Lillian Allbon Cumberland County Animal Shelter is a non-profit organization run mainly by volunteers. It provides a loving home for stray or neglected cats and dogs—or animals that people can no longer care for—while they wait to be adopted. The independent shelter can accommodate up to 25 cats and 12 dogs; it’s committed to a “no kill” policy, the exceptions being if there’s a serious illness or dangerous behavioural problem. 

The sole animal shelter in Cumberland County, this small organization works to combat the area’s out-of-control cat population. The shelter has a waiting list to receive cats and must sometimes turn animals away. People adopting kittens and puppies receive a neutering/spaying rebate; mature animals are neutered or spayed before they are adopted. The shelter provides de-worming, flea treatments and other vet care necessary for its temporary tenants.
Established 25 years ago, the shelter was inspired by cat lover Lillian Allbon, who operated a cat rescue program out of her own home. Before she died, Allbon expressed a wish that some of her money be used to build an animal shelter. She would no doubt be proud of the shelter bearing her name, dedicated to improving the quality of life of its furry tenants.
An outdoor cat run was recently built, enabling the cats to play in the fresh air. Micro-chipping clinics are now offered, where pet owners can have their pets micro-chipped for a fee lower than what veterinarian clinics charge.
The shelter occasionally receives money from the town of Amherst and a handful of local businesses, but relies mostly on private donations and money from fundraisers. Proceeds from an annual telethon, auctions, bake and craft sales and a dog walkathon are used to pay the vet bills and two kennel keepers’ salaries.
Look for the shelter’s Christmas Craft and Bake Sale on November 17 at the Amherst Center Mall (the Zellers end), from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.—or while goods last. If you have baked items, preserves or craft items to donate to the sale, contact Jo-Ann Livingstone  (902) 243-3182 or e-mail jlivingstone@seaside.ns.ca.

For more information:
Lillian Allbon Animal Shelter
668 Smith Rd, Amherst, NS   B4H 3Y4
(902) 661-7297
www.laanimalshelter.ca    

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