2022 has been a monumental year for Furkids Animal Rescue & Shelters, and not just because it is their 20th anniversary of lifesaving work!
Furkids, headquartered nearby, is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit charitable organization that operates the largest cage-free, no-kill shelter in the Southeast for rescued cats and Sadie’s Place, a no-kill shelter for dogs. Furkids was founded in 2002 by its CEO, Samantha Shelton, with a mission to rescue homeless animals, and provide them with the best medical care and nurturing environment while working to find them a forever home.
On April 9, 2022, Furkids celebrated its 20th anniversary at its amazing destination shelter and headquarters in Cumming. Thanks to the generosity and love of their supporters, Furkids raised over $200,000 of vital funds that night to continue their life-saving efforts.
Furkids also launched two major expansion projects this year: a new Community Cat Program, and a new rescue and adoption facility in Cobb County. The Community Cat Program offers TNR resources, education, a monthly low-cost spay/neuter clinic and more. In addition to Furkids’ new East Cobb rescue center, the organization operates 10 different adoption centers and four thrift stores throughout metro Atlanta that support 30% of their operating budget.
Furkids believes that adopting a wet-nosed companion into your home is a priceless joy, and the rescue saw incredible impact through adoptions this summer. Warmer months are the busiest time for shelters because of high volume intakes resulting from increased litters, and fewer adoptions due to people being on vacation. However, Furkids reached a total of 287 cat adoptions in July, thanks to their participation in BISSELL Pet Foundation’s record-setting “Empty the Shelters” event-–the largest adoption event in the nation. This total was a 10% increase compared to Furkids’ 2021 July cat adoption numbers.
On average, Furkids saves over 5,000 cats and dogs each year. Once an animal is rescued and vetted, the cat or dog is available for adoption through Furkids.org. Interested adopters can submit an application for any animal and speak directly to an adoption counselor to find their perfect match.
Furkids is more than a rescue, it is a destination shelter. Their cat shelter is nestled in the botanical campus of Furkids’ Headquarters in Cumming with picturesque ponds filled with beautiful koi, a soon-to-open special event center for celebrations (ShilohGardens.org) that will bring revenue back to their mission, several cottages for new animal intakes, and even a tiny house for a shelter nightwatchman. It is a shelter like you’ve never seen before!
Furkids’ four pillars include adopting, fostering, donating, and volunteering. Anyone who wishes to get involved can visit their website at Furkids.org. One way to support Furkids this fall is to buy a ticket to their annual fall fundraiser, Paws for Cocktails, on Oct 22! Help make Furkids’ 20th year of operations even more special and get involved at Furkids.org.