Colony Cats: COVID-19 Operation Grant Report

How did this grant help your organization and the pets in your care?

We are so thankful to have received a COVID-19 emergency grant from the Petfinder Foundation. In Ohio, as in other states, we were on shelter-at-home orders in March and April, and thus our adoptions went to appointment-only and we had to temporarily close the store we run to sell products. We also could not attend or hold any adoption events to promote our rescue and our cats and dogs. Our adoption rate was down and, as adoptions are our primary source of income, we were concerned about paying rent, utilities, medical bills and for medication. The funds received went straight towards our rent, as the safety of all animals in our care is our first priority. Our monthly rent is $1,350.

The money was used to pay rent on our cage-free facility and permitted us to keep all 300 animals in our care, as well as those we house as they recover after surgery in our TNR program, safe and secure. The grant permitted us to divert funds to focus on kittens and moms, and we are now entering a new kitten season. We were able to pull puppies, moms and kittens from more troubled areas to central Ohio. We could also continue to do TNR in the community as it is so important to end the cycle of suffering.

How many pets did this grant help?

350

Please provide a story of one or more specific pets this grant helped.

Rye (first photo) is a black FIV+ cat who now resides, safe and cared for, in the FIV+ room at Colony Cats. As Colony Cats is a true no-kill shelter, we give all cats an opportunity to find a loving home, even those with FIV or FeLV. The FIV+ cats have there own room so it is less germy (ew!) and so their health can be more closely monitored. Rye is a total lovebug and just came to the center. He is currently available for adoption. You can meet him here.