MPACF helps H.A.T.S. find hope and homes for furry friends
The Mt. Pleasant Area Community Foundation is proud to announce a significant boost to the Humane Animal Treatment Society’s (HATS) foster program, made possible by a generous grant from several Family Community Needs and Impact Funds. There has never been a better time to open your home to a furry friend!
Did you know that you can foster a pet through HATS at virtually no cost to you?
Thanks to the support of grants from the Michael D. and Dianne C. Morey Community Needs Fund, the Staples Family Fund, the Joanne Golden Family Community Impact Fund, the Ronald H. and Donna M. Cooper Family Fund, and the Sullivan Family Fund, HATS is able to provide all the essentials needed for fostering.
This grant covers items such as crates, leashes, and training gear, as well as specialty supplies like pee pads, baby gates, and high-quality treats to support comfort and adjustment.
HATS Executive Director Sera Henry reimagined the foster program to meet the growing need in our community.
“I saw full shelters throughout the state and knew we could do more. We had to do more. To increase foster capacity, we hired a full-time foster coordinator, provided foster orientation and education, and sought support—like the grant from the Community Foundation—to supply everything needed to welcome these beloved pets,” said Henry.
Sera also launched a foster-to-adopt program, offering pets a four to six week trial period in a potential forever home. This approach provides a short-term solution for animals while allowing families a stress-free way to determine if the pet is the right fit long-term.
Because of her vision, the foster program has grown from 12 dogs to 76 in just one year.
Supporting pet foster programs significantly increases the chances of placement for animals arriving at already full shelters.
Right now is an especially great time to adopt. The BISSELL Pet Foundation’s annual “Empty the Shelters” campaign is underway through July 19. For HATS, this means adoption fees are just $50 for dogs and $25 for cats. With shelters at capacity, these reduced adoption costs provide a wonderful opportunity to welcome a new companion into your life.
You can also ensure your furry friends are forever cared for by donating to the HATS Fund at MPACF.