The Benton Franklin Humane Society: A Haven for Animals in the Tri-Cities

Introduction

The Benton Franklin Humane Society (BFHS) is a beacon of hope for animals in the Tri-Cities area of Washington. Since its inception in 1952, BFHS has been dedicated to providing shelter, medical care, and adoption services for countless abandoned, neglected, and abused animals. With a mission to eliminate animal suffering and promote responsible pet ownership, BFHS stands as a testament to the compassionate care and unwavering dedication of its staff and volunteers.

A Comprehensive Approach to Animal Welfare

BFHS employs a multifaceted approach to animal welfare, encompassing:

• Animal Shelter and Care: BFHS provides a safe and comfortable shelter for up to 150 animals at a time, including dogs, cats, rabbits, and other small animals. Animals receive routine medical checkups, vaccinations, and spay/neuter surgeries to ensure their health and well-being.

  

• Adoption Services: BFHS facilitates the adoption of healthy, socialized animals into loving homes. Prospective adopters can browse the shelter's website or visit the facility to meet and interact with available pets.

• Medical Services: BFHS operates a fully equipped veterinary clinic that provides a wide range of medical services, including vaccinations, spaying/neutering, dental care, and emergency surgeries. Animals in the shelter and the community have access to affordable veterinary care, ensuring their health and longevity.

  

• Education and Outreach: BFHS recognizes the importance of educating the public about responsible pet ownership. Through community outreach programs, presentations, and partnerships with local schools, BFHS promotes responsible pet care practices, spaying/neutering, and animal welfare advocacy.

The Impact of BFHS on the Community

The Benton Franklin Humane Society has a profound impact on the lives of countless animals and their human companions in the Tri-Cities area:

• Reducing Animal Suffering: BFHS provides a safe haven for animals that have been abandoned, neglected, or abused. By sheltering, providing medical care, and facilitating adoptions, BFHS reduces animal suffering and improves their quality of life.

• Promoting Responsible Pet Ownership: BFHS educates the public about responsible pet care practices, including spaying/neutering, proper nutrition, and positive training techniques. This education helps prevent pet abandonment, neglect, and abuse, leading to healthier pets and stronger human-animal bonds.

• Supporting Animal Welfare: BFHS collaborates with other animal welfare organizations, local businesses, and government agencies to promote animal welfare initiatives. Together, they advocate for stronger animal protection laws, increase access to veterinary care, and reduce pet overpopulation.

The Importance of Supporting BFHS

The Benton Franklin Humane Society relies on the generous support of individuals, businesses, and organizations to continue its vital work. Donations and volunteerism play a crucial role in the following ways:

• Providing Shelter and Care: Donations help BFHS provide a safe and comfortable environment for animals in its care, including food, water, bedding, and enrichment activities.

• Funding Medical Services: BFHS's veterinary clinic requires significant funding to purchase equipment, hire qualified veterinarians, and provide affordable medical services to animals in need.

• Supporting Education and Outreach: Donations support BFHS's educational programs and outreach efforts, enabling the organization to reach more people and promote responsible pet ownership.

• Saving Lives: Every dollar donated or hour volunteered helps BFHS save the lives of countless animals. By supporting BFHS, donors and volunteers play a direct role in ending animal suffering and creating a more compassionate community.

How You Can Help

There are many ways to support the Benton Franklin Humane Society's mission:

• Donate: Monetary donations are essential for BFHS to continue providing its services. Any amount, big or small, makes a difference.

• Volunteer: BFHS relies heavily on volunteers to assist with animal care, shelter maintenance, fundraising, and more.

• Adopt: By adopting a pet from BFHS, you not only give an animal a loving home but also open up space for another animal in need.

• Advocate: Be a voice for animals by supporting animal welfare legislation, promoting responsible pet ownership, and spreading awareness about BFHS's work.

• Spread the Word: Share BFHS's website, social media pages, and adoption events with family, friends, and the wider community.

Call to Action

Join BFHS in the fight against animal suffering and neglect. By donating, volunteering, adopting, or simply spreading the word, you can make a real difference in the lives of animals in the Tri-Cities. Together, we can create a more compassionate community where every animal has a chance for a happy and fulfilling life.

Additional Information

• BFHS Statistics: In 2022, BFHS:

  • Sheltered over 4,000 animals
  • Facilitated over 1,000 adoptions
  • Performed over 2,000 spay/neuter surgeries
  • Educated over 5,000 people about responsible pet ownership

• BFHS Programs: BFHS offers a variety of programs to support animals and their human companions, including:

  • Pet Assistance Program: Provides financial assistance for low-income pet owners struggling to afford veterinary care
  • Foster Program: Allows individuals to provide temporary homes for animals while they await adoption
  • Trap-Neuter-Return Program: Reduces feral cat populations by humanely trapping, neutering, and returning cats to their outdoor environment

• BFHS Contact Information:

  • Website: www.bfhs.org
  • Email: [email protected]
  • Phone: (509) 735-2760
  • Address: 1650 S. Garfield Street, Kennewick, WA 99337

FAQs

1. What types of animals does BFHS accept?
   - BFHS accepts dogs, cats, rabbits, and other small animals.

2. What are the adoption fees at BFHS?
   - Adoption fees vary depending on the type of animal, age, and other factors. Please contact BFHS for current fee information.

3. Does BFHS offer discounts for low-income families?
   - BFHS offers a Pet Assistance Program that provides financial assistance for low-income pet owners struggling to afford veterinary care.

4. What are the requirements for volunteering at BFHS?
   - Volunteers must be at least 16 years old and willing to commit to a regular schedule.

5. How can I make a donation to BFHS?
   - Donations can be made online, by mail, or in person at the BFHS shelter.

6. What is the best way to reach out to BFHS for more information?
   - The best way to contact BFHS is by calling (509) 735-2760 or emailing [email protected].