Cat Abandoned at Humane Society a Reminder it's OK to Give Up a Pet

Editor's note: The following was taken from a press release from the Wisconsin Humane Society Ozaukee Campus.

Five-year-old Alvin was found abandoned in a carrier at the back door of the Wisconsin Humane Society Ozaukee Campus with only a note stating that his owners were moving and couldn't take the sweet cat along. 

The note read, "He has no health issues at all. He was born in 2008 and I have been the only owner… I am moving away and cannot take him with. I do not have any money for the surrender fee.” 

While shelter officials were relieved that Alvin was brought to WHS, the Ozaukee Campus director Beth Maresh laments that he was left at the back door, and wants the public to understand that it's okay if you need to surrender your pet. 

"People should never be embarrassed or ashamed to have to surrender an animal, and can even do so anonymously" said Maresh.  "When you bring your animal to the shelter because you can no longer care for him or her, it's usually because you've exhausted all other options. We're just glad to be here to help. And it makes a tremendous difference to be able to ask questions about your animal's medical and behavior history so we can best serve him or her." 

Upon his admittance, Alvin received a thorough medical examination by WHS veterinarian Dr. Randal Zeman.  He was previously neutered, but had periodontal disease and needed some dental work, including the extractions of two teeth.  He was a champ during his recovery from surgery, and five days later, became available for adoption. 

The fee to surrender a cat is $35, but the surrender fee can be waived if a family cannot afford it. Surrender appointments are strongly encouraged to help control animal intake, especially during the busy summer season, but the humane society will never turn an animal away in need.

WHS also offers resources for people looking to rehome an animal themselves, including a "virtual rehoming service," similar to online classifieds, on its website at www.ozaukeehumane.org.