Effective Immediately the Animal Adoption & Resource Center (formerly the Joplin Humane Society) will begin charging people $20.00 for each animal ($30.00 for litters) brought to the shelter located on North Main Street. Joplin residents are exempt from this charge as the shelter contracts with the City for animals received from citizens.

In the month of June and July alone, 549 citizens outside of Joplin City limits turned over animals to the animal care facility. They brought a record 1,308 animals to the facility in June and 1,174 animals in July. The average dollar amount received from citizens for these animals was $4.37 each, while the actual cost to AARC for care of these animals is an average of $85.00 each with higher costs for litters of puppies and kittens.

AARC officials urge citizens to call their local animal control, police or sheriffs office if they find a stray animal. They also ask people who have lost an animal to look for it at the shelter.

We would love to be in a position to accept all animals at no charge; unfortunately, we are not. said Karen Aquino, AARC executive director. Although we are a charity, we must operate with a business model and a bottom linewe want to continue to be here for the animals and citizens of our region. AARC officials recognize that this charge will in no way cover the costs, but it will make a huge impact on the budget deficit. Aquino went on to say: We certainly encourage those who can afford to pay more to do sothat way we can help more animals.

AARC was incorporated with the state of Missouri in 1948 and has serviced Southwest Missouri since its inception. In the mid 1970s the organization assumed responsibility for housing animals from Joplin Animal Control when the city-run pound was closed. In 1976 the Society received its IRS designation as a 501c(3) non-profit corporation.

To contribute to the organization send a check to AARC at 140 E. Emperor La., Joplin 64801.

A D V E R T I S E M E N T

During the month of September 2010 the Northpark Mall store maurices will be collecting financial donations and pet supplies to benefit the Animal Adoption and Resource Center. Those making a donation directly to the shelter (see wish list here) will receive a coupon for 20% off at maurices. In celebration of the bond between people and their pets, maurices will see its exclusive Friends for Life charm in stores or online through October 31, or while supplies last. Pet owners may wear half the charm and attach the other half to a pet. The charm is $5 with $2.50 going to the ASPCA to support its national programs.

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