over at The Vertical Cat. Here are a few words from her:
We’d like to thank everyone who took the time to nominate their favorite shelter. Thank you for sharing your stories and your passion with us, and for your efforts to help these amazing shelters.
Among the finalists are a shelter that’s been around for four years, and two that have been saving cats for more than a hundred years. One shelter has 36 cats, another has over 700. They are spread across the country from Washington to Florida, from California to Massachusetts. All the shelters have some free-roaming space that could use a make-over, have exceptional programs that help their community, and involve amazing people who dedicate their lives to helping homeless cats.
The Vertical Cat would like to thank each and every shelter worker, shelter adopter, and shelter donor out there for your efforts to save the lives of the unwanted cats in the world. You are a truly amazing group of people.
We carefully reviewed hundreds of nominations, all of them very worthy, to come up with our final list. In the end, some shelters were chosen due to their location in different states around the country, their need for a make-over and, at the end, some were picked out of a hat (well, actually via a random number generator) because we just couldn’t find a way to choose one shelter over another. We wish we could give each and every shelter that was nominated the grand prize. While we can’t do that, we and some wonderful pet companies have made sure all the finalists will receive prizes. We are very, very glad we don’t have to choose the winner. That’s up to you now.
Here’s our list of finalists for the 2014 Ultimate Cat Shelter Makeover. Please, take a minute to read through these summaries to learn about the amazing work these groups are doing and then click the link at the bottom of the page to cast your vote:
All About Animals – Glendale, AZ
Cat Count: Approximately 375
Year established: 2010
www.allaboutanimalsaz.com
All About Animals is a non-profit 501(c)3 that is the largest foster-based rescue in the Valley. The shelter is “dedicated to saving companion animals whose lives are in jeopardy by providing rescue, foster and adoption. We are a no-kill rescue that works with dogs and cats in Maricopa County and beyond. The majority of our animals are from the local euthanasia lists as we recognize that these animals are in the most dire condition.” They have several special programs including a Hospice Program for sick cats, Pets for Vets, Young at Heart Matching, and AAA-Choo Kitty Program for cats with allergies.
“All About Animals believes that it is our moral responsibility to protect and improve the lives of abused, abandoned, and homeless dogs and cats. We aim to bring together individuals who are passionate about creating a better future for our companion animals. We are committed to provide these volunteers with high quality training in order to work together in the most efficient way to ensure the well-being of our animals.
“The rescue’s CEO, Dawn Kavanaugh, fosters a large amount of cats and uses her 2200 SF home and catio as the cats living quarters. All of the furniture has been discarded due to the rigors of the Arizona heat and the sheer number of cats that have used it. Currently, the catio (a 400 SF space) is empty as the weather is 110 degrees almost daily. However, as it gets cooler the cats thoroughly enjoy spending day and night in the beautiful weather.”
One of the fans writes: “AAA spends its money on direct care, and doesn’t have much for refitting and catifying their facilities. This would be an amazing boon!”
Animal House Shelter – Huntley, IL
Cat Count: Approximately 100
Years in existence: 12 years
www.animalhouseshelter.com
Animal House Shelter is “a non-profit, 501(c)3, no-kill shelter for all breeds of dogs and cats. Founded in June 2002, AHS takes in and cares for abused, neglected and abandoned animals – especially those scheduled for euthanasia at other shelters. Once rehabilitated and ready, they are carefully matched with prospective adopters and placed in loving homes. Over 28,000 pets have been adopted from Animal House Shelter.”
Animal House takes in many special needs animals. “We take care of any ailment or surgery that needs to be done on any animal we rescue including, but not limited to: heart worm treatments, cruciate ligament repair, patella surgery, FHO, heart surgery, diabetes, anxiety disorders, auto immune deficiencies, liver shunts etc. On average, AHS takes in at least one animal per week that has one of the above ailments or needs surgery. We do not believe that any animal should be left to be euthanized at a high-kill facility because they are sick or injured.”
“The best possible veterinary care is always given to Animal House Shelter pets and treatment is never declined if it will give the animal a chance for a healthy life. Socializing and keeping our pets happy is also of utmost importance. Dogs are walked 4-5 times daily and cats are housed in a large, whimsical, free-roam habitat. All are given loving care and attention by staff and volunteers.”
One of the nominators writes: “We are currently in the process of remodeling our free roam cat room and all of the cat furniture, walkways and fixtures need to be replaced. This would give our kitties the quality of life that they deserve while they are residents of AHS.”
The Cat House On The Kings – Parlier, CA
Cat Count: 700+
Year established: 1991
www.cathouseonthekings.com
The Cat House on the Kings was founded by Lynea Lattanzio, and is “California’s largest no-cage, no-kill, lifetime cat sanctuary and adoption center. Our mission is to place rescued cats and kittens into loving, permanent homes; to provide a safe, happy and healthy home for unwanted cats and kittens in a unique, no-cage facility; to prevent pet overpopulation through spaying and neutering; and to educate the public about responsible pet ownership.” The shelter is located on 12 fenced acres for the free roaming cats, and has separate quarters for FeLV cats.
“Since its founding 22 years ago, The Cat House on the Kings has saved over 24,000 cats and 7,000 dogs (not counting the 40,000 animals we have spayed and neutered!) and currently cares for more than 700 cats and kittens, a dozen or so dogs and a handful of goats, who earn their keep as lawnmowers!”
The Cat House on the Kings is most well known for it’s amazing sanctuary where cats can roam at will around the many acres of land. Some of their programs include Behavioral Education and Assistance to the public, a Low Cost Spay/Neuter clinic, and boarding cats for $8 a day per cat.
One of the nominators writes: “Lynea Lattanzio, Founder and Director has worked 24/7/365 for over 20 years to give shelter and love to abused, abandoned, sick or injured cats and kittens (dogs, too!). She does all this with no city, state or federal funds. The sanctuary in 100% dependent on private or corporate donations or grants. Lynea, never thinks of herself, she has sacrificed all she has for the animals. No one on the planet deserves this more than Lynea. PLEASE help her with a make-over for the Kitten Adoption Room.”
Crash’s Landing & Big Sid’s Sanctuary – Grand Rapids, MI
Cat Count: Approximately 260
Years in existence: 12 years
www.crashslanding.org
Crash’s Landing is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization founded in 2002 by Dr. Jen Petrovich that is “dedicated to finding loving, forever homes for abused, abandoned and neglected cats. Crash’s Landing is run solely on donations and funds from sponsors and kindhearted individuals.”
Sister shelter Big Sid’s is special because it is one of the largest shelters in the nation which caters exclusively to cats who test positive for FIV or FeLV. FIV (Feline Immunodeficiency Virus) and FeLV (Feline Leukemia Virus) are viruses that can, if they flare up, suppress a cat’s immune system. Unfortunately, the stigma that surrounds these viruses all too often means a death sentence for infected cats at shelters…but not at Big Sid’s. While their immune systems may be more fragile than those of their uninfected counterparts, these viruses do not hinder infected cats from being some of the most adorable, fun-loving, and affectionate cats around.”
One nominator writes: “I volunteered for almost 2 years there, and it is volunteer run and depends on donations to keep open. Dr. Jen Petrovich is the biggest-hearted woman I have ever met. She truly cares for each and every cat that comes into each shelter as though they were own personal pet. She even gives reduced vet care for adopters and volunteers (I have two sister kitties from Crash’s Landing) at the cost of getting paid to see them. She really is a tireless advocate and lover of all of these cats, and everyone who volunteers loves them too. The cats really are well cared for, but if they won this makeover, it would make things even better for the cats and I can’t even imagine how much it would mean to everyone involved in both shelters. Having more than the bare minimum/donated things for the cats would make their quality of life (especially for full time residents) so much more fabulous I really would love for them to win this! It would also make it SO much more inviting to potential adopters; if they feel more comfortable and can see the cats in a really good environment, it can help an adopter to “see” the cat in their own home.
Help Humane Society – Belton, MO
Cat Count: Approximately 118
Year in existence: 18 years
www.helphumane.org
HELP Humane Society is a no-kill shelter that incorporated in 1996 and received non-profit status in March 1998. “We developed a rescue/foster/adoption program where we fostered animals in our own homes. In October 2005, we opened a no-kill animal shelter in Belton, Missouri. We are true no-kill, every treatable animal that enters our shelter gets the chance they deserve. If the vet says that there is nothing else that can be done and the animal is beginning to suffer, only then will a staff member hold their paw while the vet releases the animal from his pain and an angel takes his place.”
Help Humane Society is a free-roaming shelter. They run a TNR program in the community, and emphasizes educating the public on proper pet guardianship and the importance of spaying and neutering.
“We survive on your donations alone and volunteers are always needed. Come help us, we ARE making a difference. Just because you cannot do it all, doesn’t mean you should do nothing.”
One of the nominators writes: “Being a free-roaming shelter we’re badly in need of a clean, modern look that allows for some catification. Jackson Galaxy was at our shelter last weekend and with feedback from him we know we need catification even more now! We would LOVE to surprise Jackson and the community by winning a room make-over. The attention we could create by having a beautiful modern room would bring in much needed financial support.”
Humane Society of Tampa Bay – Tampa, FL
Cat Count: Approximately 150
Year established: 1912
www.humanesocietytampa.org
The Humane Society of Tampa Bay is one of the oldest charities in the state of Florida. “For more than 100 years, we have helped over a million animals who have crossed through our doorway thanks to generous people in our community who have funded our work through donations and bequests.”
The shelter has operated a spay/neuter clinic since 2000, began a “No Kill for Space” program in 2004, and operates a Wellness Clinic to offer vet services at an affordable rate. Their clinics perform more than 11,000 spay/neuter surgeries and see more than 25,000 pets each year.
One of the nominators writes: “The current shelter was originally built in the 1960s. We have done many renovations, including two ‘Real Life’ rooms for our cats and we are currently building a large ‘Real Life’ room with an outside ‘Cat Lanai.’ Cats will have the opportunity to go inside or outside. We need shelving and trees to decorate the area to make it more interesting for the cats. Once this is completed, very few cats will be kept in cages (only those that do not like other cats).”
“We could definitely use some help fixing up the inside and outside sections of the ‘Cat Lanai’ to make it more fun and enjoyable for the cats, including toys, shelving to walk on along the walls and cat trees and other furniture.”
Merrimack River Feline Rescue Society – Salisbury, MA
Cat Count: Approximately 60
Year established: 1992
www.mrfrs.org
Merrimack River Feline Rescue Society was founded “in 1992 in response to growth in the feral or homeless cat population along the Merrimack River in Newburyport. The MRFRS began a trap, neuter, and return (TNR) program for these cats in 1992 with feeding stations where the cats are fed twice a day. In 2009, Zorro, the last feral cat from the colony, passed away. In 2010 we assisted cats in need in over 100 towns in Massachusetts and New Hampshire. In our service area towns (Salisbury, Newburyport, Amesbury, Newbury, Byfield, West Newbury, MA and Seabrook, NH) we operate in a largely ‘kitten-free’ zone and therefore we assist other communities in need of assistance with placing kittens. We are an open-admission, no-kill facility for our service area towns for kittens and adult cats.”
Programs include two mobile clinic spay/neuter vans they call Catmobiles (Yes! Catmobiles!), a foster program, a FARS program for low-cost pet care for owners, the Captain Courageous Fund for injured feral cats, and a program for emergency boarding for cats whose owners are in “perilous circumstances.” MRFRS operates one of the only FeLV+ sanctuaries in New England.
They have three free-roaming cat rooms that house most of their cat population. One of the nominators writes, “The shelter is in dire need of a make-over it is currently housed in a 1950’s cape style house and here are many cats that have been there a long time. It needs a makeover.”
Purrever Ranch – Somerville, TN
Cat Count: Approximately 36
Year established: 2004
www.gotcats.org
The PurrEver Ranch Sanctuary is a “hospice for Senior Kittizens and Home for Wayward Pussycats.” The Sanctuary is a “refuge for cats that would otherwise perish – the old, the abandoned, the abused, the sick and the suffering.”
According to founder Rita Woods, “The timing could not be better as we just moved into our new purrmanent facility and have yet to purchase any cat trees, condos, etc as we threw out our old worn-out furniture. There are 36 Kittizens that call PurrEver home. We are a Pawspice but do have a few up for adoption.”
One nominator writes: “Purrever Ranch desperately needs help. Rita Woods is the founder and sole caretaker of these elderly and wise old cats. The shelter gets very little recognition amongst the larger, national cat rescues but her work is just as important. A few years ago she was looking for a new house or home to move the shelter location. She recently just had two angels donate their time to build her cats a new porch area so they have more to look at. It’s equipped with the best she can do but it sure could use more of a ‘make-over’. I think the some of the geriatric cats really could benefit from some wall shelves, etc. It would keep their muscles active and they might be less sedentary. As far as I know, Rita has never won any competition or challenge like this. It would sure validate all of her years of rescue and the sacrifices she has made in order to give the Senior ‘Kittizens’ a last respite. Many Thanks…. >^..^<”
Purrfect Pals – Arlington, WA
Cat Count: Approximately 200, 100 at adoption centers, plus 150 in foster care
Year established: 1988
www.purrfectpals.org
Started by cat lover Kathy Centala in 1988, Kathy saw a need in her community and started this shelter and sanctuary with a no-kill policy. “For over twenty years, Kathy worked the overnight shift in a Seattle call center so she would be available during the day to scoop litter, drive cats to veterinary appointments and meet with potential adopters. She happily volunteered to work overtime whenever it was offered in order to earn more money for the cats at Purrfect Pals.”
“Over twenty-five years later, Purrfect Pals has grown into an organization that adopts out 2000 cats and kittens each year and provides free spay and neuter surgeries for 1000 more. What was started by one determined cat lover has evolved into a team of more than one dozen employees and seven hundred volunteers and foster parents!”
Realizing that there are ways to keep cats out of the shelter system in the first place, Purrfect Pals provides a free spay and neuter clinic for cats and kittens, and also have a pet food bank, for owners with low income. They also have an “Angel Fund” to help pay for medical care for cats whose owners are facing financial hardship, and they’re in the process of developing a program to help owners of cats who are at risk of being rehomed because of behavioral challenges.
Purrfect Pals is located in a modest house and two unattached garages on five acres in rural Snohomish County that over the years have been converted into the present the shelter, veterinary clinic and sanctuaries.
One nominator writes: “Purrfect Pals has a number of rooms for special needs cats, including a special area for FIV and FELV cats. They rely solely on donations and as the economy has shifted, donations are down. The cats here can really use some TLC and while the cats continue to get the care they need, the long term residents could use the make-over.”
SPCA Serving Erie County – Tonawanda, NY
Cat Count: Approximately 250+ at shelter, up to 600 in foster care
Year established: 1867
www.yourspca.org
The SPCA Serving Erie County is the second-oldest humane society in the country, second only to the American SPCA. “The mission of the SPCA is to create a caring and kind community that encourages fair and humane treatment of all creatures. Our knowledgeable, caring, and open-minded team of staff and volunteers achieves that mission through proactive efforts to address the current status of animals in our community, education of adults and children, rescue and sheltering of animals in need, and placement of animals into appropriate homes.”
They do not receive any funding from the county, city, state, or federal governments, and rely on donations. “This SPCA cares for approximately 14,000 animals each year through programs that include adoptions; admissions; animal rescues; animal emergency transports; stray lost and found services; animal cruelty investigations and seizures; care for wildlife, reptiles, exotics, and farm animals; and much more. … There is no cost to surrender an animal to our SPCA and there is no adoption time limit here!”
One of the nominators writes: “In the past few years, the SPCA serving Erie County has taken in cats from many hoarding cases. Many of these cats are shell-shocked, unsocial or fearful and extremely stressed. The AdvoCATs work daily to rehab these cats into adoptable, happy, well-adjusted cats, but lack the funds to improve the rooms the cats live in. The SPCA is run solely on private donations, with no government funding. I feel the catification would help the cats acclimate to shelter life, be a focal point when potential adopters enter the shelter and help show case the cats available for adoption.”
. . .
Don’t forget! Everyone wins! All ten finalists will receive awesome prizes! Click here to see what each finalist wins.
* Voting is now closed. *
Voting for Purrfect Pals in Arlington,WA
I did! Perfect Pals and John do so much for the cat community. VOTE everyone for Perfect Pals!
Thank you for voting for PurrEver Ranch! We are deeply honored to be in the top 10 finalists & are in the best of company. We wish love & luck to all. ❤️
Hey, Ms. Rita! Voted for you 😉
Voting for PurrEver Ranch, hoping that the senior kitties get new towers and furniture to climb on. Please help this shelter.
Thank you for voting for the SPCA Serving Erie County, the second oldest SPCA in the USA!
Merrimac River Valley Feline Rescue does a great job and never stops working for strays, ferals and abandoned cats of all sizes and shapes AND all ages.
I vote for Merrimack River Feline Rescue Society
I am happily voting for Merrimack Valley Feline Rescue Society in Salisbury, MA!
Voting for Merrimack Valley Feline Rescue, thanks!
I happily have voted for Purrfect Pals in Arlington, WA. Kathy and her staff have worked exhaustively for many years to provide shelter, food and medical services to hundreds of cats in their no-kill shelter. This is PURRFECT group of people who help cats… “because every cat matters” (their slogan).
That was among the hardest choices I ever had to make, with friends among the finalists, and every one being so deserving. But I voted, finally, knowing that whomever wins will be that much more able to help comfort and care for cats! and that all of the finalists will receive some very nice prizes.
I vote for Merrimack River Feline Rescue Society. When you walk into the building, you can see the love they give to all of their kittykids. No kitty is too old to be adopted, and the special needs residents are so well cared for until they also find their forever homes. It is a 2 hour drive for us to visit MRFRS, but we have adopted 2 furbabies from them over the past years. So very impressed with the cats, the staff, and the facility, but they certainly would put to good use any help they can get. Thanks
I vote for Merrimack River Feline Rescue Society! LOVE them!!!
I vote for Merrimack River Feline Rescue Society. We got our cat “Spooky” from their and we are very happy with him.
I am voting for PurrEver Ranch.
Voting for Merrimack !!!!!
Purrever Ranch Sanctuary and all it’s Purrfectly wonderful Kittizens–they have my vote.
Thank you for voting for Purrfect Pals in Arlington, WA!
I vote for Merrimack River Feline Rescue Salisbury mass
I vote for All About Animals Rescue!
I cast my vote for HELP Humane! Near and dear to my heart!
I vote for Merrimack river feline society. They do great work. They deserve it.
I vote for Merrimac River Feline Rescue!
I vote for Merrimack River Feline Rescue Society. They are a great organization. I’m a volunteer and I love what they do and I’m proud to be a part of.
Merrimack River Feline Rescue Society!!!!
I am voting for Merrimack River Feline Rescue Society in Salisbury, MA
I cast my vote for Merrimack River Feline Rescue Society, Salisbury, MA.
I vote for merrimac river feline rescue society in Salisbury ma!
Thanks for all the votes for Merrimack River Feline Rescue Society — we are a small place that does BIG things! Out of this tiny little building, we take in and adopt out over 600 cats each year, spay/neuter over 5500 cats a year, and help over 100 owned cats whose families can’t pay for medical care. Please keep the votes coming!
I voted for you. I got my cat Chestnut from you over 14 years ago. You help many animals in every way you can.
I voted for merrimack valley they have been an awesome resource and caring facility
I vote for Merrimack Valley Feline Rescue in Salisbury, MA
Voting for Merrimack river feline rescue!
Voted for Crash’s Landing and Big Sid’s!!
I vote for Crash’s Landing & Big Sid’s Sanctuary because it’s local and I know that they do great work. 🙂
I vote for Merrimack Feline Society. They are the most dedicated cat lovers out there.
I vote for Crash Landing & Big Sid’s in Grand Rapids Michigan
Voted for Merrimack! I got my perfect boy there… they were so great. They really care! I reached out to them several times for advise after I got my boy and they were always there to help.
My vote is for Crash’s Landing .Dr Jen is the best!
Voting for All About Animals (glendale, AZ)
Crash Landing&Big Sids Grand Rapids Michigan
…….and my vote goes to Crash’s Landing and Big Sid’s!
I vote for PurrEver Ranch Sanctuary! Understand they’ve just moved into a new facility and could use all of the help they can get!
I’m voting for The Cat House on the Kings.
I vote for Merrimack River Feline Rescue, Salisbury, MA!! They really need an update!!!
I vote for Merrimack River!!!!!
Vote for Merrimack Valley Feline Rescue, Salisbuty, MA
I vote for Crash’s Landing in Grand Rapids MI
They all look awesome, but I vote for Purrever Ranch
I vote for PurrEver Ranch!!
I vote for PurrEver Ranch and all the wonderful fur babies!!
I vote for crashes landing in Grand Rapids Michigan.
I voted for the Merrimack River Feline Rescue in Salisbury, MA. They are a very dedicated and organized group of volunteers who do all they can for all cats and kittens. They are truly in need for some updating and would use the money very carefully and responsibly for our furry little friends!
Crash’s Landing in Grand Rapids, MI is the cats meow and wins my vote!
I am voting for the Merrimack River Feline Rescue in Salisbury, MA. They are particularly dedicated to the TNR program and truly need to update their living space.
Merrimack River feline rescue in Salisbury! All the way from Canada I feel these volunteers and cats deserve this reward; the facility isn’t worthy of what the volunteers wish for their residents. Although everyone in this competition is worthy I feel Merrimack River is more deserving since they’ve relied on volunteer handy man assistance to repair the buildings needs and the cats sometimes live there for up to a year; they deserve the benefit of a better surrounding. An old beat down run down home that’s been converted into this rescue unit isn’t ideal. I love the work the volunteers provide and that’s all they have, everything from food to litter and repairs to the facility are all donated. This rescue facility deserves more than a pick me up, they deserve a real home since many stay there for longer than they should. God bless, from Canada xo
I am voting for Merrimack feline Rescue of Salisbury Ma
Merrimack River Feline Rescue in Salisbury, MA, is the best. When other shelters may have given up hope for a senior black cat, MRFR kept Pink Panther, now Izelda, nursing her back to health. I found her as part of their Seniors for Seniors Program, and Izelda is now one of my two fantastic feline companions.
VOTING FOR ALL ABOUT ANIMALS
I vote for All About Animals!
I’m voting for Merrimack River Feline Rescue in Salisbury MA
I vote for the Merrimack River Feline Rescue in Salisbury MA. I grew up in this area and remember them being around for a long time. They are wonderful people who do so much for the cats. They would truly appreciate an updated “temporary” home for the felines.
Voting for Crash’s Landing, in Grand Rapids, MI. Having seen what they do first hand, I couldn’t vote for anyone else!!
Go Crash’s Landing in Grand Rapids, MI!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Crashs Landing&Big Sids Grand Rapids Michigan!
Crashes Landing
GR, MI
I am voting for Crash’s Landing
Crash’s Landing is wonderful, privately owned and 100% volunteer powered. Every penny of any donation goes directly to the shelter needs. Big Sid’s, the sister shelter, houses only FIV and FeLV positive kitties. Between saving injured stray cats and maintaining the health of all the Crash cats and Sid’s kids, the medical costs are very high. Please vote for Crash’s Landing.
I am very happy to vote for Merrimack Valley Feline Rescue Society in Salisbury, MA
I vote for Merrimac Feline Rescue in Salisbury
My vote is for Merrimack River Feline Rescue in Salisbury, MA. They are a great organization and truly help our furry babies find new furever homes.
I vote for Merrimack VRiver Feline Rescue in Salisbury, MA.
I vote for Crash’s Landing in Grand Rapids, MI. They do an amazing job taking care of homeless and discarded cats! We adopted two brothers from there after losing our beloved Carl to an unknown illness. I would never go anywhere else to adopt my next kitty, nor would I ever use anyone but Dr. Jen as our vet!
I’ve been blessed to adopt four cats over the last 17 years from Merrimack River Adeline Rescue Society. Their kitties are well-treated, the staff is devoted to their well-being, and the facility sorely needs a renovation. Please vote for them!!
Voting for Merrimack River Feline Rescue. They do wonderful work.
I vote for Merrimack River Feline Rescue in Salisbury, MA
Vote for the Humane Society of Tampa Bay’s new Cat Lanai!
I vote for crashes landings in Grand Rapids Michigan.Good Luck! We have a family of 4 black cats wandering our neighborhood just like these. I think at least 6 houses are putting out food for them but most of them already have 2 or 3 dogs or cats already. A couple of them are approachable but I am worried it is going to be a hard winter.
I love Crash’s Landing!
My wholehearted support is for the Merrimack Valley Feline Rescue Society in Salisbury,MA.
I have been involved with the Merrimack River Feline Rescue Society for 20 yrs and we really do need help with our shelter. It was a big deal when we purchased the house in Salisbury in 2003 to offer the first cageless shelter in the state. But now it is time for us to do more for the cats than just remove the cages. It is true, that we depend on the help of over 300 volunteers to help us run our adoption program, including handyman help. We desperately need a makeover! Vote, MRFRS and make it happen!
Vote for Crash’s Landing
So incredibly grateful for the support of Merrimack River Feline Rescue Society. We are making a difference for cats in Massachusetts…and beyond through our mentoring program. Imagine our shelter transformed by this prize…it would be pawesome!
I vote for Crash’s Landing in Grand Rapids, MI. They are an amazing shelter!
I vote for Merrimack River Feline Rescue Society. They have longevity, experience and compassion. Plus, all of our wonderful fur babies (over a 20+ year period) have been adopted from there.
I Vote for the Humane Society of Tampa Bay
I have voted for Cat House on the Kings. Lord only knows ALL of these outstanding rescues deserve the help and hope provided by contests such as yours. The Cat House on the Kings is so close to my heart as I’ve seen the many struggles that have come through the Cat House. We are so lucky to just be standing! Bless you of you rescues; I know that you’ve had troubles of your own.
Good luck to everyone.
I vote for cat house on the kings they do a great job.
I vote for the Humane Society Tampa Bay. Class act all around.
I vote for HELP Humane Society in Belton, MO!
I vote for Help Humane!! They do fantastic work and need all of the help they can get!!
So hard to choose. All these are wonderful places, all deserving of help. After a lot of thought I voted for PurrEver Ranch, though I wish I could vote for them all.
I am sure these are all wonderful organizations. However, Merrimack River has my vote. What sets them apart from the rest is the scope of their work. They help marginalized animals is so many different ways. They have programs for injured ferals, beloved pets in low-income families with serious medical conditions, TNR programs that have saves countless animals from needless suffering and so much more. And on top of this they run a top-notch no kill shelter that always has a place for some of the most difficult cats to adopt out. The amazing, dedicated, wonderful people at MRFRS will help any cat, no matter how dire the circumstances.
The program that has most touched my life is the Feline Leukemia sanctuary. The shelter takes in these loving, wonderful animals. Almost no other shelter will. They shower them with love and medical care, and the operate a “care for life” program that has made it possible for dozens of FeLV+ cats to find loving forever homes. To see these animals that have suffered so much because of human cruelty or neglect get a chance to live out their lives in comfort, knowing that they are loved is incredibly rewarding. Most other shelters don’t have a place for these cats. I would love to see their area get a makeover. The staff at MRFRS are some of the best people I have ever met, and the downtrodden cats in New England are incredibly lucky to have them.
Don’t hate the kill shelters, I mean without them every shelter would be overrun with lots of animals, not that I’m ok with animals dying, it’s terrible but someone has to do it…
I am a foster for All About Animals rescue. I can attest to the fact that All About Animals is a wonderful rescue who often takes in cats that no other rescue wants. CH kitties, kitties with rare illnesses or who has issues- we love cats that are deemed “projects” and are less desirable to rescue because of the length of time they take to rehabilitate. The kitties often spend a long time at their foster homes recuperating so being catified would be a great help in increasing their quality of life as they mend, on their way to their forever homes.
Voting for HELP HUMANE SOCIETY-BELTON, MO. I’ve witnessed the “above and beyond” wonderful work these people provide on a shoestring budget, year after year. They are AMAZING! Truly Angels sent from above.
My sincere vote is for the Merrimack River Feline Rescue in Salisibury, MA. Each time that I have visited this facility I am very impressed with the care that each volunteer takes to provide, nurture and love all of the animals! They and all of their rescued cats would surely benefit from this award. They both need and deserve to win!!!!
Please register my vote for the Merrimack River Feline Rescue in Salisbury, MA. They are great, kind, caring folks who give each cat their ultimate services. They need and deserve this award!!!
Voted for Cat House on the Kings. An amazing place. Lynea runs the largest no-cage, no-kill, lifetime cat sanctuary and adoption center in California. Go to the website and watch the video. You will be hooked. “Since its founding 22 years ago, The Cat House on the Kings has saved over 24,000 cats and 7,000 dogs (not counting the 40,000 animals we have spayed and neutered!) and currently cares for more than 700 cats and kittens, a dozen or so dogs and a handful of goats, who earn their keep as lawnmowers!”
I vote for the kitties @ Merrimac River Feliinr Society in Salisbury, Ma. They are phenonimal there. ♥
i am voting for Rita and Purrever ranch sanctuary!love what she is doing for the old,neglected,ill kittizens! <3
I vote for the Humane Society of Tampa Bay – Tampa, FL
I vote for Humane Society of Tampa Bay!! 🙂 Two of my cats are from there and we love all of our kitties very much!
I vote for Animal House, Huntley, IL. We found our two wonderful kitties there. It’s an amazing place!
Animal House in Huntley, IL!
Merrimack River Feline Rescue Society has my vote. Thei no- kill shelter is amazing. My favorite program of theirs is their feline leukemia program. This is only one of their many outstanding programs. They are one of the only shelters in the country to care for cats with feline leukemia.
I am pleased to vote for Merrimack River Feline Rescue Society!
I vote for All About Animals
I vote for Animal House Shelter in Huntley, IL
I’ve been volunteering for the Merrimack River Feline Rescue in Salisbury, MA for about 12 years now and continue to be impressed with the quality and span of their programs. Our shelter is in an older house and is a little tired. We would love to give our long term kitties more room and more places to be active. We would be thrilled to win this prize.
Thank you for considering our application and for giving these shelters a boost.
I vote for Animal House Shelter in Huntley, IL. I adopted two cats from there earlier this year. They have a wonderful facility, great staff, and volunteers.
Merrimack River Feline Rescue Gets My vote!!
Animal House Shelter Huntley
Animal House Shelter in Huntley, IL
Animal House Shelter – Huntley, IL
I wholeheartedly vote for HELP Humane Society in Belton Missouri!! I have seen the love & devotion they show to all their furbabies!!
My vote is Crash’s Landing Grand Rapids, Michigan.
mrfrs
Merrimack River Feline Rescue Society! They are an amazing shelter. I have been adopting from them for more than ten years.
Voting for Merrimack River Feline Rescue..They are such good people. I have a sweet girl from them. They never say no to ANY cat that is brought to them no matter what. A makeover would be an amazing gift for all the kitties…oh, and the workers!
Animal house Huntley Illinois
Humane Society of Tampa Bay!!! I have 3 rescued kittens and am a caregiver of a feral colony that have ALL been through the TNVR program at the Humane Society! They do so much AMEOWING work for Tampa and deserve without a doubt!!! Lots of kudos to all our finalists and the work that they do for the furry residents of our communities <3
My vote goes to Animal House Shelter in Huntley Il.
They are so deserving of a new cat room. Good Luck AHS!!
We voted for Animal House in Huntley, Illinois, where we were adopted from!
Rusty and Marlon – cats
I vote for AHS! They’re incredible.
I gladly cast my vote for Merrimack Valley Feline Society. I have adopted 2 of my beautiful fur babies from them. They do SO much for the community with so little and we LOVE their Catmobiles. Without them and their reduced spay and neuter fees, the cat population would be out of control. Their 1950’s Cape Cod style “cat house” could DEFINITELY use some help.
My vote is for Animal House Shelter in Huntley, IL
Four sets of paws are up to vote for Animal House in Huntley Illinois! Chardonnay, Bitsy (Lil Bit), Ginger and Winnie enjoyed their stay there while they waited for us to come and fall in love with them! The kind people at this no-kill shelter take in any cat regardless of health. The volunteers really know their cats and without their help, we might not have found our sweet little Chardonnay who was napping way up near the ceiling, or our cutie, Ginger, who was recently came to the shelter and was in the process of being introduced to the cat community. They truly care about their feline guests at Animal House and fully vet their potential adoptive families. Please give your vote to the Animal House of Huntley!
My vote goes to Animal House
Huntley’ shelter
I vote for Crash’s Landing in Grand Rapids, Michigan
I vote for Crashes Landing, Grand Rapids, MI
Crash’s Landing!
Go Huntley… it is a great shelter….
I vote for Merrimack River Feline Rescue Society in Salisbury, MA 🙂
I volunteer for MRFS and have for almost 2 decades. The dedication is without equal. MRFRS is a desrving recipient.
Voting for MRFRS ~ this shelter really needs this …please consider them for your vote !!!!!!!!!!!!!
AnimalHouse shelter Huntley Il …so deserving!
I vote for The Cat House on the Kings in Parlier, CA.
Animal House, Huntley
Merrimack Valley Feline Rescue does a fabulous job of taking care of cats who are unadoptable, plus vetting those people who are going to adopt the cats from the shelter. They have a special room for Fel+ cats which is unusual for a shelter. I have been volunteering there for over 10 years and I look forward to going in every week. The cats receive wonderful care but could use some updated facilities.
The Merrimack River Feline Rescue Society in Salisbury, MA!!!! They are so wonderful, everyone works toward the benefit of the cats. Both of my cats came from there – and they are even supportive in post adoption!!
Please help them…..they could really use this shelter makeover. It would be so awesome to have them win this for our four-legged-buddies!!!!!
I am voting for merrimack river feline rescue, salisbury, ma
I vote for the Merrimack River Feline Rescue Society – for 22 years they have served communities, low income familys, and feral cats and kittens with love and compassion.
I vote for Merrimack River Feline Rescue Society
I love the kitty shelter at Merrimack River Feline Rescue Society. I have adopted from there and just got my friend to adopt a kitten from there just last week.
I vote for Merrimack River Feline Rescue Society! LOVE them!!!
animal house
Animal House of Huntly, IL
Animal House Shelter – Huntley, IL
GO Animal House Shelter – Huntley, IL
Erie County SPCA! Such an amazing place!
I vote for Purrever Ranch in Somerville Tennessee!
I really love this shelter, and it does really need new cat furniture
I volunteer there a lot and I really like it ther but it needs new cat furniture
spca of erie county
Voting for Animal House Shelter in Huntley!!!
Voted for Merrimack River Feline Rescue. Such wonderful loving people that truly care for and love each and every kitty to pass through their doors. I feel honored to be able to volunteer there and learn so much from these amazing people. The kitties deserve this wonderful gift so much.
<3
SPCA serving Erie County!
I am voting for Crash’s Landing. Super awesome organization!!!