Fayette Friends of Animals in need of funds
Funds are quickly depleting for a local animal rescue and adoption center that is looking for support from the community in order to stay afloat. Fayette Friends of Animals (FFOA), a non-profit organization, has been up and running since 1997 and moved in August to its current location in the former Pet Ranch Kennel, situated along Connellsville Street in North Union Township.
The goal of FFOA is to open the first no-kill animal shelter and clinic in Fayette County.
Flo Fronczek, FFOA president, said the facility has run into financial difficulty stemming from unexpected veterinarian costs coupled with money needed for daily operations.
“Our veterinarian bill has been at least $1,000 every three weeks,” said Fronczek.
Aside from the number of animals that FFOA spays, neuters and provides vaccinations for, Fronczek said funding is also needed for rent, supplies and repairs to a van not to mention paying the small staff.
“I don’t see how we can continue taking in animals with the costs for shots and other services and be able to stay above it all,” added Fronczek.
According to Fronczek, FFOA is not eligible for local or state funding because of its non-profit status. “We depend solely on community support, and funds are diminishing fast,” said Fronczek.
Another problem, said Fronczek, is that the number of animal adoptions in Fayette County is slim compared with that in Westmoreland County, where the animals are taken each weekend to Pet Smart in Greensburg, a pet store oriented in providing stray and unwanted animals with new owners. “This has given 10 to 20 more animals homes,” said Fronczek.
While Fronczek said FFOA would eventually like to foster more animals, they are not able to do so because of a county zoning provision that prohibits them from adding on to the 40- by 40-foot building that serves as a kennel for about 18 dogs and about 12 cats. “We’ve overstayed our kennel,” added Fronczek.
The organization is, however, looking for property to turn its dream into a reality.
With the help of $5,800 from Pet Smart, Fronczek said FFOA was able to purchase 12 indoor and outdoor cages for the facility, which holds a total of 20 animals.
The organization’s countless volunteers are also helping to keep FFOA in operation, but more people are needed.
“We have a strong volunteer base that definitely helps keep the shelter going and operational costs down,” said Rene Freitag, who serves on FFOA’s board of directors.
In addition to donations, FFOA also depends on ongoing fund-raisers held throughout the year to help offset operation costs.
On June 23, the Christian Clay Winery in Farmington will sponsor an Ex-Pawsition from noon to 5 p.m.
The event will feature animal adoptions and a rabies clinic, pet show, wine tasting, pet products and a petting zoo.
In July, FFOA will hold a Dog-A-Thon 5K walk and run and one-mile doggie dash starting at 8:30 a.m. at the Hutchinson baseball field in Hopwood.
Fayette Friends of Animals is open on Monday, Tuesday and Friday from 1 to 5 p.m. and on Thursday from 1 to 7 p.m.
Fronczek said the facility is aiming toward having weekend hours and is currently accepting animals by appointment only, since Saturday and Sunday are designated for transporting the dogs and cats to Pet Smart for adoption.
For more information on adopting an animal or to sponsor an animal for $25, contact FFOA at 724-434-1422.