The Chilton County Humane Society is in need of monetary donations in order to continue operating its facility and to provide vaccinations for animals up for adoption.

The Humane Society is a non-profit organization and runs primarily on donations.

“We don’t make any money off of adoption, so we pretty much break even,” said Joe Murphy, director of the Chilton County Humane Society.

Vice President Tom Cuthbert said many donors stopped sending regular donations after the April storms.

“When the tornadoes hit Tuscaloosa, they just quit,” Cuthbert said.

The society needs at least $3,500 by Sept. 1 for employees’ salaries, medications and utilities.

“I just encourage people to donate anything they can,” Murphy said. “It just all adds up.”

Cuthbert and Murphy said monetary donations are needed more than anything else.

The Humane Society experienced a higher intake of animals this spring and summer, and as a result, more money is needed to cover the cost of vaccines and medications.

Murphy said the Humane Society never wants to release a dog or cat for adoption if it is sick or in need of vital treatment.

“To maintain our same level of care, we’re desperately in need of the money,” Murphy said. “We’re hurting right now, and the last thing we want to do is compromise on the level of care for our animals.”

The vaccination program costs about $1,200 per month, and the society currently has about 108 animals.

“All puppies that come into our place are vaccinated, and it’s expensive,” Cuthbert said.

According to Cuthbert, the Humane Society usually gets about 300 animals per month, but received between 350 and 400 each month this summer.

Between 70 and 100 of these animals are adopted or sent to other rescue centers every month, and the remaining animals are euthanized.

Murphy said the adoption of more animals would also be helpful to the Humane Society.

“Come adopt an animal,” Cuthbert said. “Give them a forever home.”

The Chilton County Humane Society will have a booth at the Alabama Grand Ole Pumpkin Patch every weekend in October. All proceeds will benefit the organization.

Donations can be hand-delivered or mailed to the Chilton County Humane Society at 139 Shade Tree Drive, P.O. Box 444, Clanton, 35046.

To make an online donation through PayPal, go to Chiltoncountyhumanesociety.org and click on “donate.”