Colder winter weather is increasing pressure at the Pike County Animal Welfare Society as the shelter continues to care for dozens of animals and rely on community support to stay operational.

Shelter leaders say adoptions, foster homes, and volunteers are especially important during the winter months when space is limited and intake remains high. President Ashlee Willis says the shelter offers a variety of options for families interested in helping, whether through adoption or fostering.   Willis will appear on First City Focus on Vincennes PBS this weekend.

“Also, we’ve always got, it seems like some kind of adoption specials going on, so come by, see the animals. We have so many different sizes. Fits for every household. Fosters. We would love to have fosters if it’s for long term, temporary, and with a foster, we take care of all the vetting,” Willis said.

Willis says fostering can ease overcrowding while giving animals a safe and warm environment, especially during colder weather. The shelter also welcomes volunteers to help with daily care, animal socialization, and events.

Donations of food, supplies, and monetary support are also being accepted to help meet ongoing needs. Shelter officials say community involvement is critical to ensuring animals continue to receive proper care.

The Pike County Animal Welfare Society is located in Petersburg and is open Tuesday through Saturday. Information about adoptions, fostering, volunteering, and donations is available through the shelter and its social media pages.