Massachusetts shelter offers adoption deal to help hurricane pets

PITTSFIELD, Mass. (NEWS10) -- Hurricane Milton has damaged many parts of Florida, but its not only people that have suffered. Many shelter pets need a new temporary home, and the Berkshire Humane Society is stepping in.

Similar to many animal shelters across the country, the Berkshire Humane Society doesn't have enough open kennels to house new pets. However, with storm damage ruining some shelters down in Florida, John Perreault, the executive director of the Berkshire Humane Society explained more space is especially urgent.

“We know that our colleagues down in Florida and down south are really hurting right now," said Perreault. "And we’d like nothing more than to help them and in order to do that I’ve got to create some space."

To help, this Massachusetts shelter is offering half-off all adoptions of pets that are six months or older. Perreault says this discount started last Tuesday and will be available until next Sunday, although he knows the damage will have longer term effects in the south.

"This problem is going to go for a long time, this isn't something that a week or two everything's going to be okay, we're talking months to a year that everything's going to be a struggle, so anything we can do in the north we would love to be part of," said Perreault.

Sam Klass, an adoption counselor with the Berkshire Humane Society said he loves making a difference in these animals' lives, and wants to do the same for those down south.

"I can only imagine that they're in need of huge help and we're going to do our best to do that," said Klass.

So far, Perreault said the shelter has had success. 27 pets have been adopted in the last week, including 18 cats, six dogs and one rabbit. Additionally, three more cats and three more dogs were placed on hold. As for the discount, Perreault emphasized that the adoption process remained the same.

"[When] we go to collect that adoption fee, we’re just gonna collect half of it now. But nothing has changed in our adoption process whatsoever," said Perreault.

Perreault said he doesn't remember the last time this many dogs were adopted in just a single week, but they need more adoptions to help make space. Dogs like Beethoven, Freya, Teddy and Rosie, have been at the shelter for a combined 548 days.

“They’ve waited long enough, you know, shelters may be pretty good-looking these days and have great staff and do great things but the shelters stills doesn't replace a home," said Perreault.

The Berkshire Humane Society also planned to try their best in sending down supplies to Florida shelters including food, litter and more. Perreault said the society has been in contact with different shelters in the northeast who are all looking to help.

"There's a lot of shelters that are coordinating up in the northeast to see, if everybody can just take a few that makes a full load," said Perreault.

Anyone interested in adopting a pet can contact the Berkshire Humane Society.