The Rock County Humane Society is overwhelmed with cats, many of which have been abandoned. The lobby is lined with cages filled with animals to handle the overflow.
Bayo, a 1-year-old shepherd mix, is an owner released animal at the Rock County Humane Society because of the bad economy.
JANESVILLE — Everyone agrees: The economy has gone to the dogs.
And now the cats—and a few of the dogs—are paying the price.
The Rock County Humane Society has seen an increase of animals that are left behind or surrendered to the shelter.
"Years ago, the most common reasons for dropping an animal off was 'I'm moving; I have to bring in my animal,' or 'I have an allergy,'" said Chris Konetski, the shelter's executive director. "Now more people are telling us, 'I'm out of work; I can't afford it' or 'I've lost my home.'"
Last fall, shelter workers started noticing another change, too.
"More people were leaving pets behind in their apartments or in homes," Konetski said.
Cats, especially, seem to get the short end of the economic stick.
"We have cat cages packed into every corner," Konetski said.
She has a "three-stacker" set of cages in her office. Cats are living in cages in the bathroom. More cats live in other offices, and Mounds Pet Food Warehouse in Janesville also hosts a group of adoptable cats.
The shelter's lobby is packed with triple-decker cat cages, mini high rises for the furry set. Cats and kittens of all colors spend their days sleeping, eating and playing. When visitors or staff walk by, many of the cats stretch their front legs through the bars in an attempt to capture a sweater—and a little attention.
An additional 40 cats are cared for in humane society foster homes.
Currently, the shelter has more than 260 cats.
Dogs have been affected by the economic downturn, too, but not to the same degree. Konetski noted the shelter almost always has more cats than dogs.
"A lot of these people who are bringing animals in were good, responsible pet owners until the bottom fell out of their world," Konetski said.
That "bottom" has affected the shelter's regular donors, too.
The shelter currently is running its "Tree of Hope" fundraiser, and Konetski has noticed that people have been giving less than in the past.
"People are pulling back, being cautious, we can understand that," Konetski said.
Many nonprofits are facing some of the same challenges.
On a positive note, November adoptions are up slightly.
"We usually average about 90 adoptions a month," Konetski said. "In October, adoptions were down, in the low 80s. But I think we'll be near 100 this month."
It's ironic, but Konetski thinks people who want pets now are considering the shelter because it offers a better deal.
Animals at the shelter have been spayed or neutered, have received their first distemper shots and have had identifying microchips placed just under their skin.
Adoption prices range from $35 to $70 for cats and $100 to $120 for dogs.
At a pet store, where purebred animals are sold, cats and dogs range anywhere from $300 to more than $1,000 and usually only include the first distemper shot. A local breeder might sell purebreds for $100 to $600.
Even with the slight increase in adoptions in November, the shelter always is looking for good homes for animals.
Konetski hopes to expand the foster program, too.
Helping the Rock County Humane Society
-- Interested in adopting a pet?
The shelter, which is located at 222 South Arch St., Janesville, is open 1-7 p.m. Monday; 1-5 p.m. Tuesday to Sunday. Potential pet owners have to fill out an application.
For more information or to see adoptable pets, go to www.rockcountyhumanesociety.com.
-- Interested in being a foster home for a adoptable pet?
Call the humane society at (608) 752-5622.
-- Donations always are needed, and the shelter's wish list includes:
For animals: Canned and dry Iams kitten food, cat toys, Kong toys for medium and large dogs, dry nursing formula for kittens and puppies, clay litter (no clumping litter, please), 10-by-10-inch or 10-by-12-inch clean cardboard boxes for incoming kitties to cuddle in.
For cleanup: Laundry and dish soap, liquid hand soap, toilet paper and paper towels, bleach, Lime-A-Way and scrubbing pads.
For the office/grounds: Garden hoses, copy paper, red pens, envelopes of any size, batteries including 9V, A, AA and AAA.
-- Humane society memberships range from $5 to $35. Sustaining and lifetime memberships range from $100 to $500.