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  •   500 Legacy Farms North, Hopkinton MA 01748
Baypath Humane Society of Hopkinton
  • ADOPT
    • About Adoption
    • Available Cats
    • Available Dogs
    • Success Stories
  • SUPPORT US
    • Donate Now
    • Gifts of Stock
    • Corporate Giving
    • Lilly & Orchid Fund
    • Sponsor a Pen
    • Planned Giving
    • Your Impact
    • Our Wish List
    • Shop our Merchandise
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    • Volunteer
    • Become a Foster Family
      • Foster a Cat or Kittens
      • Foster a Dog or Puppy
      • Explore Foster Life
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    • Shadow Cat Program
  • NEWS & EVENTS
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      • Fore Paws Golf Tournament
      • Fur Ball Gala
      • Paws & Claws 5k
    • Special Offers
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Interview with Shelter Manager Nikki Baltas

Homepage News Interview with Shelter Manager Nikki Baltas
News

Interview with Shelter Manager Nikki Baltas

March 15, 2023
By Baypath Staff member
0 Comment
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Baypath, like the field of animal welfare, is constantly evolving. Shelter Manager Nikki Baltas shared her perspective on the current status of our shelter and regional trends with Development Coordinator Katy Kesselman.

Nikki Baltas
Nikki Baltas

Katy: How would you describe the current state of the shelter?

Nikki: The shelter has been very busy. To date this calendar year, we have taken in almost 90 more animals than during the same period in 2022. There has been an increase in local dog surrenders, while the adoption rate has slowed. Luckily, our amazing volunteers and fosters are helping us meet the need – though we could definitely use more fosters right now.

JOIN Our Foster Family!

 

Katy: Are there any trends you’ve been noticing locally?

Nikki: For us and the regional shelters I have spoken with, dog intake is up, including an increase in behavior cases. Since the pandemic, cats are actually doing well! Dogs are the bigger concern these days, whereas years ago, cats needed more help and dogs were in better shape. We are fortunate to have very experienced staff and volunteers who provide training and enrichment to set our dogs up for success.

Katy: What about national trends?

Nikki: Across the country, shelters are seeing an increase in dog intake combined with fewer adoptions. This has unfortunately resulted in an increase in euthanasia rates across the United States for the first time in five years.

Katy: What do you wish all owners and adopters knew?

Nikki Baltas
Nikki Baltas and Bud

Nikki: Definitely the importance of positive reinforcement training and enrichment! We are seeing so many adolescent dogs with behavior issues that could’ve been avoided with proper training and enrichment at an earlier age. Training methods matter – while owners mean well, using punishment-based methods can lead to worsening behaviors.

VISIT our preferred training, dog walking & pet sitting partners!

 


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Baypath Humane Society
Baypath Humane Society of Hopkinton is dedicated to providing shelter, care, humane treatment and loving homes for stray or unwanted companion animals.

Recent Posts

  • Baypath Alum Unites the Community at the Hopkinton Center for the Arts Mar 20, 2023
  • Envigo Beagles – From Inhumane Conditions to Homes of Unconditional Love Mar 16, 2023
  • Interview with Shelter Manager Nikki Baltas Mar 15, 2023

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Monday, 20, Mar
Baypath Alum Unites the Community at the Hopkinton Center for the Arts
Thursday, 16, Mar
Envigo Beagles – From Inhumane Conditions to Homes of Unconditional Love
Wednesday, 15, Mar
Interview with Shelter Manager Nikki Baltas
Monday, 13, Mar
Black Cats Bond at the Shelter
Saturday, 25, Feb
The Benefits of a Treat Pouch
Monday, 13, Feb
Shelter Update from the Executive Director

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