Several years ago, my uncle lived alone in his apartment and wanted a furry friend. My grandmother wanted to get him a present for his birthday. After confirming that he was allowed to have pets in his apartment, we headed over to the Bucks County SPCA in Lahaska, PA to look for a cat who wanted a home.
General Observations
The staff and volunteers at the Bucks County SPCA were extremely helpful. We had never adopted an animal from a shelter before, and the staff member who helped us was patient in explaining the process.
When we mentioned that we were looking to adopt a cat, she took us in to a room full of cages filled with cats. Though there were at least 30 cats in the room, there was no foul smell or odor.
Choosing Luke
As soon as I walked into the room, one cat caught my eye. He put a paw to the cage and gave me a welcome with a “meow!” He seemed to be asking for me to pick him. Beyond that, this cat also matched our criteria-he was young, but not a kitten, and he enjoyed the company of people and animals.
The staff informed me that Luke was a barn cat. He had received his shots, but he’d have to be spayed before we took him home. We also had to do some paperwork and, with permission, we provided my uncle’s information for the background check.
Cost and Care
It cost my grandmother $50 to adopt the cat, which my uncle named Luke. This included the neuter fee, which improved Luke’s temperament and eliminated his potential contribution to feline overpopulation.
Cleanliness
The shelter was definitely clean. I could see that employees or volunteers had recently hosed down the large dog pens. Most of the animals seemed happy and just wanted to be loved.
Search Online
Bucks County SPCA lists their adoptable animals online at Petfinder. You can look at the animals before you go, learning which ones are acceptable for play with families and other pets. While we did not do this before going to the shelter, it’s something I will do in the future if I adopt a pet.
You can also call ahead and let the shelter know that you’re interested in meeting a particular animal. This can minimize your wait time and ensure that your possible future pet is in her pen when you arrive.
The Bucks County SPCA also adopts small animals like guinea pigs and rabbits.
Due to the positive experience, I’d recommend this responsible shelter to anyone looking to adopt a furry friend in the Philadelphia area.
You can contact the Bucks County SPCA at (215) 794-7425, or write them at PO Box 277, Lahaska, PA 18931. They’re located at 1665 Street Road in Lahaska. This shelter also accepts donations via Paypal.