NATCHEZ — In the past four years, the Natchez-Adams County Humane Society has transported nearly 3,000 animals across the country to areas where adoptable animals are in short supply.

The humane society’s transport program sends local shelter animals to partner shelters primarily in northern states, including Wisconsin, Minnesota, Pennsylvania, Main, Virginia, Illinois, Maine and Ohio.

The animals are typically sent to metro areas that have had strong spay and neuter programs in place for years, NACHS President Kathy Fitch said.

“The (spay and neuter) programs have deceased the numbers of available dogs and cats and created a favorable environment for these shelter animals to be (adopted),” Fitch said.

The transport program was developed at NACHS in hopes of helping alleviate overcrowding at the shelter and to avoid euthanizing healthy animals.

On Monday, four adult dogs were transported, and 21 kittens and 35 puppies are scheduled to be transported today.

Prior to being transported, the animals must be quarantined for two weeks in the humane society’s isolation shelter.

“The isolation is to protect the health of the animals about to be transported,” Fitch said. “It keeps from exposing them to illness that might come in with a new puppy or kitten, and if they have already been exposed to an illness, it gives them a … period to get over the symptoms. We do not send any animals out for transport unless we are certain they are healthy.”

The isolation shelter currently has a great need for supplies for the animals to be transported, Fitch said.

Supplies needed include Purina and Pedigree dry dog food, any brand of canned kitten food and Purina Kitten Chow.

The shelter also needs non-clumping cat litter, bleach, new or used towels, small kitten beds and fleece blankets. Fitch said the shelter prefers inexpensive fleece blankets that can be purchased at Walmart or a discount store.

Toys needed for dogs and puppies are inexpensive toys that can be easily washed as well as rope toys. Kitten toys of any kind are welcome donations.

Donations can be dropped off at the shelter, located at 75 Liberty Road. The shelter’s hours are 2 to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday.

All other times are by appointment. The shelter can be reached at 601-442-4001.

Monetary donations are always welcome and greatly appreciated, Fitch said.

Checks made out to NACHS can be dropped off at the shelter or mailed to NACHS, P.O. Box 549, Natchez, MS 39121.

Enrollment forms for the humane society’s monthly pledge program can be printed at natchezpetadoptions.org or filled out at the shelter.