BY KAREN BOSSICK

Mountain Humane gave out enough pet food to flesh out a 16,000-pound Tyrannosaurus rex this past year.

The animal welfare organization near Hailey gave away 16,120 pounds of pet food to 331 Blaine County families and 141 families in nearby towns during 2021, according to its 2021 Annual Report.

Other statistics:

• It provided care to 2,707 animals, a 45 percent increase over 2020.
• Its veterinary clinic provided more than 2,800 vaccinations, 1,024 spay/neuter surgeries and 100 dental procedures. It also microchipped 512 animals and offered other veterinary services at reduced cost for families struggling to afford pet care.
• Behavioral support was provided to 288 animals and 277 dogs attended training classes.
• The shelter transferred 222 animals from high-kill Idaho shelters to its facilities before finding forever homes for them.
• Foster families in the area cared for 292 animals while they were awaiting permanent homes.

All told, 1,755 animals received services to help avoid owners having to surrender their pets to a shelter, and surrenders were down 54 percent from 260 in 2019 to 121 in 2021.

"One of Mountain Humane's main initiatives is to keep pets with their families," said Kelly Mitchell, Senior Director of Shelter Operations and Outreach. "Without the support of Mountain Humane, financial or other circumstances might otherwise force people to give up their pets. Having these programs in place helps us create a more humane community." 

 Executive Director Annie McCauley said Mountain Humane is thankful for its donors’ commitment to saving animals and to its hundreds of volunteers.

“We could not provide the highest level of care without our volunteers who help to ensure that each animal has a loving and enriching experience,” she added.

Want to learn more? Visit https://mountainhumane.org/publications-financials/