Paws, compassion and purpose: Inside the mission of the Erath County Humane Society

BY KELLI MCKEE

Contributing Writer

The Erath County Humane Society (ECHS) in Stephenville, Texas, is a non-profit organization that helps many stray cats and dogs get healthy and find homes. On average, they house up to 100 cats and dogs combined but are currently housing approximately 80. 

With every donation, they can help their animals become healthy, cleaned, medicated and loved. The donations also contribute to the construction of a new building, where all animals could be housed inside.

In the building the ECHS currently runs, inside boarding space is limited, and 60 to 70 percent of dogs live outside full-time.

General Operations Manager Caroline Dean, who began her Humane Society journey in 2016, explained the society’s role in the community.

“Our main goal is to house animals, get them ready for adoption and put them up for adoption to find them great homes,” Dean said. 

When they receive animals, they scan them for microchips, give them the required shots, try to get in contact with their owners, test them for any health issues and make sure they aren’t harmed in any way. If they cannot get in contact with the owners, they will take a photo of the animal and post it on their Facebook page.

The ECHS is different from other animal rescue organizations because it is a nonprofit. Not only do they take in animals from animal control, but they also provide transportation for animals that need to be spayed or neutered to a low-cost clinic in Weatherford, Texas. 

The ECHS has changed over the years. Since starting in the 60s, they have relocated once and are working on relocating to a new building soon. They started with only one building and one set of kennels in the yards. 

They gradually built many other kennels in the yards and eventually built their second building, which they are currently housed in. In the past year, they have finished a new building where they are now housing their adoptable cats. 

A typical day at the ECHS includes feeding, cleaning, giving medications and sanitizing in the mornings. After leaving for lunch, employees return to make sure everything is ready for the rest of the operating hours. 

They typically have several volunteers come to walk dogs and foster animals while classes at Tarleton State University are in session, in addition to many visitors who miss their dogs from back home.

The ECHS does have some adoption protocols. Dog adoption fees are $90, but if the animals have been at their facility for over 60 days, the fee drops to $60. Cat adoption fees are $45. They also get a copy of the adopter’s driver’s license or ID and go over the adoption agreement with them before they sign a contract.

Their adoption contract makes sure that potential adopters won’t be neglectful, providing the animal with the food, shelter and care that is needed. In cases when this is no longer a possibility, they must ensure that they bring them back to the Humane Society to keep them safe. 

The ECHS does not euthanize animals for space. They say they want to make sure that animals have a safe place to sleep with fresh water and food to eat. They also say they want animals to get the medical attention and exercise that they need. 

Humane Society members say they appreciate any help they can get from volunteers with cleaning kennels, walking dogs, fostering or feeding animals and washing dishes to give pets the best experience they can. 

To become a volunteer, visit their facility and fill out a form.