Montclair Animal Shelter Inks Deal With Local Nonprofit

MONTCLAIR, NJ — One of the best friendships in Montclair is now endorsed on paper. The relationship between the Montclair Township Animal Shelter (MTAS) and local nonprofit group Friends of the Montclair Township Animal Shelter (FOMTAS) has received an official nod.

During Monday’s Township Council meeting, the council authorized the municipality to enter into a two-year agreement with the nonprofit, which raises funds to support extraordinary medical expenses of MTAS animals.

FOMTAS also provides education materials for the public, food, supplies and training assistance for the shelter animals being fostered, traps for feral cats to be trapped, neutered and released (TNR); and other costs not covered by the shelter’s budget, municipal officials said.

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In 2017, FOMTAS provided $30,000 in financial support to the shelter. Funds were raised through a gala event, grant writing, crowdfunding, and supporting and encouraging third party fundraisers.

• See related article: Gimmie (Animal) Shelter: Montclair Community Responds To MTAS Blaze

The end result of FOMTAS’ work is exemplified in the case of Mia, a lovable five-year-old Chihuaua that is running and playing pain-free thanks to support from the group.

According to the MTAS:

“Mia was surrendered to the Montclair Township Animal Shelter with her Pit Bull brother Bronson earlier this year. Shelter staff noticed straight away that Mia had a serious problem with one of her hind legs. A diagnosis showed a grade 4 luxating patella, or dislocated kneecap that can cause severe pain and swelling. Mia would need to see an orthopedic specialist and surgery would be required.”

But thanks to support from FOMTAS, Mia was able to undergo surgery, acting MTAS Director Liz Morgan said.

“She followed all post-surgery physical rehab instruction and is once again ‘four on the floor’ and has a pain-free life,” Morgan said. “What a wonderful gift for this little girl.”

Under the new agreement, the township is still responsible for shelter operations, including care and maintenance of the shelter building, hiring staff and for services and expenses for day-to-day sheltering and animal control operations. These include basic food and medicine, animal care, cleaning, office equipment and supplies.

FOMTAS, to the extent it is financially able, will continue to support and enhance shelter operations by continuing to cover extraordinary medical expenses, equipment and supply needs, as well as recruiting volunteers and producing shelter programming, according to Montclair officials.

• See related article: Montclair Animal Shelter Finds New Homes For 15 Cats, 2 Dogs

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Photos: MTAS