Providing a permanent location for pets was an idea born of necessity. It is estimated that 500,000 pets end up in shelters or are euthanized every year because there was no plan in place for their care after something happened to their human companion. Many people believe that family or friends will take their pet in these situations, but that is often not the case. Planning in advance gives human companions peace of mind, knowing that their pet will be cared for in a permanent location. Forever Home can also be used as a backup plan in case the caregiver you designate is unable to care for your pet at the time care is needed.

The pets that are taken into our Forever Home Pet Trust Program are cared for on a separate property next to the shelter property and their human companion has the option for the pet to reside there permanently or be adopted by another family. If re-homing is your choice, the pet will reside with us in a home-like environment until an appropriate adopter is found. Staff will reside on the property to assure that your pet has companions and care, just like in your own home. We are currently in the planning stages of the building on the new property, and we estimate that they will be completed in late 2024. In the meantime, we will have transitional housing for any pets that have an immediate need.

What makes our program unique is that there is not another program exactly like this anywhere in the country.  The pets will live in homes with resident staff members, who have a combined 40 years’ experience working with animals.  Executive Director of the shelter, Debbie Butler, will reside in the home with dogs.  When she is not at the home with the Forever Home dogs, she is right next door at the shelter.  Heidi Gaumet, Program Manager of the shelter, will reside in the home with cats.  She will be primarily working from home, which will give the cats extra love and attention.  She will also be available to tend to the dogs as needed during the day.  All animals will be monitored by security cameras any time the residents are not in the home. 

Most other lifetime care programs will rehome pets.  While we offer that as an option, our primary function is to provide lifetime care for your pet in a residence with other pets and people.  Our costs are competitive, if not much lower, than many other programs.  We do not require a deposit or hold fee.  Once your finances are set up for us to care for your pet, their space is guaranteed at our facility.  Your pets are integrated and treated like part of the family and will not be euthanized unless all other medical options have been exhausted and the vet determines that it is the humane thing to do.  Just like in your own home.  We also have options if you do not want your pet to live with other pets.  A private cottage can be built on the property, and you can design the plan for your pet according to what you feel is best.  Cottages are available at an additional fee, which can be added to your estate plan.