Record Number Of Pets Adopted At Somerset Regional Animal Shelter

BRIDGEWATER, — A record number of pets were adopted from the Somerset Regional Animal Shelter (SRAS) in 2017 with 992 cats, dogs, and other small companion animals finding permanent new homes.

This is the fourth consecutive year that adoptions have increased.

"It was a very busy year for us,” said Shelter Manager Brian Bradshaw. “In addition to caring for our own local population of homeless pets, we took in animals in desperate need from Texas, Florida and Puerto Rico following the hurricanes, as well as nearby hoarding cases. The community rallied behind us and we were so inspired by their support.”

Since 2013 when SRAS found homes for 254 pets, adoptions have nearly quadrupled.

Here is a breakdown of how many dogs, cats and other (“Other” represents small and “pocket pets” such as rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, birds, etc.) pets were adopted:

• 2013 — Dogs 34, Cats 196, Other 24. Total: 254
• 2014 — Dogs 299, Cats 411, Other 15. Total: 725
• 2015 — Dogs 356, Cats 397, Other 11. Total: 764
• 2016 — Dogs 403, Cats 430, Other 7. Total: 840
• 2017 — Dogs 475, Cats 503, Other 14. Total: 992

“We couldn’t have reached this level of success without the dedication of our staff, volunteers, the town, and community,” said Assistant Shelter Manager, Rose Digilio. “We’re a community organization and we need continued community support.”

Somerset Regional Animal Shelter is open seven days a week for adoptions from noon to 4 p.m.; Wednesdays until 7 p.m.

(Image via SRAS: Heaven, a puppy rescued from Puerto Rico by Somerset Regional Animal Shelter, found a loving new owner in 2017. )

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