RCHS provides safe haven and more

For nearly three decades, the Ripley County Humane Society has served the residents of Ripley County and in some cases, the surrounding counties, by providing a safe haven for the thousands of cats and dogs that have been entrusted to the caring staff.

Ripley Humane strives to help needy and neglected animals through community outreach programs and by networking with other animal welfare groups. This includes the rescue of “breeder dogs” who are at high risk once their breeding cycle is finished.

Here are a few of the most frequest questions asked about the shelter:

From where do the animals come?

The shelter has a working relationship with the County Animal Warden to accept any dogs or cats for which he cannot provide shelter, or medical or veterinary care. 

If the animal is injured or severely ill, it will be taken to a veterinarian for evaluation and treatment. The expenses are paid by the shelter and not by the county. In most cases, the costs can be quite high.

Many of the animals are surrendered by their owners or by family members.

The most common reasons for surrendering a pet include the owner’s death or the owner’s inability to properly care for the animal. Shelter and care is provided at NO COST for animals of Hospice patients or terminally ill individuals who cannot provide care for their pet.

Upon the hopeful recovery of the owner, the animal is joyfully returned. At the unfortunate demise of the pet’s owner, the shelter manager, with the family’s permission, will place the animal up for adoption into a Forever Home. 

RCHS also provides shelter for the pets of a victim of domestic violence  during their stay at a facility such as Safe Passage in Batesville. Once they are safely able to return home, the pet is reunited at no expense. 

What services does the shelter provide for the animals?

All animals that arrive at the shelter are evaluated for any infectious disease / illness that may affect the health of the other animals.

In some cases the animal may be placed in quarantine for a period of time. Vaccinations and medications are critical to the animal’s health and well-being. These include rabies, heart-worm testing and flea and tick control. Puppies require additional vaccinations.  All dogs are microchipped.

Once it is determined that the animal is healthy the dog is housed in its own kennel which offers both indoor and outdoor containment.

Outdoor running pens are also provided for the dogs to socialize, exercise and play. 

Cats are housed in a separate building where they may socialize with other felines. 

If the animal has not been spayed or neutered, at an appropriate time, an appointment with a veterinarian is scheduled. It is the policy of the RCHS not to release a pet for adoption until the procedure has been performed. In some cases puppies may be adopted prior to such a procedure but with the owner’s total understanding that the pet must undergo the procedure when it reaches the required age.

If an animal is brought to the shelter as a stray it is checked for a microchip. If present, every effort will be taken to reunite the animal with its owner.

Are the animals ever euthanized?

As a NO KILL shelter every effort is made to guarantee that the animals will be able to live a long, happy and healthy life. However, in very rare cases, an animal which is terminally ill or severely injured, upon the recommendation of a veterinarian, may be medically euthanized for the animal’s well-being.

How is the shelter funded?

One of the main misconceptions about the RCHS is that it is entirely funded by Ripley County. The county budget provides approximately one-tenth of the shelter’s total operating expenses. The remaining funds are generated through adoptions, grants (most of which cannot be used for operating expenses), donations and memorials.

Volunteering: Volunteers are always needed and welcomed to exercise and socialize the animals which is critical for their health and well-being.

The application for volunteering can be viewed at the shelter’s web page under More / volunteer. For complete information and details about volunteering, please send an email, expressing your interest in volunteering, to ripleyhumane@gmail.com prior to submitting an application.

How Can I Help?

Donations of pet food, bedding, cleaning supplies: bleach, laundry detergent and paper towels and pet toys are always needed.

There are three companies that have rewards’ programs that help to fund the shelter. They are Chewy, Ebay and locally Kroger / Jay C. For information on these rewards’ programs, access the shelter’s web page  www.rchumane.com and then go to Ways to Help.

When making funeral arrangements, consider designating the humane society as your memorial of preference to perpetuate your legacy as an animal lover. The RCHS can also be designated as a beneficiary in one’s last will and testament.

When paying respects to a deceased friend or family member, request that your memorial donation be given to Ripley County Humane Society.   

What Does It Cost to Adopt a Pet?

All pets regardless of their breed are priced by their age. Puppies six months and younger are $265.00; dogs are $215.00. Kittens six months and younger are $100.00 and cats are $50.00.

What determines the cost for adopting a pet?

As previously covered, all pets are fully vaccinated and neutered or spayed which requires at least one veterinary visit.

Operating expenses for the shelter must also be taken into consideration. Expenses include: full and part-time staff salaries, utilities and maintenance which includes heating, cooling, electricity, water, telephone, internet and trash pick-up and grounds upkeep.

How to adopt a pet?

If you are considering adopting a pet, all the animals that are waiting to be adopted can be viewed at the shelter’s web page by accessing www.rchumane.com

A visit to the shelter is always the best way to begin the adoption process.The shelter is located at 1202 West County Road 150 North, between Osgood and Versailles. There is a sign pointing to the shelter which is located approximately 1/2 mile west of US 421.The hours of operation are from 12 noon to 4:00, seven days a week. Appointments can also be made by calling the shelter at 812-689-3773.

The RCHS could not continue to provide the care for the “furry-four- legged, forever friends” that are entrusted to the facility without the generous support of our caring patrons. As always all support, regardless of the financial amount or donated item, is deeply appreciated.

Writer’s note: As a former board member for the Ripley County Humane Society, I hope this article has answered many of the questions that are frequently asked about the RCHS. If not, please feel free to contact the shelter via telephone or email. Finally, I would like to quote A.D. Williams “When I look into the eyes of an animal, I do not see an animal. I see a living being. I see a friend. I feel a soul.” Thankfully, so many of us feel the same.