JERSEY CITY, N.J. (April XX, 2009) – Liberty Humane Society (LHS), a Jersey City-based non-profit organization dedicated to finding loving homes for stray and orphaned pets, announced today that it is one of the ten finalists in Zootoo.com’s second annual “National Shelter Makeover Program.” Competing against animal shelters from across the country, LHS is the only animal shelter from the New York Tri-State Area to land in the contest finals.
The finalists were formerly announced on April 7, 2009 at the HSUS Animal Care Expo in Las Vegas.
Zootoo and its advisors chose the 10 finalists based upon their determination of which of the 20 semi-finalists most deserved the makeover. In the final stage, it will be up to America to vote on the most deserving shelter. The shelter with the highest number of public votes will win a makeover valued up to $1 million. Polls open April 13 through April 19, 2009. Affiliates can vote up to 10 times, per day.
The first place winner of the Zootoo Shelter Makeover Program will earn a makeover valued up to $1 million. For LHS, already in need of emergency funding and resources, this could include:
- An on-site vet clinic for high-volume sterilization and other medical procedures.
- New indoor and outdoor cages for dogs and cats.
- An enhanced visiting area for prospective adoptive families to socialize with animals that are available for adoption, as well as to host educational programs, such as Liberty Humane Society’s B.A.D. Dogs (Bullies are Deserving Dogs) Program. B.A.D. Dogs aims to positively impact public perception and reduce euthanasia of pit bulls with sound temperaments.
- Greater intake capacity. Currently, the shelter can support 55 dogs and 80 cats, at one time.
Formerly a Department of Public Works garage, the facility was repositioned by LHS in 2004 after signing a 45 year lease with Jersey City. Since then, LHS has made tremendous strides to find loving and long-term homes for stray and orphaned pets. In 2008 it’s intake of animals increased more than 20 percent. This is partly due to the intake of 50 animals recovered from the now-defunct Hudson County SPCA in April 2008.
LHS offers a variety of community services including pet food and supplies for needy families with pets, a low cost spay and neuter program, and a free monthly pet loss support group. Additionally, LHS offers a variety of programs (i.e., Humane Education, Foster Care, etc.) that teach individuals how to become responsible pet owners.
“We’ve achieved incredible things with a converted garage and a modest budget that is reserved for the shelter and medical care of the animals we serve,” said Janet Russell, director of development, LHS. “Tough economic times are making the hurdles we face increasingly difficult to overcome. Other than our contract with Jersey City, LHS survives on grant money, donations and fundraisers. The building we are in was not meant to serve as an animal shelter. Even if we don’t win, LHS will continue to make improvements to the space, but it will take a very long time. We are calling out to supporters to login to Zootoo.com and vote for LHS to win this much needed makeover.”
For additional information on the contest or to place a vote, visit www.Zootoo.com/makeover.
About Liberty Humane Society
Liberty Humane Society (LHS) is a non-profit organization dedicated to finding loving homes for stray and orphaned pets, provides medical care for injured animals and raises awareness for the plight of homeless dogs and cats in Jersey City, N.J. For more information on LHS, to view adoptable animals or to become a volunteer, call (201) 547-4147 or visit
www.libertyhumane.org. Donations can be mailed to Liberty Humane Society, P.O. Box 3766, 235 Jersey City Boulevard, Jersey City, N.J. 07305 or can be made online.
Note: LHS has joined the world of online social networking. Join us on Facebook and Twitter (search “Liberty Humane Society”).
