A Safe Haven for Homeless Animals
By Susan Spisak
Since 1974, Franklin County Animal Shelter, FCAS, has provided compassionate care, safe shelter, food, and adoption services for homeless dogs, cats, and pocket pets in the Farmington area within the Western Maine foothills. FCAS, a no-kill nonprofit, is committed to improving animal welfare and helping every adoptable pet find a loving home.
They’re down to Earth, and while their staff may be small, they are very passionate about the care and well-being of their animals. Similarly, the Board of Directors volunteer their time to ensure their funds are used to their best possible advantage.
They’ve initiated a building expansion project to address the growing challenges of animal overpopulation. Peri Starr, their Social Media & Fundraising Coordinator, said they’re actively fundraising to secure necessary kennels, medical equipment, and other essential resources to ensure the new space is fully equipped: “To date, we have raised over $233,000 for our addition and are currently working on a $50,000 goal for the equipment and kennels needed once the building is finished.”
She said the projected finish date for the addition, which is attached to their current facility, will be in February or March. It will enable them to house eight more dog kennels, so they will have over thirty kennels for their dogs. Peri added their kennels are currently at capacity, so it’ll be welcomed.
They’re not alone; most shelters and rescues are at or beyond capacity. As safe surrender options become limited, many pets are abandoned outdoors, often ultimately entering shelters with increased stress that complicates the rehoming process. The FCAS addition is not only necessary, but it is a smart, compassionate move for the communities they serve.
FCAS offers many in-shelter services including nail trims, microchipping, and flea and tick treatments. Their pets are fully vetted and have reasonable adoption fees. To facilitate adoptions of their older, gentler canines 10 and up, there’s a fee of “donation” only. (Remember, they’ve had all services which equal up to $575. This is a great motivator to find a home for those pets.)
To learn more about supporting them (such as sponsoring a kennel for $30 a month, $75 for 3 months, etc.) or donating to the expansion project, you may contact them at info@fcanimalshelter.org or call them at the phone number below. Also, you can click on this link on their website, paypal.com/ncp/payment/CRL3L93J7XZA4.
To contribute to their efforts, consider volunteering and/or purchasing merchandise from their online store. To view their Amazon Wish List necessities, fcanimalshelter.org/give.
If you’re interested in adopting a dog, you must have a scheduled appointment. If you currently have a dog, they require they also have a meet-and-greet with the one you’d like to adopt to ensure compatibility. For renters, they call landlords to make sure they're aware of a new dog. Give your landlord a heads-up first or bring along a copy of your lease agreement.
For all info, applications, adoptable dogs and more, fcanimalshelter.org/. The shelter is open Monday through Saturday, from noon to 4 p.m. They’re located at 550 Industry Rd, Farmington. They can be reached at 207-778-2638.
IMA
4-6 years old, American Staffordshire Terrier
A sweet girl who is looking for humans who will be patient with her, and take the time to continue her training. Her favorite part is the treats! She would also like a home without other animals, and she should be supervised with any very small children who might not be able to resist making sudden movements. She is a staff favorite for her level of sweetness, but she does startle a bit at times.
HOAX
1 year old, Hound Mix
She is on the smaller/medium size range, just under a year old, and has TONS of energy. Her nickname here is "Wigglebutt" because she simply cannot contain the joy she feels being around people who love her! She is looking for a home with people who can keep her moving and training to be the best friend ever. She gets along with dogs, after an initial sniffing-out, but we are unsure about cats.
JOKER
2 years old, Boxer Mix
He is full of playful energy, and his favorite toy is a soccer ball - which he WILL try to carry in his mouth! He hasn't had a lot of exposure with other dogs, so staff is unsure about his compatibility there, but he loves people a lot. He's looking for a home with lots of play time, and continued work on his leash manners.