FAIRHOPE — April is Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Month, and it just happens to coincide with the sixth anniversary of the founding of The Haven, a no-kill animal shelter located in Fairhope.

The Haven was founded in 2001 by Dr. Teresa Marshall as a refuge for homeless, neglected and abused animals. Since then, hundreds of animals have been saved through the efforts of the Haven’s staff and volunteers.

Michael Graham, Haven executive director, said everyone can help celebrate the anniversary by being an extra set of eyes in the community, reporting instances of abuse and neglect.

“Be more vigilant and look for dogs that are neglected,” he said. “Report signs of abuse or neglect to local animal control officers or the police department.”

Graham said, “One of the things we see in rural areas is chained dogs. That is not a humane way to have a pet.”

He said in most cases, such dogs have little or no access to fresh food and water, no shelter from the elements and can become aggressive because they are not socialized.

“They’re chained to a post or tree, and sometimes the chain outweighs the animal,” Graham said. “They’re isolated and eventually, you’ve got more kids coming out, and the dog is aggressive.”

He added, “It falls back to owner responsibility. It’s important to let youth know what they can and can’t do with pets.”

Chained dogs typically require six to nine months to rehabilitate, he added, because they sometimes require medical care in addition to a lengthy resocialization.

Pets do get a second chance through The Haven, however, by being matched with humans who will give them loving homes. Graham said an adoption event held last weekend at PetSmart in Spanish Fort was successful, with seven pets finding new homes.

“We’ll be joining forces with the group at Earth Day (on Saturday, April 21, at 5 Rivers Delta Resource Center in Spanish Fort) distributing educational materials and showing a few pets up for adoption,” he said. Graham pointed out it’s appropriate because they are, in a way, recycled pets.

He encourages folks to consider adopting an animal from The Haven or another rescue center or shelter because they are usually loving animals that, for one reason or another, can no longer be cared for by the humans on whom they once depended.

“We do behavioral assessments of an animal and match it with the right family or person,” Graham said. “It gives us a little science so we can sit down with a person and recommend the right animal for them.”

All Haven animals are vaccinated, tested for heart worms and treated if necessary, microchipped and also spayed or neutered. Such services could run well over $1,000 if buying from a breeder, he said.

“The animals have all these medical things addressed, and you know what type of animal you’re getting,” Graham said. “We want it to be a perfect match if possible.”

Another large pet adoption event The Haven will participate in is PetSmart’s Spring Fling, taking place May 4-6. Graham said several area rescue groups will take part.

The Haven can always use a hand, Graham said. The organization is in need of additional volunteers to walk dogs, help care for animals and handle other tasks associated with operating the facility, which is located in the same building as the Fairhope Animal Shelter. Donations of money and supplies are also helpful.

But, you don’t have to have a big wallet, or even be an adult to help.

Kathy Ferniany, Haven youth coordinator, said, “Kids can help educate family and friends about the importance of spaying and neutering, and how to take care of pets every day. Many help us, and do a wonderful job of fundraising. A lot of youth participate in bag-a-buck where they bag groceries. We recently sold Pepsi at Arts and Crafts, and some of the youth participated in that.”

The Haven sponsors an annual photo contest in which many young people also take part, she added.

Ultimately, The Haven’s bottom line is its mission.

“We do everything we can to prevent any animals from being put down,” Graham said. As an example, he noted that no healthy animals have been euthanized by the city of Fairhope in the last six to eight months because of The Haven’s active partnership with the neighboring shelter.

“Most local shelters allow volunteers to help save animals,” he said. Sometimes that involves temporarily placing animals in foster care until they can be adopted.

Graham said, “We have 165,000 people in Baldwin County. Imagine the number of animals — the strays and ferals we have.”

For more information about The Haven, and to find out how to adopt an animal, donate money and supplies or volunteer, call (251) 929-3980, or visit www.havenforanimals.org.