Barbara and Herschel Perry were known for their love of pets, especially cats.
In fact, Herschel would often trap feral cats and dogs, pay to have them spayed or neutered, and release them back into the area.
After the couple’s death a few years ago, the executors of their trust determined a worthy cause would be to cover the cost of having dogs and cats spayed and neutered for the next 10 years.
Earlier this year, the Barbara and Herschel Perry Charitable Trust gave $10,000 to the Allen County Animal Rescue Facility (ACARF) to provide vouchers to pay for pets to be spayed or neutered.
Recently, the Trust gave another $10,000 — more could be forthcoming — as the program has proved so popular and demand has increased.
“We haven’t advertised it because we’ve had a waiting list,” Julie Payne, secretary and treasurer for the ACARF board, said. “We’re getting through that list and hopefully we’ll be able to do even more.”
The program is available to all pet owners in Allen County — not just those who adopt pets from the shelter. Simply contact the shelter at 620-496-3647 to receive a voucher for the procedure. Proof of residency is required.
Pets must be spayed or neutered at a clinic in Allen County; Red Barn Veterinary Clinic or Iola Animal Clinic qualify and both accept the vouchers.
Typically, vouchers cover $150 for cats and $200 for dogs. However, that’s more of an estimate; trustees want to make sure all costs are covered, so the amount will vary depending on the animal’s needs and the actual cost.
“This program is a godsend,” Payne said. “It’s something everyone in Allen County should take advantage of.”
So far, ACARF has printed 60 vouchers for cats and 70 for dogs.
The hope is that by covering such costs for 10 years, it will significantly reduce the number of unwanted pets in the area. In turn, that will reduce pressure on the animal shelter.
“We’re so full right now, we can’t take any more animals,” Payne said, bluntly.
“We’re having trouble transferring animals because everyone is in the same boat. Thank God we’re a no-kill shelter, because the kill shelters are euthanizing thousands of perfectly good animals every day.”
Spaying and neutering animals is a much more practical solution, Payne said.
