This week PetravelR’s™ Adopt a Friend features the Sioux Falls Area Humane Society in South Dakota.

Serving since 1919, the Sioux Falls Area Humane Society, an open admission facility, has taken in abandoned, abused, homeless, and unwanted animals that need tender loving care until they can find a permanent home. The mission of the SFAHS is to help these animals find their a permanent home, prevent animal cruelty, and educate people on the humane treatment of animals.

The Sioux Falls Area Humane Society takes in over 10,000 pets each year from all surrounding areas. Those animals may come in as surrenders, dumped in SFAHS night receiving kennels, or left on the road. The SFAHS also receives animals from cruelty and neglect cases, providing shelter and care for the most vulnerable.  Due to the overwhelming need, the Sioux Falls Area Humane Society recently completed a building addition with space for over 100 more kennels!  The SFAHS still needs donors and sponsors for its building fund so that they will always have safe haven for all animals in need.

There are many ways that you can support the Sioux Falls Area Humane Society. Foster care is needed for animals that haven’t reached two months of age or are recuperating from an illness or an injury. Foster parents take responsibility and provide a safe environment, while the SFAHS provides the basic necessities. The SFAHS also needs volunteers as dog walkers, cat cuddlers, bath and brush buddies, and to help with adoption assistance, pet therapy, and special events.  You must be at least 16 years or older to be a volunteer, but the SFAHS also sponsors a variety of youth service projects.

If you can’t volunteer, your tax-deductible donation can provide shelter and medical care for the animals.  You can help transform the life of an animal from homeless to happy!  Your donation will also help feed and care for animals in need, prevent cruelty and educate the public on the humane treatment of animals. There are many ways to give to the Sioux Falls Area Humane Society - Donate retail items for an adoptable pet, become an SFAHS member (or purchase a gift membership), sponsor a kennel, make an “in honor of” or memorial gift, or enroll in the monthly donation program.

And don’t forget the SFAHS St. Patrick’s Day Free Rebel Run hosted by McNally’s Pub on March 14, 2015, 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM at Spencer Park!  This is a free 5k run with no registration fees.  But donations for the SFAHS will be accepted and greatly appreciated. Four-legged runners are also welcome!

PetravelR™ urges you to support your local shelters and rescues by adopting, volunteering, and donating. And remember that spaying and neutering helps reduce overpopulation and makes your pets better family members.