Animal shelters across the United States are places where animals are cared for and where people can give back to the community and help out animals at the same time.

About 30 minutes away from the school, there is an animal shelter called the Loudoun County Animal Shelter that is located five miles west of Leesburg, Virginia.

            The shelter was built in 1967 by the Humane Society and was bought by the county in 1974. Since then there have been renovations to accommodate the animals including cats, dogs, reptiles, birds, livestock, fish, and other small animals, brought to the shelter.

            In 2000 the facility was expanded and remodeled. It was expanded to modernize the kennels and also to add additional space for animals and other functions. The remodel was partially funded through a private donation.

            This facility is a county government funded shelter that accepts every animal into the shelter, regardless of breed, age, behavior, or illness.

            “The best part of the shelter is that we are able to care for animals that are otherwise helpless, lost, or unwanted. We ensure that every animal in the shelter receives excellent care, opportunities for socialization, medical care when needed, and of course the opportunity for a new home when possible,” Laura Rizer said, the Shelter Administrator for Loudoun County Animal Services.

            Those services included are not only providing shelter for lost animals, but the department also offers animal control in the form of enforcing state animal laws.

            “We have a number of goals – the main one is to assure the health and welfare of companion animals in our community, to educate our citizens on proper pet care, and to be a resource for animals and people when they have nowhere else to turn,” Rizer said.

            Another nearby shelter, about 40 minutes away, is in Rockville, Maryland. It is the Montgomery County Humane Society, which is also a county government run facility. They accept or refer any animals brought to the shelter.

            The services offered by the shelter include: adoption/adoption counseling, foster care, rescue partnerships, low-cost spay-neuter, education for all ages, lost and found, behavior advice, rabies clinics, bereavement seminars, and more. The county funds about a third of the shelter and fundraising and private donors donate the rest of the money.

            “We find new homes for the vast majority of the adoptable animals in our care, which is a significant accomplishment considering our limited resources and what the national statistics are. The Humane Society of the United States reports that 6 to 8 million animals are brought to shelters every year and only about half make it out. Of our adoptable animals, depending on time of year and any special circumstances, we move out about 8 or 9 out of 10,” said b j Altschul, the director of Community and Education Relations.

            There are many ways to become involved at the Montgomery County Humane Society including being a foster parent, being involved in a service project, or volunteering.

            “Volunteers who work directly with the animals (dog walkers and cat socializers) must be age 18. People of all ages do wonderful things with wish list collection drives and craft/service projects,” said Altschul.

            At the Loudoun County Animal Shelter there are also many different ways to get involved.

            “You can volunteer at the shelter to help our animals directly. If that does not work for you, you can also become an advocate for animals in your community – educate yourself on the issues facing animals such as spay/neuter, lost pets, animal cruelty, etc, and educate your friends and neighbors about these issues. Finally, the best way to help animals is to be a responsible pet owner – make sure your pet is spayed and neutered, that he/she does not run loose, and that you are providing them with a safe and happy home” Rizer said.