Safe Haven Animal Rescue of East Texas (SHARET) is a woman-owned non-profit that rescues and cares for abandoned, lost and abused dogs and cats of Wood County and surrounding areas to prevent unwanted pets: a continuous cycle of abandoned animals/overpopulation when owners do not spay/neuter. With a network of volunteers, it provides compassionate no-kill care to neuter/spay, provide food and veterinary care, so animals don't suffer from cruel neglect. It's the right thing to do.
SHARET serves Wood County and surrounding areas (Camp, Hopkins, Rains, Upshur, and Van Zandt) by rescuing, feeding, and sterilizing companion animals, and providing households and Mercy Mall with pet food when possible.
An estimated 3,500 dogs and many thousand feral and domestic cats need help. During one week alone in February, SHARET rescued 32 puppies and 8 cats.
Animals are provided with food, water, medical care, protection from the elements, relief from suffering, and a caring human presence. Many times, these animals would have nowhere else to turn. There is an undeniable bond that humans have with animals.
Wood County lacks public animal shelters and relies on private rescues like SHARET to accomplish county animal rescue and provide care. Unfortunately, public and private rescues are at capacity.
Animals are temporarily housed at a SHARET shelter near Yantis that are cared for and adopted or fostered on private property there. Their website is under development and plans are underway to post pet stories and photos on social media and the website for wider distribution and faster adoption.
In 2022, 86 dogs and cats were rescued, neutered/spayed, and fully vetted at a cost of approximately $221 each. Of those, 34 were returned to their owners, adopted, or moved to other rescue facilities.
Forty-seven dogs were fed and sheltered. Thirty-three were fully vetted and await adoption. Ten were fully vetted and are waiting for foster homes and transport. Nine are sanctuary animals that are not adoptable due to age, health, or disposition.
All animals must be fully vetted, heartworm negative, and if adopted out of state or country (some go to Canada), have a vet issued health certificate.
Stray animals should be saved because it demonstrates human compassion for the neglected and abandoned animals. Some can become aggressive and bite without provocation. Rescuing animals helps prevent the chance of harm to other people and animals in the community for everyone's safety.