Press Release - May 23, 2010

SENIOR PETS FOR SENIOR CITIZENS

Ocean City, NJ - May 19, 2010 – The Humane Society of Ocean City has noticed an alarming trend in the past few years. Many people are surrendering older cats to shelters, or worse, simply letting them go to fend for themselves because of veterinary costs associated with senior pets. Older strays are often brought into the shelter with simple conditions that would cost little to treat or maintain.

While it is true that some senior cats can have chronic conditions that require routine maintenance or special care the HSOC stresses that it is not the case with many older animals who want nothing more than a quiet home with a caring person to love them.

"We highly encourage senior citizens to visit the shelter and consider adopting one of these friendly cats. Senior pets make great companions for senior citizens. The cats are usually much more laid back than younger cats or kittens, much less likely to scratch furniture or make a mess out of the food and water bowl. Plus they are much more likely to be the friendly lap cats that most people want as companions," said shelter manager and adoption coordinator Angela Coyle.

Every animal at the shelter is checked by a veterinarian and is not adopted out to a new home unless it is healthy and free of any major health issues. "It is important to us that every adoption is a good match which is why all of our pets are up to date on routine vet care before they are released," added Coyle.

The shelter does offer a discounted adoption fee for senior citizens. The small fee includes a free first vet visit through your choice of several local vets, all standard vaccinations, spay or neuter surgery, and an optional trial of vet insurance. The HSOC is now home to a brand new Wellness Clinic for routine vet care which can also help with the cost associated for yearly health maintenance. According to shelter staff the clinic has already proven itself to be extremely helpful to many senior citizens on fixed incomes.

For more information on the shelter “Seniors for Seniors,” adoption program please contact them any day of the week at 609-399-2018 or visit their web site www.HSOCNJ.org. The adoption center is open seven days a week from 11-3pm and is located at 1 Shelter Rd (off of Tennessee Ave) in Ocean City, NJ.

Contact: Kevin Fischer | info@hsocnj.org | 609-399-2018 | 1 Shelter Rd | Ocean City, NJ 08226