The Fayette Regional Humane Society (FRHS) recently announced it has received a $45,000 grant from the Joanie Bernard Foundation to support its Community Cat Initiative to help high-risk cats in Highland, Fayette, Clinton and Ross counties.

“This grant gives us an amazing opportunity to significantly decrease the number of homeless and unwanted cats entering shelters and living in the communities,” said FRHS Executive Director Dr. Lee Schrader.

The grant will cover 480 spay/neuter procedures and vaccinations. Those who would like to apply for the program can call 740-335-3847. Applicants will be required to fill out a form and will be asked for a small donation.

Within Fayette County, the funds will also target Surrender Prevention Medical Care for sick and injured cats which will provide medical care for cats from income-qualified households. These services help keep cat families together and prevent cats from being surrendered to shelters.

This is the first year FRHS has been awarded the grant from the foundation, an Ohio-based cat welfare organization that works to create cat-caring communities across the United States through their Give Them Ten Movement.

“These funds will help to further the Give Them Ten Movement which seeks to improve the lives of cats by creating communities that understand them and take actions to protect them, including spaying and neutering,” said Debborah Cribbs, founder and director of the Give Them Ten Movement. “This is one more step towards our mission of creating cat-caring communities across the nation.”

The long-term goal of the Community Cat Initiative is to continue reducing the shelter intake of healthy cats by families who may not have an income to provide them with medical care and spaying or neutering to prevent the further overpopulation of cats.

“The Joanie Bernard Foundation’s work is making a significant difference in the lives of cats in our region,” said Schrader. “We are deeply grateful for this grant which will allow is to continue and expand our mission to reduce cat homelessness and keep cats out of shelters.

The FRHS is the only organization in its region able to respond to calls about abused, neglected and injured domestic animals 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

“We are going to be able to have a very significant, positive effect keeping cats out of shelters,” said Schrader.

Reach John Hackley at 937-402-2571.