Cumberland County Animal Services announced that they have shown significant progress in helping the animals of Cumberland County over the last decade.

In 2012, ten years ago, the shelter was only able to save 10% of cats and 44% of dogs that entered the facility. In 2021, the department saved more than 60% of cats and 84% of dogs.

Some of the services that helped increase the number of animals saved included microchip scanners, adoption and the Trap, Neuter, Vaccinate and Return program.

“We have made great strides in ensuring that more animals are adopted from our shelter and establishing relationships with dozens of animal rescue groups to allow them to take animals from our shelter for placement,” said Animal Services Director Elaine Smith. 

With the microchip scanners, many lost pets could be reunited with their owners without having to be admitted to the animal shelter.

Adoptions have also increased over the past four years due to many events, both at the shelter and around the community. Adoption fees were also reduced, which helped in getting more animals adopted.

The Trap, Neuter, Vaccinate and Return program, implemented in 2019, has sterilized nearly 1,800 cats. Animal Services says this has helped prevent more than 11,500 kittens from entering the community. Residents can trap feral cats and bring them to the shelter, where the cats are sterilized and vaccinated before being returned to where they were trapped. 

“We need people in the community to help us by adopting pets, by reporting animal abuse, and by volunteering at our shelter,” Smith added. “This is not something we can do alone.”

Animal Services is hosting a mobile adoption event on Saturday, March 5 at the Petsmart off Ramsey Street. The event will start at 10 a.m. 

To see animals available for adoption and learn more about volunteer opportunities at Cumberland County Animal Services, visit cumberlandcountync.gov/departments/animal-services-group/animal-services or call 910-321-6852.