Charlie’s Angels is an animal shelter and adoption network based in Fletcher. Kimberly Smith, president of the organization, tells us more about the volunteering opportunities.
Mountain Xpress: Tell us about the history of Charlie’s Angels.
Smith: We began in Brevard in 2007 and moved into the Safe Haven Shelter in Fletcher in 2009. Our organization is made up of dedicated volunteers who donate their time, efforts, homes and transportation to save as many animals as possible from WNC shelters that practice euthanizing. Our mission is to save one animal at a time until we save them all.
What are some of the responsibilities of volunteers?
Volunteers walk and play with the dogs — or dog enrichment. They also take animals to the vet for treatment and keep our shelter clean. Additionally, volunteers organize and man our public adoption events. We are partnered with four Northern rescue shelters to transport our animals to Pennsylvania, Vermont, New York and Connecticut to find forever homes. We transport an average 20 animals a week and our volunteers sometimes drive different “legs” of these journeys. Some volunteers also serve as foster parents for animals.
Are there restrictions to being a foster parent?
When we receive a foster application, our foster coordinator visits the home to make sure it is acceptable and that the landlord will allow a pet. We work with our fosters to determine the size of the dog and the time frame they are able to foster. If the foster cannot provide a permanent home, they may keep the animal on a weekly basis. If the foster has children, we match the family with a pet that would be family-friendly. If the foster already has a pet, we can match he or she with an animal that likes other pets.
How many animals have found homes through Charlie’s Angels?
Since our inception we have saved over 2,000 animals, including the two pups in this picture who were only hours away from being put down at another shelter.
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