Homes for Orphaned Pets Exist (H.O.P.E.) Adoption and Education Center has reopened for Cat Adoptions
WILTON – The H.O.P.E. Adoption and Education Center, located in the Wilton Mall, is open again by appointment only and operating under all mandated COVID-19 safety measures and protocols per NYS Department of Health. The Center originally opened on January 26th, 2020, and occupies almost 3,000 sq. ft. next to the former Sears store (soon to be Saratoga Hospital offices).
Adoptable cats, in high demand during this time of social isolation, are once again available at the H.O.P.E. Adoption and Education Center. With COVID restrictions resulting in many people having more time at home and fewer social activities, people have realized that this a perfect time to adopt. Unfortunately, their access to adoptable animals has also been limited.
Most shelters and rescues were closed at some point, though H.O.P.E. kept the purpose of the Center alive through dog and cat adoptions, handled with limited contact and without the benefit of public adoption events or access to the Center. The re-opening of the Center, by appointment, gets them a step closer to easy, open access for want-to-be adopters. Even this limited re-opening, will allow H.O.P.E. to better serve those looking to adopt.
H.O.P.E. will also continue to produce virtual events, as they have during the shut down, like the July 20th Yoga with Your Pet via Zoom (see details below,) until the Center can be opened without limitations.
Wendy Mongillo, Founder and Executive Director of H.O.P.E. says, “Having the Center open by appointment is progress and we are so excited to have cats back at the Center. Even though we only opened less than 2 months before COVID concerns closed the Mall, the Center was already having a significant impact on the community. We adopted out over 100 animals this year, as well as beginning to establish the Center as a go-to event space, with programs like Dog Adoption Events, Training Workshops, Cat Yoga, Pet Related Art Exhibits and Reading to the Cats. We will work toward a return to full operations as conditions safely permit.”
During the shut down, H.O.P.E. has continued saving lives and finding homes for unwanted, abandoned and orphaned pets in, and surrounding, their immediate community, as they have for 18 years. The public is becoming increasingly aware of the need for and benefits of pet rescue and adoption, as well as the need for information and support to be successful pet guardians and companions. With scientific studies confirming that pet ownership benefits human health and well being, now may be a better time than any to adopt and support H.O.P.E.’s rescue efforts.
“With the return of cats to the Center, it’s important for people to know that cat and dog Fosters are still crucial to our mission. Donor support is also critical whether it comes through fundraising events like our current Wine promotion and upcoming Virtual Wine Tasting or direct donations” reminded H.O.P.E. President, Kristina Kline.
For appointments to meet adoptable pets, adoption information, volunteer and donation opportunities, and to learn more about H.O.P.E.’s programming visit www.hopeanimalrescue.org, Facebook.com/PetsHope, or call 518.450.7013.
Pet Yoga! Monday, July 20!
To join, you can click this link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/4766628342 or go to the website zoom.us and join the “meeting” with this ID: 476 662 8342
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