BY JENNIFER WEINGART
Drop off rates are up but so are adoption rates at the Humane Animal Treatment Society of Isabella County.
Moving to a new place can be scary and for some college students and adopting a furry friend for companionship can help ease the transition.
But, as the semester winds down for Central Michigan University and students move home for the summer, what happens to the animals that aren't welcome at mom and dad's? They get dropped off at HATS.
And while drop-off rates increase in the spring, adoption rates are at an all-time high.
Jill Irving, marketing director for HATS, said that the pros of being a part of a college town outweigh the cons.
"We love being a part of a college town, and I can tell you our volunteers are outstanding, we have a fantastic group of volunteers that come from the university we love to have students out." Irving said.
Spring also marks the annual "HATS off to the Arts" gala, featuring an auction for artwork that raises money and awareness for the non profit.
Funds raised will go toward care of animals in the shelter and for funding projects like the new spay and neuter clinic including assistance for pet owners who cannot afford the services.
The fundraising auction is on May 17.
The health clinic is due to open in the next few weeks.