GRIDLEY, CA (MPG) - Animal Control Officer Sam Stopplemore says that Gridley’s Animal Shelter is in need of supplies year-round, but that they are taking advantage of the lull in traffic caused by the recent drop in temperature to prepare for a busy spring season.

In fact, those visiting the Animal Haven this week to adopt-a-pet would get a little surprise – a completely empty shelter. ACO Stopplemore says that is typical for this time of year, especially January. Colder temps keep pets from wandering off but as the weather warms and spring brings new life, in litters, to dogs and cats in our area, traffic is set to increase. “During the spring we get so full we can’t breathe,” she says. “So I use my ‘down time’ to prepare for what’s to come.”

Although the department has a budget, the funds are limited so ACO Stopplemore has turned to creative ways to generate donations. When needed, she posts donation requests on Facebook or through mailers and has created a running “wishlist” on Amazon with various supplies that the shelter is always in need of. One of the most crucial and unexpected daily needs at the shelter is laundry detergent. “We wash our own towels,” she says and they go through quite a bit. Other much needed supplies are bed replacement covers - “some (animals) don’t have the best manners” she says - travel pet-carriers, flea & tick shampoo, KONG peanut butter and food trays. To view the list and donate, visit https://tinyurl.com/y6lty2x9. Items ordered from the list are delivered directly to the shelter.

Recently, the shelter put out a request for more travel carriers. The foldable cardboard carriers are perfect for multiple uses, including adoptions and the Trap-Neuter-Release program. The TNR program is currently in full swing and works with Paws of Oroville to help reduce and control the feral cat population in town.  The carriers are used to help transport trapped cats to Oroville to be either spayed or neutered.

The new program is funded in part by a $3,500 grant from the Petco foundation but costs add up quickly. It is estimated that a colony of 20 cats can exceed $1,100 to spay/neuter. While there will always be a need for donations, the community has supported the TNR program thus far. “I think that people are realizing that spay and neuter is extremely important because our populations are getting out of control. There comes a point where we run out of places to send animals because everywhere gets so full.” A donation of $55 dollars covers trapping, transportation and spay/neuter costs, rabies vaccinations and ear mite treatments for one cat.

ACO Stopplemore credits the success of the shelter in part to our “great community” and their willingness to donate. To help Gridley Animal Control prepare for spring fever, please consider sponsoring a feral cat, purchasing an item off the wish list or mailing a donation to 685 Kentucky St., Gridley CA, 95948.