CARE For Your Community
The mission of Chatham Animal Rescue & Education (CARE) is to promote the health and safety of all cats and dogs in Chatham County and that is exactly what they are doing. CARE is a volunteer organization with plenty of opportunities for families to contribute to and learn more about their cause.
This organization started in 1975 as the Chatham Humane Society. Since then, CARE continues to make huge waves in their community. In the early 2000’s, they partnered with PetsMart, resulting in hundreds of adoptions. CARE also partners with Chatham County Animal Shelters to save unwanted or homeless dogs, cats and to help control feral cat colonies.
Another important partnership is the one between CARE and their foster families. Foster homes keep this cause going, supporting animals in need of temporary families. It can be hard to make time, take the commitment and watch the animals go to new homes, but the alternative is far worse. North Carolina animal shelters have the second-highest rate of euthanasia in the country. The issue and need for foster homes is a national problem and the best place to start is local.
Amy Coughlin, board member and foster home, said, “When I moved to North Carolina, I saw the need in Chatham County and I really wanted to do something to help animals and to give them a chance at life. When I found out about CARE, I felt like they were a very responsible organization that really took into consideration the welfare of the animals.”
Coughlin has been working with CARE for about four years. She is also a local restaurant owner, who is always giving back to her community. Although she has worked with other rescue organizations, she has stuck with CARE.
“CARE is responsible and you don’t see that often,” Coughlin said.
If CARE takes in new animals they make sure they have the funds ready to fully support that animal. All animals are vaccinated, spayed/neutered, and microchipped before they are adopted. Any other medical issues are taken care of as well to ensure the health and happiness of the animal as it is sent off to a forever home.
People like Coughlin are working to raise funds, awareness and save animals from local shelters. It is never too early or late to join the cause.
To apply to be a foster home, their website is a good place to start. The application can be filled out right there. After that, depending on preference of cats or dogs, a welfare committee interviews the aspiring foster home. The next step leads to a home visit and once cleared, the foster home is ready to take in animals. It takes a commitment and a lot of responsibility.
If fostering is not an option, volunteer work does not stop at fostering. Helping with adoption events is another great way to give back and help raise awareness for the cause.
Other ways to become involved include donations. These are used to pay for greatly needed surgeries, microchips and vaccinations. These donations help to keep the animals healthy and the organization running. Share what CARE is doing for the community with friends and family, volunteer and go out to support events and partnerships.
All information from adoption to fostering can be found in more detail online on their website. (https://www.chathamanimalrescue.org/)
