Floyd County is a community where residents share a strong bond with their furred and four-legged family members. It’s also a place where folks are committed to caring about the homeless population of domestic animals.
More than twenty years ago, several Floyd County residents came together to form The Floyd County Humane Society (FCHS). Throughout the years, the organization has grown, transforming the municipal shelter from a place of sorrow to a place of hope.
Two decades ago, the pound took in over a thousand dogs, the majority of which were euthanized because of space constraints. Today, thanks to the Floyd County Humane Society’s three-pronged approach, the intake of stray or surrendered dogs at the pound has been reduced by over 80%, with a euthanasia rate in the single digits. The Humane Society has partnered with the pound to advertise stray and abandoned dogs. They’ve also encouraged and subsidized a successful community spay/neuter program. Finally, they have created a foster program for those dogs whose time at the pound has come to an end. These measures have all helped significantly to save the lives of Floyd County dogs.
For our feline friends, FCHS responds to calls and emails about abandoned, neglected, or stray cats and kittens. They also respond to calls about cats and kittens that need to be re-homed.
The Floyd County Humane Society’s accomplishments are testimony to the local volunteers’ dedication. It’s no surprise that they won the Nonprofit of the Year Award in 2019 from the Floyd County Chamber of Commerce!
The Paws Cause Dinner and Auction, an annual gala held at the Floyd Event Center, has always been the Society’s largest fundraiser. They have also occupied booths at craft shows, festivals, and other events to raise money for their cause.
Like many other nonprofit organizations, however, the Humane Society’s coffers have been greatly diminished due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Having been forced to cancel in-person fundraising and adoption events, the group has had to invent creative solutions to sustain its many programs.
Social media has been a huge asset in reaching more people during this time of isolation. FCHS has turned to Facebook fundraising to raise money for medical expenses, foster support, and the spay/neuter assistance program. The Society also has an easily accessible online donation page (www.floydhumanesociety.org) for people who wish to donate in memory or in honor of a loved one or pet. There, people can also sponsor a foster animal, donate towards a specific cause, or gift a membership to a friend.
Looking forward, the Floyd County Humane Society is preparing an online auction for their spring fundraiser, featuring ‘Floyd’s Favorite Things,’ and including two tickets to Floyd Fest 2021!
Since the organization’s inception over twenty years ago, it has been a long-term goal to purchase a permanent facility to house all the Humane Society’s operations at one location. Currently, the organization utilizes a foster system of volunteers for the housing of both cats and especially larger dogs or animals that need daily medical attention.
Other spaces being utilized across Floyd County are multiple storage units, rented kennels, and loaned space at various businesses. However, rented kennel space is restrictive in caring for puppies and larger dogs that need space, sunlight, and regular exercise for improvement of behaviors and temperament. The rented kennels do not have outdoor runs for each dog, and the outdoor yard space is only 8×20 feet. When no volunteers are available for mid-day walks outside the facility, dogs can begin to experience extreme anxiety in a matter of days.
Many of these animals are rescued from dire or abusive situations. They need care, rehabilitation, training, and loving attention to prepare for successful adoptions. It is difficult the meet the needed care requirements for these dogs without a facility that allows proper space and resources for them and for FCHS volunteers.
Cats also need socialization to become well-behaved indoor pets. Floyd County Animal Control does not take in any cats, nor is there any rentable kennel space available for cats. Having no local facility available to house the kitties, the Humane Society relies entirely on private foster homes. The Floyd County Humane Society brought 187 cats into foster care in 2020, which was a 120% increase compared to 85 cats in 2019!
In 2020, FCHS helped a record number of dogs and cats. Twice as many as in 2019, with over 150 dogs and 170 cats finding new forever homes! As a result, the cost of care and fostering in 2020 was the highest the organization has seen in years. To continue their mission in 2021, they need to raise more funds and get more volunteers involved.
The Floyd County Humane Society is an organization that has thrived due to a strong sense of commitment to the community it serves. From helping senior citizens, the disabled, and underserved populations with pet care and veterinary expenses, to rescuing neglected or abandoned animals in distress, they continue to make a difference every day.
Thankfully, due to a generous donor, The Floyd County Humane Society is on the cusp of realizing an all-encompassing facility for operations, animal care, and support for the community! The organization is hoping to announce an update on this project in 2021.
Floyd County Humane Society volunteers hope the community and other sponsors will stay tuned for updates and take part in their endeavors to make Floyd County a healthier, happier place for all pets and their people.
For information on becoming a FCHS volunteer or any other of FCHS’s many activities in service to the companion animals of Floyd County, please visit the website at www.floydhumanesociety.org.
Floyd County Humane Society
www.floydhumanesociety.org • http://facebook.com/FCHSVA
(540) 745-7207 • info@floydhumanesociety.org