In our communities there are many dogs sitting outside in the cold weather without shelter. Unfortunately, there are still many dogs that sit outside all the time, often chained, with a tree as their only shelter. Habitat for Hounds has been formed with the primary goal of distributing doghouses to animals in needy situations. We invite you to make a tax-deductible donation or donate a doghouse in good condition to Habitat for Hounds, in affiliation with Shamrock Foundation.

Since it began in the spring of 2003, Habitat for Hounds has collected 85 doghouses and delivered 60 of them to needy animals. When our volunteers deliver these outside homes, this is often a perfect time to talk with pet owners about the importance of pet care, spaying or neutering their animals, and encouraging them to bring their pets inside to be a healthy and active part of the family.

Habitat for Hounds, along with Shamrock Foundation encourages pet owners to keep pets inside and realizes that living in a doghouse twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week is not the best situation for a dog. Dogs are pack animals and form strong attachments to people, relying on us for food, water, shelter and affection. We also remind pet owners that dogs kept apart from their family members are more likely to become unhappy, anxious and aggressive. Lastly, a chained unaltered dog is most likely to bite, as its frustration of being trapped in a lonely environment continues to grow.

If you know of a dog that desperately needs a doghouse, if you would like to donate a doghouse or if you would like to make a contribution to help a dog that lives without shelter, please call us as 585-3220 and leave your message for the Habitat for Hounds program. Make your check to Habitat for Hounds, P.O. BOX 20086, LOUISVILLE, KY 40250-0086. Please, don't leave us out in the cold.