ABOUT ANIMALS IN DISTRESS-CT
We are a Free Roaming Cat Shelter…
Animals In Distress is dedicated to the care and placement of homeless cats and kittens on a year round basis. At Animals In Distress our cats are not ordinarily caged and there are no time limits placed on residency. We'll never "put down" for any reason other than a severe health problem or quality of life issue for the cat. Our mission at Animals In Distress is to provide a safe haven at all times, rescue and place stray or abandoned felines in loving homes. Cats who are truly in distress are our first priority. When we have room, we also take in felines from individuals who no longer want or can be responsible for their feline companion. In either case, unless the animal's medical history is known and documented, new additions are brought to a veterinarian for FIV and feline leukemia testing, rabies, distemper vaccinations, and when necessary - spaying or neutering procedures.
Animals In Distress is a non-profit organization staffed solely by volunteers who are at the shelter no less than twice a day, every day of the week. Our volunteers participate in the feeding, cleaning and general duties of care associated with providing an environment of love and well-being to our residents.
We strongly encourage you to consider a shelter animal first when it's time to add a furry companion to your life
Background information:
In the 1960's Animals In Distress was founded as a humane organization to care for all animals in need - dogs were housed by Basil Burt, Wilton's dog warden at the time. Cats and other animals were fostered by organization members. By 1975, nature groups were providing for the care of wild animals and the Town of Wilton had created a dog shelter and so Animals In Distress became an organization dedicated exclusively to cats. Animals In Distress settled in the 6'x9' dog shelter's furnace room (to which, thankfully, a window was added). Occupancy was limited to only eight cats, so any over-flow, including kittens were placed in foster care.
By 1986, Wilton constructed a new animal shelter behind the Wilton Town Hall where the present day shelter is now located. Now at any given time, Animals In Distress cares for between 20 to 30 cats in the large sunny corner room and kitchen that is The Basil Burt Animal Shelter. With the exception of kittens who are still placed in foster homes, few, if any of our felines live off-site of the shelter.
