Adorable potential pets are getting the chance they need to find good homes, thanks to the generous efforts of Pets in Need in Somerville. — Photos by Claudia Ferro

By Laura Stiffler

Pets In Need Animal Shelter is a small animal rescue run solely by volunteers saving unwanted and abandoned cats and dogs.

The shelter has had a few different names, but has been running strong since 1992. Originally founded as Safe Harbor for Animals by Diana Sprenkle Tabachnick, the shelter then became PawSafe before changing to Pets In Need in 2007 under new founder and director Keri Demers.

Pets In Need have stand alone adoption centers in Somerville and Hudson New Hampshire. They also run out of Petsmart Everett and Chelmsford, as well as Petco Nashua.

All Pets In Need centers have a very strict no-kill policy and will do everything they can to save an animal. Due to the limited amount of space, the shelter depends heavily on foster homes and families. Pets In Need works very hard not to overcrowd the animals in their centers and is one of the only shelters in Massachusetts that takes in cats that are Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) positive.

The “guests” at Pets In Need enjoy all the comforts of home.

FIV is shrouded in rumor and negativity, and as a result of that many cats are deemed unadoptable and ultimately end up being euthanized. FIV is a cat only virus and cannot be transferred to other animals or humans. Cats who are FIV positive can live long, healthy and relatively normal lives with no symptoms at all.

The virus is slow and affects the cat’s immune system over a period of years. An infected cat can either fight off the infection and become totally immune, become a carrier and never get sick or, at worst, end up with a compromised immune system.

To adopt an animal through Pets In Need, one must fill out an online application to be approved by one of the local Adoption Screeners. Once approved, there is an adoption fee that goes towards any medical attention given to the animal, as well as any additional housing costs. All animals from Pets In Need go to their new homes once they have been given their first set of vaccines and a clean bill of health.

Anyone interested in adopting any of Pets In Need’s amazing and sweet animals can go to www.animal-adoptions.org to view the available animals and fill out an application. Additionally, Pets In Need holds open house visiting hours every other Saturday and Sunday from 12-2 p.m. at 2 Bradley Street, Somerville.

When you donate and become involved with Pets In Need, 100% of donations go directly to the animals. The shelter is always in need of food dishes, dry food, toys, blankets, beds, cleaning supplies and paper towels.

When you adopt, volunteer or donate to Pets In Need, you are joining the fight to help all deserving animals who may have suffered cruelty, abuse, neglect and abandonment, but now have a second chance at a wonderful life.