Programs at RCHS!

The shelter has a variety of programs to benefit the people and animals of Rutland County.  If you would like more information on any of the programs listed below, please call 802-483-6700.

"Spay the Mom"

There's nothing cuter than kittens or puppies. . . . until it's time to find homes for them. The RCHS's newest overpopulation prevention program is simple and free: If you're a Rutland County resident, you can bring your mom cat or dog and her kittens or puppies to us at no charge. In exchange, the Humane Society will "Spay the Mom" and give her a rabies vaccination and return her to you at no cost. The kittens and puppies will be adopted into loving new homes after being spayed and neutered.  For those residents who are able, we will ask for a donation to cover the cost of the rabies vaccine.

Spay Neuter Assistance Program

Our Spay Neuter Assistance Program assists people who are caring for stray, feral and other loosely owned cats in Rutland County.  We will be holding spay/neuter clinics in targeted areas of the county for these cats.  We will also be providing active support of Rutland County residents who employ TNR to manage local feral cat populations.  TNR is a full management plan in which stray and feral cats already living outdoors in neighborhoods, barns, and rural areas are humanely trapped, then evaluated, vaccinated against rabies, and sterilized by veterinarians.  Young kittens may be adopted into homes and the other healthy cats too wild to be adopted are returned to their familiar habitat under the lifelong care of volunteers.

Senior-to-Senior Adoptions

The RCHS promotes the adoption of senior animals by senior citizens so that both may benefit from the rewards of the human-animal bond. Any animal at the RCHS who is 5years or older may be adopted by any senior citizen 55 years or older (yes, we will card you!) free-of-charge.

Brandon FCAP (Feral Cat Assistance Program)

Brandon FCAP is a partnership of the Rutland County Humane Society and the community of Brandon.  FCAP is an all-volunteer group that practices Trap-Neuter-Return in Brandon to humanely reduce the number of stray and feral cats. For more information on FCAP, please call 483-6700. 

Animal Adoptions 

The RCHS operates an Adoption Center that is open from 12-5 Wednesday-Sunday.  At any given time, animals for adoption include dogs, cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, and birds.  Our adoption process is simple and many adoptions can be completed in a day.  Please call 483-6700 to find out what’s available!

Information and Referral

The RCHS is a source of information for many questions regarding animal care, welfare, and behavior.  If we can’t help you, we should be able to refer you to an appropriate source of information.  Please call 483-6700 with your question and put us to the test!

Gift Adoptions

The bond between a family and pet is unique to each situation, taking time and thoughtful selection.  Because of this, RCHS does not support the practice of giving animals as surprise gifts and will not adopt an animal out as such.  Our experience has repeatedly shown that the best and most long-lasting matches between animals and their adopters occur when the adopter is fully involved in the process.  If you are interested in paying the adoption fee for a friend or family member, we do offer gift certificates that can be presented as a surprise (all of our regular adoption guidelines will still apply).

Lost/Found

The RCHS offers a Lost and Found Service in which we take reports from people who have lost or found animals. We keep our reports on file for 3 months and strive to unite people with their missing pets through cross-checking and referrals.  If you have lost or found a pet, please call 483-6700 for more helpful tips.

Matchmaking

If you are looking for a specific animal that we don't currently have in the shelter, RCHS offers a Matchmaking program through which we can take detailed information on the kind of animal you are looking for and then notify you when an animal who is a potential match becomes available for adoption.  If you're looking for a dog, click here.  If you're looking for a cat, click here.  When you've completed the forms, please e-mail them to our adoption center.  Looking for an animal other than a dog or a cat, please e-mail your specifics to our adoption center.

Dog Obedience

Dog obedience classes, ranging from beginning obedience to tricks classes, are offered regularly throughout the year.  The classes are based on the principles of positive reinforcement and management and also address common behavioral problems such jumping, barking, and destructive chewing. For more information or to receive an application, please call 483-6700. 

Trap Rental

To help you manage unwanted cats on your property, we offer humane box traps, "Have-a-Heart" traps, for rent.  There is no charge for the traps but we do require a refundable deposit for the cost of the trap.  Our staff can show you how to use the trap and give you recommendations for safe trapping.  Please note:  we cannot accept wildlife that may accidentally be trapped.  If you do trap a wild animal, please contact your local game warden. 

Shelter Tours

RCHS is happy to provide shelter tours for groups of children and youth interested in animal shelters or humane education.  Keeping in mind the health and safety of both our animals and our guests, we have guidelines in place for our shelter tours.  Click here to learn more.

Vermont Spay Neuter Incentive Program (VSNIP)

Please note that effective January, 2008, this program is on hold indefinitely until state funding becomes available.  VSNIP is funded by a $2 surcharge on every dog registration.  This designated fund is set aside to enable income eligible caretakers of cats and dogs to receive financial assistance in which to spay, neuter and vaccinate the animals for which they provide care.  Please call (802) 672.5302 for more information on this program which costs eligible residents only $10!

Rutland County Humane Society
765 Stevens Road, Pittsford, VT  05763
Shelter:  (802) 483.6700 Business Office:  (802) 483.9171
Shelter Hours:  Wednesday - Sunday:  12-4 pm,
Monday & Tuesday:  Closed