By JOYANNA LOVE/ Senior Staff Writer

The Humane Society of Chilton County shelter has new hours of operation.

The Humane Society board approved the new changes during a meeting on July 19.

Shelter hours will be Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday from noon to 4 p.m. Animals will not be accepted after 3 p.m. Adoptions are welcome noon to 4 p.m.

The shelter will be open two Saturdays a month, including July 28; Aug. 11 and 25; Sept. 8 and 22 from noon to 3 p.m. The board hopes to be open every Saturday again starting in October.  No intakes after 2 p.m. Adoptions are welcome noon to 3 p.m.

The shelter is closed on Thursday and Sunday.

Adoption fees are $125 for dogs 5 years old and younger, $50 for dogs 6 years old or older. Cat adoption fees are $50 for kittens under 6 months, $25 for cats 6 months or older.

The changes are being made to save some money on personnel costs. President Lee Helms said there had been a lot of volunteers this summer, but many of these were going back to school and would not be able to volunteer.

Helms estimated outstanding bills for medical supplies and veterinarian services totaled at least $20,000. Many of these bills go back to before he was president.

“We set up a scheduled payment for these two big areas … so we can at least gain some ground on our debt,” Helms said.

A number of fundraisers are also planned to help the group make up the deficit. Bertolone Italian Cafe has partnered with the Humane Society to donate a portion of proceeds from cakes ordered through the Humane Society. Gift cards for Strawberry, Italian Creme or Triple Chocolate cakes can be purchased from the Humane Society for $30. Customers then contact Bertolone Italian Cafe to order the cake.  For every gift card sold, the shelter will receive $10. This fundraiser ends July 31, but the cards can be used until Dec. 31. For more information, contact Helms at (205) 351-1969 or the Humane Shelter at (205) 755-9170 or chiltonhumane@gmail.com.

A link to the Schwan’s Home Service meals fundraiser is available on the Humane Society of Chilton County Facebook page.

A golf tournament is also scheduled for Sept. 8 at the Chilton Country Club from 8 a.m. to noon. For more information, contact Helms at (205) 351-1969.