Save The Animals Foundation

Armando, an 11-month-old Domestic Shorthair, available for adoption at STAF

Few things can tug at your heart strings more than a cute animal. Unfortunately though, not every tail-wagging heartstring-tugger has a warm place to sleep every night. Luckily, the Save The Animals Foundation is working to change that at their no-kill sanctuary.

Diane Parsons, Manager at Save The Animals Foundation (STAF), says they have been working to make a difference in the lives of animals in the Cincinnati area for 20 years. “The Foundation is funded entirely by donations,” she says. “Our volunteers are the sole operators of STAF and our shelter current houses more than 600 dogs and cats, many of whom have been abused or abandoned.”

Volunteers who spend their time at STAF are there to work with the animals twice a day, every day of the year. “This allows us to provide the animals with a safe and caring environment until we can place them in permanent and loving homes,” she says.

The goal of STAF is to educate the public of the responsibility that comes with pet ownership, which includes spaying and neutering their pets. Parsons says STAF also provides medical and surgical care to the animals in the shelter as needed to maintain their quality of life.

According to Parsons, STAF is 100 percent volunteer-driven and has no paid employees. “From those who are responsible for the animals’ day-to-day care to those who work on fundraising, maintain the building and serve on the board of directors, they’re all volunteers and here because of their love for animals,” she explains.

All animals that arrive at STAF are given a thorough exam and the appropriate vaccinations. They’re also spayed or neutered, given individual attention, go through off-site obedience training, enjoy one-on-one time and are given home-like quiet rooms.

If you want to adopt an animal, you’ll fill out an application and have an informal interview with a STAF volunteer. This individual will work with you one-on-one to find the animal that fits your family and your lifestyle.

STAF facilitates adoptions within a 150-mile radius of the shelter and includes cities such as Dayton, Columbus, Louisville, Lexington, Indianapolis and surrounding areas. Adoption hours are on Thursdays from 6 to 8 p.m. and Saturdays from 1 to 4 p.m. The adoption fee for a cat is $40 and $150 for dogs.

STAF also has events that it hosts throughout the year. Some of their upcoming events include:

– STAF Dog Alumni Day on Oct. 12 from 12 to 3 p.m. It will be held at the Red Dog Pet Resort and Spa.
– Paw Joggers Rescue Run will take place Oct. 19 from 10 a.m to 2 p.m. at Sharon Woods Park in Sharonville.

STAF is located at 4011 Red Bank Road, Cincinnati, Ohio. To learn more, visit www.staf.org or like them on Facebook.