Special Programs

Precious Companions - Adopt a Senior

Here are a few of our senior residents. Click on a picture for more information. Scroll down for adoption information.

Precious Companions - Adopt a Senior

The number of senior pets at the shelter has increased over the last year. The reason for this is unclear and maybe the economy is to blame, but the trend is disturbing. A few are strays, but the vast majority of these pets are "owner turn ins," where for whatever reason, the owners can no longer provide care for their senior pet. We have seen several sad cases where the owner died or was admitted to an assisted living facility where the pets were not welcome.

A few of these resilient souls take their new circumstances in stride - "Been there. Done that," but most do not. At a time in their life when they should have few worries and a comfortable retirement, their world is turned upside down. These situations are all the more stressful because their stay at the shelter is usually a long one with an uncertain outcome. The sad reality is that most potential adopters are looking for puppies, kittens and youngsters and rarely consider taking home a senior pet.

Senior pets have so much to offer! With a wealth of life experiences under their fur they are usually housebroken, people friendly and well-suited to household living. They are long past their obnoxious puppy phases so no need to hide your shoes and padlock the garbage can. If you do not have the time or energy for long hikes - no problem. These guys are not up for it either.

They may have slowed down a bit, but these characters are far from boring. These deserving dogs are continually overlooked simply because they are old.

If you are considering adding a new member to your family, please take a look at our senior brigade. The Bitter Root Humane Association has a program, Precious Companions, to facilitate the adoption of these special residents:

Precious Companions

Animals who qualify

• Any healthy dog or cat seven years or older
• Any dog or cat five years or older with a slight medical or urinary problem (e.g., one that requires short-term or daily medication)
• Any dog or cat with an injury or urinary problem that can be permanently fixed with a one-time procedure with follow-up vet checks. (Does not include hip dysplasia surgery, cataract or other complex eye surgeries, diabetes or pancreatic problems or any cancers.)

The program provides

• Free spay/neuter, as needed
• The first three months of any required medication
• A one-time surgery if a cure is the result
• A one-year city dog license (if applicable)
• One rabies vaccination from the vet of your choice
• An ID tag and microchip.

Adopters must

• Meet all BRHA adoption requirements
• Pay one-half the current adoption fee.

Please contact the shelter to inquire about qualifying animals. View all BRHA animals online.

Reduced Adoption Fees for Seniors

Just what the doctor ordered. Pets improve people's lives, and this is especially true for senior citizens. Research suggests that the unconditional love and companionship provided by a pet can help seniors stay emotionally and physically healthy.

The Bitter Root Humane Association (BRHA) and Purina have joined forces to bring adoptable pets and seniors together. Through a grant from Purina, the BRHA is offering reduced adoption fees for seniors.

While funds last, seniors 60 years and older can adopt a cat for $15 and a dog for $25.

When our allotted funds run out, and we can no longer offer reduced fees, senior adopters can still get a $50 rebate on their adoption fee from Purina by going to www.ARF.net. Either way, seniors and homeless pets are the winners.

So if you are over 60 and are considering adding a new best friend to your life, come down to the shelter and have a look. You can also view animals online or call the shelter and ask about potential adoptees. We will do everything we can to accommodate a visit.

The Pet Crematorium at Bitter Root Humane Association

"In our gardens repose the remains of those that possess beauty without vanity, strength without insolence, courage without ferocity and the virtues of man without his vices; our pets." -- Lord Byron

Cremation services available priced as:

• Private Cremation with Keepsake Ashes with urn
• Communal Cremation with Keepsake Ashes Sampling with urn
• Communal Cremation without Ash Return

Some pet owners feel that cremation simplifies the burial of their pet, some appreciate the environmental responsibility that cremation affords. The Pet Crematorium at Bitter Root Humane Association will help complete the cycle of life by providing a proper memorial to the animal who shared that special bond.

Beautiful Decorative urns available.

All proceeds from the crematorium operation directly benefit Bitter Root Humane Association Adoption Centeroperations. Ask your vet to call Bitter Root Humane Association Pet Crematorium services; pickups from vets, no additional fee. Pickup of remains from your home availablefor small fee in additionto cremation. Cremains returned in 24 hours.7-day/week services. Call (406) 363-5449 for more information. Or contact the shelter.