ADDISON COUNTY — Of course the Homeward Bound Animal Welfare Center provides the adoption and emergency shelter services that many would expect from a local animal shelter.
But the Middlebury organization also provide many other services that sometimes go unnoticed. These social service programs contribute to the safety and wellbeing of the animals in our areas and work to make our community shelter an organization we can all be proud of.
Here are a few of these special programs that our shelter provides for Addison County animal families.
ADOPTION: Homeward Bound works to place 600-800 animals into their forever homes every year. This is a “no-kill shelter” with a very encouraging rate of adoption at 92 percent.
FOSTER CARE: Animals that are pregnant, nursing or with special needs are placed into local foster homes. This ensures the comfort and safety of the animals while they are waiting for placement into a permanent home.
MEALS ON WHEELS: This unique program helps to provide meals to pets in families that are struggling to support their pets. It assists families that may be struggling financially, but do not want to lose the pet as a member of their family. 
FERAL CAT PROGRAM: This program applies a process known as “Trap-Neuter-Return,” or TNR, to help control feral and barn cats, while recognizing their place in the community. Cats are carefully trapped and brought into the clinic where they are vaccinated, neutered/spayed, and returned to their original environments. This enables the animals to continue their lives in their respective environments, while controlling overpopulation of feral animals.
CRUELTY RESPONSE PROGRAM: Animal cruelty, neglect and abuse are more common than any animal-lover cares to admit. Homeward Bound works with local law enforcement officials to investigate and assist more than 100 cases a year (or roughly 500 animals). With an online submission option, community members can report suspected cases of animal cruelty and allow Homeward Bound officials to investigate the situations. This model has been recognized and replicated by many other humane societies across the state.
LOW-COST MICRO-CHIPPING: Affordable services for inserting a micro-chip into pets reduces the risks of families losing pets.
LOST AND FOUND ANIMALS: Homeward Bound offers a safe place for pets that have been lost or found to rest until they are reunited with their families.
HUMANE EDUCATION AND OUTREACH: As is true for any social service organization, Homeward Bound offers outreach and educational programs for many groups within our community.