Low Cost Spay and Neuter Program is Back On Track!

The High Plateau Humane Society has offered a low-cost spay and neuter program to our Low Income community for many years, but we have not updated the income qualification amounts to keep up with the cost of living! Well, that has now changed, and we have simplified the process of getting a low cost spay or neuter certificate as well.   Here's how the program works.

MONTHLY INCOME LIMIT:  If your gross monthly household income does not exceed the following amounts (established by HUD), then you qualify to participate.

1 person   $2,796                     4 persons   $3,992

2 persons  $3,316                    5 persons   $4,313

3 persons  $3,596                    6 persons   $4,633

EXCEPTION FOR FERAL CATS:  Anyone wishing to spay or neuter a feral cat also qualifies for this program, regardless of household income.  Please note, all feral cats will have their ear “tipped” during the procedure to identify it as a spayed or neutered feral cat. 

WHAT IS COVERED:  This program is intended to help pet owners cover the cost of a standard spay or neuter. The certificate you receive will NOT COVER immunizations; boarding costs; pain medications; pre- or post-surgical blood-work or other testing, treatments or equipment; or additional costs resulting from complications caused by the animal being in heat, pregnant, or not having “dropped” both testicles prior to surgery.  Any costs other than the standard spay or neuter costs are the responsibility of the pet owner.   You may want to discuss your pet’s condition with the vet prior to scheduling the procedure to confirm if there will be additional costs associated with your pet’s surgery.  Note that it is our experience that most cats and dogs do not need pain medications or antibiotics after a spay or neuter.  However, you may need to purchase an “E-Collar” to prevent your pet from pulling out its stitches.  Neither of these costs are covered by this certificate.  

PROGRAM COSTS:  The fees for a Low-Cost Spay or Neuter Certificate are as follows.

• CATS, all cats, regardless of age, sex or weight                   $40  
• DOGS, all dogs, regardless of age, sex or weight                 $80

These fees are are a significant savings over the standard fees charged by the Modoc Veterinary Center and are only possible because of their generous support.

EXPIRATION:  All certificates expire 2 months from the date of purchase and are not transferrable.

You may purchase your Spay/Neuter Certificate now from the Second Chance Thrift Store any  Wednesday or Thursday from 10 to 2 PM.

Available Cats are on Petfinder and Adopt-a-Pet!

We have finally  uploaded our available cats and kittens to Petfinder and Adopt-a-Pet.  That means you can also find them on our "Available Cats" page on our website, and our "Adopt a Cat" page on Facebook. Take a look at these cute little faces!  Two kittens, one young cat and two adult cats available!

Stripes

Eeyor

Floofy

Froggy

Marvin

  

We have had a run of adoptions this week!

All these kids have found their forever  homes this past week....

Aspen

Chip

Elsa

Niles

Sammy

Lady Lucy

Adoption Fee Increase

After much analysis and internal debate, as well as a glance at the Humane Society's dwindling bank account, the Board has reluctantly agreed that we need to recover at least 80% of our basic medical costs in order to stay in business.

Since we are the only "game in town" for all of Modoc County, we need to do what we can to stay afloat, and we hope the community will support us in this.  Otherwise, the High Plateau Humane Society may not be around for another year.

You will note, there is no change in the Adult Cat adoption fee, and we have added discounts for adopting more than one pet.  We also have instituted a "Seniors for Seniors" program to help get our more senior animals (those 5 years or older) out into loving homes at a greatly reduced fee.

So, our adoption fees are now as follows:

CAT ADOPTION FEES*

•  Kittens (under 4 months old)      $90     or  2 for $160 ($80 each)
• Young Cats (4 mo. to 2 years)     $80     or  2 for $140 ($70 each)
• Adult Cats (2 years or older)       $60     or   2 for  $100 ($50 each)
• Seniors for Seniors (for Seniors 55 years and older)
• Adopt a cat 5 years old or older
• Receive a 50% discount on his/her adoption fee

* All cats and kittens are up-to-date on shots, and spayed or neutered.

DOG ADOPTION FEES*

•  Puppies (under 4 months old)     $180     or  2 for  $320 ($160 each)
• Young Dogs (4 mo. to 2 years)     $160     or  2 for  $280  ($140 each)
• Adult Dogs (2 years or older)       $120     or  2 for  $200 ($100 each)
• Seniors for Seniors (for Seniors 55 years and older)
• Adopt a dog 5 years old or older
• Receive a 50% discount on his/her adoption fee

* All dogs and puppies are up to date on shots and micro-chipped.  Our fees also cover spay and neuter.  All dogs over 4 months old are spayed or neutered before they go home with you, and all puppies are placed on a foster-to-adopt contract (so you can take them home) that is turned into a formal adoption contract after they are spayed or neutered at 4 months old.

What Do You Get For Your Adoption Fee?

I had someone raise an eyebrow the other day about our dog adoption fees, thinking they were rather high. This person felt that we were making it hard for people to adopt our dogs due to the expense. For the record, our current dog adoption fees are as follows:

Adult Dog (over 1 year old) $100
Young Dog (4 months to 1 year) $120
Puppy (under 4 months) $150

My response to this well-meaning person was that our dogs are actually FREE. The adoption fee only partially reimburses us for our medical expenses which are, on average, $159 for an adult female, and $129 for an adult male (the $30 difference is due to the higher cost of spaying).

These costs are for ONE SET of immunizations (Rabies, DHPP, Bordatella, and Influenza) and the spay or neuter, and these are discounted prices that the the Modoc Veterinary Hospital has approved for us due to our charitable nonprofit status and the volume of business we provide. The general public pays a lot more.

In addition, the above average cost DOES NOT INCLUDE the cost of micro-chipping, follow-up immunizations on the DHPP and Influenza (which are required after 21 days for all dogs), the two extra follow-up DHPP shots required for puppies, food and boarding (yes, if we don't have foster families we have to pay for boarding), or any additional medical care that might be needed if the dog is sick or injured.

No, I would say our adoption fees are far too low! Adopt from us, and you get a GREAT DOG (for free) that has had excellent subsidized medical care. A bargain!

How can we afford to do this? From donations from good people like YOU, our other fundraising efforts (like our annual Taste of Modoc event), and the sales we make at the Thrift Store.

So, please come in and shop with us, and consider donating to this very worthy cause.

We Are Searching for a Microchip Angel!

Our Board has approved a microchip program for all our dogs, and we have purchased the first 20 microchips!  Thanks to the efforts of staff at the Modoc Veterinary Hospital, all our available dogs now have one.   However, as our adoption fees do not cover this cost, we are currently searching for funding partners to help us continue the program after we run out of these chips. We anticipate this program will cost about $800 per year, so if you know of any person or organization that is willing to partner with us on this, please let us know! 

Our Favorite Young Man Has Been Adopted!!!

Charlie Brown was picked as the favorite "brother" for German Shepard Athena.  Although not quite love at first sight for Athena, Charlie won her over with his easy-going attitude and sense of fun!  By the time play time was over, Athena was smitten and hated to be parted from our good-natured young man.  Never fear Athena!  Our Boy will be joining you in a few weeks (after Mom and Dad tie up loose ends). In the mean time, Charlie will continue to baby sit Buck and Lucy (our 4 month old Shepherd/Great Pyrenees pups).  Three cheers for Charlie!!!

ADOPTION PROCESS UPDATED!

Since we have so many puppies in house, this is a good time to let everyone know what the new dog adoption process it as HPHS.

No surprise, our goal is to find great homes for all our dogs, but we also want to make it easy for you to get to know the dog and pick the right dog for your family. So, if you are interested in a dog, please just email us to let us know. You can use the private messaging system on Facebook, the Contact Form here on our website (see left column), or email us at HPHS@Ymail.com. If you use any of these methods, all we need to know is which dog you are interested in, and your phone number. You also have the option of contacting us using the applications provided by Adopt-a-Pet or Petfinder, or coming into the Humane Society Thrift Store to fill out a more formal application.

Once we know you are interested, we will call you to chat about your situation and discuss what the dog is like. If you are still interested, we will arrange a meeting with the dog. Finally, if you decide you would like to try adopting the dog, we will schedule a time to come to your home to check out the areas you plan to keep the dog, make suggestions on training and crating if needed, answer any lingering questions you may have, and fill out the adoption paperwork if the dog seems like a good fit.

To make sure you get the dog of your dreams, our adoption contract now provides for a 30 day trial period, which allows you to return the dog and receive a full refund of your adoption fee for adult dogs and a partial refund of your adoption fee for young dogs if you are not completely happy with the dog. Dogs that have not yet been spayed or neutered are available to go home on a Foster-to-Adopt contract that also allows you to back out of the adoption if you like.

So, what are you waiting for? Click on the "Available Dogs" page (above) to see if we have your new best buddy!

HPHS has PUPPIES!! Check the "Available Dogs" page for a complete listing.

We recently accepted seven Aussie/Pointer mixes (4 boys, 3 girls), and two Shepherd/Great Pyrenees mixes (one boy, one girl).  Check the "Available Dogs" page for a complete listing

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What you need is a Little Bit of LOVE! - ADOPTED 5/17/18

Little Bit joined us a few days ago from the City Animal Shelter.  She is 5 months old and about 24 pounds.  When full grown she should end up at about 30 pounds or so. She is a sweet little squirmy girl that can't wait to play and get pets and attention.  She will bring a lot of joy to your life.  Want to meet her to foster or adopt?  Just let us know using the Contact Form in the left-hand column!

Mattie is HOME!

Our lovely Rottie, Mattie, found her forever home in Cedarville today.  Her new mom has had Rotties in the past and loves the breed.  I love that she loves Mattie!!

Kalaya Heading Home on a Foster-to-Adopt Agreement!

Well, it looks like our Kalaya has found a new home, at least for a week or so while she gets to know her new digs and convince her potential adopters to keep her!  I have every faith that she will be successful.  Keep your finger's crossed for her!! 

Two New Dogs Coming On Board!

We agreed to take these two dogs today.  So far, this is what I know about them...


SWEET SWEET SWEET!!!


Chip, a Black and White Border Collie, is a 10 month old male with white feet.  He just about jumped into my lap, and snuggled up as close as he could. We will be pulling him out of the shelter as soon as we have a foster for him.  Anyone want to give it a try?


Molly, a Brindle Pit is a lovely 40 pound, 18 month old girl that could not sit still!  "GET ME OUT!  GET  ME OUT! She said with every body wag and lick.  This was the only still shot I could get.  We will do better when she is in our care next week. 

NEW BOARD MEMBERS AND NEW RESPONSIBILITIES

As of May 3rd, the following hard working people make up the Board and Officers of the High Plateau Humane Society:

Kim Weimann, Board Member, President and Cat Program Coordinator
Kim Marchant, Board Member, Vice President and Thrift Store Manager
Lisa Oates, Board Member, Board Secretary and Fundraising Event Coordinator
Jenn Andersen, Board Member, Treasurer and Dog Program Coordinator
Edie Carey, Board Member and All Round Helper

If you need to get hold of any of these Board Members, please use the contact form on this page, or email HPHS@Ymail.com.  We look forward to hearing from you!

AVAILABLE DOG: Abby

Abby is a lovely Border Collie (and perhaps Aussie?) mix that is a little shy, but very sweet.  She gets along well with cats and other dogs, and loves to be petted.  This gentle and quiet little girl is about 30 pounds.  Perfect for a retired couple with or without another calm dog and/or cat.  Men will have to work a little to win her over, but it will be worth it! 

GINGER ADOPTED!

Our sweet Airedale Terrier was adopted this Saturday to a wonderful couple living near Bend Oregon.  Ginger now has a Chesapeake Bay Retriever "Big Brother" named Moose, 5 acres of fenced property to run on (a big patch of which is green grass), two very attentive parents, and some grown-up two legged siblings who can take care of her when mom and dad are away.  Here's to new adventures!

AVAILABLE DOG: Elsa -> NOW ADOPTED!!

Elsa, a 40 pound Beagle mix, loves to play in the water and be the boss of the yard.  She gets along well with submissive dogs, like her buddy Honey.  She is quite confident of her abilities, and very athletic.  This would be a great dog to teach to fetch and keep squirrels at bay!  She would also be GREAT at Agility!

AVAILABLE DOG: Honey

Honey is a sweet, low to medium energy German Shepard who gets along well with other dogs and LOVES playing with the hose! Honey weighs about 45 to 50 pounds, and would make a wonderful companion.

AVAILABLE DOG: Kalaya - ADOPTED NOW!

 Kalaya is a beautiful brindle Collie mix that weighs in at about 40 pounds. She gets along well with other dogs and is a medium energy girl.  More on her as we begin to work with her!  We do "Foster to Adopt" agreements, so if you would like to take her in to see  how she works in your home, we are happy to discuss that with you.

ACTIVE HOME NEEDED FOR SAMMY

Sammy is 6 month old Shepard mix pup that loves to play fetch!  He is sweet and attentive, crate trained, house trained, and working on his leash training.  He knows "sit" and is learning to keep four paws on the floor unless asked to jump up, its a little hard for him as he just gets so excited to see you!  He is also doing very well sleeping through the night, and quietly playing with his toys when "his people" are in the room.  Like any puppy, he gets restless when you leave, but is learning to settle himself.

We expect this little guy to grow to be about 50 pounds, so his forever home will need a fenced yard, and it wouldn't hurt for him to have another dog to play with!

Please contact us using the Contact Form on this page if you are interested in giving him a home.  He is a lot of fun!   (posting updated 5/28/18)

AVAILABLE DOG: Bonnie <<-- ADOPTED 5/9/18!

Bonnie is a little bit of a thing.  A lovely 7 year old Papillon whose owner died a short time ago.  She has obviously been well cared for and loved all her life, and she is looking to love you too.  This happy, quiet little girl is confident of herself,  in good health, house trained and gets along well with  people and other dogs.  

AVAILABLE DOG: Mattie --> Mattie has been adopted!

Mattie is as sweet as they come.  Weighing in at about 100 pounds, this girl is careful of her size and is very polite about asking for hugs, which she LOVES.   She gets along well with other dogs and has great dog-to-manners.  Right now, she is in with Hootch and they play very well together, and eat politely in the same enclosure.  Mattie is learning her basic commands, likes a little tug-of-war, and is learning to fetch.  This girl is only about 18 months old, but already shows her grace and beauty.

AVAILABLE DOG: Charlie Brown ADOPTED NOW!

Charlie Brown has been with us for several months, and I cannot understand why.  This boy is friendly and fun loving.  He is also neutered, up on all his shots, gets along well with other dogs, and should be a great play buddy with another medium sized (40 to 60 pound) dog.

This boy loves to move, and is learning how to fetch (as you can see in the video).  He controls himself well, does not seem to want to bark (even when other dogs are), tries not to jump up on anyone, and is eager to learn.  It took me 10 minutes to teach him to fetch a pine cone for me.  Imagine what he could do in 15!

If you are interested in meeting Charlie for adoption or fostering, please use the Contact Form on this page to let us know.   I would be happy to talk with you.

-Jenn Andersen, Dog Program Coordinator

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Management Changes

The High Plateau Humane Society is quickly adjusting to a change in leadership with the departure of its Chief Executive Officer, Judy Bullard.  Judy submitted her resignation on April 26^th following five years of service.  “Judy put her heart and soul into this organization and we are going to miss her daily presence, but this was not unexpected.  Rescue has a way of wearing you down and eventually you simply need to take a break.”, explained former Vice-President, now Chief Executive Officer,  Kim Weimann.  

With the departure of Judy, and the promotion of Kim Weimann to the position of Chief Executive Officer, a new slot has opened on the Board.  If you are interested in joining the Board of Directors for the Humane Society, please email our organization at HPHS@Ymail.com.