Homes for Orphaned Pets Exist

Homes for Orphaned Pets Exist (H.O.P.E.) is a not for profit organization of volunteers from Saratoga and surrounding counties of New York State.  We are dedicated to assisting the Saratoga County Animal Shelter by adopting previously abandoned, orphaned and neglected animals currently being housed at the Shelter.

Homes for Orphaned Pets Exist does not have a shelter or facility.

We give these homeless animals a second chance for a wonderful life; to be part of a family, to be a therapy pet, or just to be someone’s best friend.  Our ultimate goal is to find suitable adopters who will provide them with a lifelong commitment of love and care.

All H.O.P.E. pets are seen by a local veterinarian prior to adoption.  All animals are given appropriate medical care, including de-worming, spaying/neutering, and vaccinations, and our veterinarians will provide additional medical treatment if needed.  And we often pay for medical care for shelter pets who must remain at the shelter, when the shelter cannot afford treatment.

H.O.P.E.’s Cat Program - Our emphasis is on accepting cats who have been in the shelter the longest or have special needs, placing them in danger of being euthanized simply due to lack of space.  While there is no recognized behavioral assessment for cats, we try to accept cats who seem friendly to people and other animals.  Cats in our program reside in foster homes with volunteers who care for them as if they were our own.  We have the luxury of giving the pets time to find their forever homes.  Time spent in our foster program allows us to get to know them better, and better help them find an appropriate forever home.

H.O.P.E.’s Lower Cost Spay/Neuter Program - With the assistance of many new volunteers, a committee has formed to provide low(er) income individuals and families residing in Saratoga County with assistance for the spay/neuter needs of their kitty companions.  Please see Low-Cost Spay/Neuter Programs for more information on this exciting initiative.

H.O.P.E.’s Dog Program - Every week, the assessment team goes into the shelter to evaluate as many dogs as possible.  During the assessment we look for signs of stress and comfort levels as we gently pet the dog, and examine his ears, paws, and teeth as a vet would do during an exam.  We test the dog to see how easily he is startled, and pretend to be a crazy child so we can determine whether or not we believe he would be able to adjust to children.  We introduce the dog to other dogs and cats, and put him in a crate to see how quickly he settles down.  We walk him holding his collar and on a leash to see if he is easily led.  Then we share our findings with Shelter staff.

By getting to know the dogs as individuals, we will be able to help folks find suitable companions. We spend time with people who want to adopt and help them determine what kind of dog would do well in their home.  If there is a dog at the shelter we can recommend, we can meet the potential adopter at the shelter for the initial meeting, and help introduce other dogs that may spark interest.  We can also bring the dog to a potential adopter’s home for a visit to see if the dog is a good match for their family.

Adoption Clinics are a wonderful and effective way of getting the dogs out in the public eye.  For those who aren’t comfortable going into the shelter, we are now able to bring the dogs we assess to our own adoption clinics.  They are more themselves outside of the metal barrier.  Our goal is accomplished when they are noticed and remembered.  We want to break down the barrier between the potential adopter and adoptee.  This program has eliminated the enormous need we had for foster homes, and has offered our volunteers the opportunity to assist more dogs than ever!

The shelter has started a dog walking program for any one who wants to help.  After taking a short class offered by the shelter, volunteers are now allowed to enjoy a walk with a grateful companion.  It is amazing how different they are once they are outside in the fresh air, cage-free.  Please call Cathy at (518) 424-2878, or the shelter at (518) 885-4113 to find out more.

H.O.P.E.’s new dog program in no way affects H.O.P.E.’s current foster dogs, or dogs who have been re-homed through our program.  We will always accept any animal that we have adopted out should the need arise.

Homes for Orphaned Pets Exist is not just our name. It is our mission.

H.O.P.E. relies on donations from caring individuals to continue our life saving work. We also have fundraisers throughout the year to help with the many expenses incurred.