An pair of anonymous benefactors will match “Giving Tuesday” donations to local animal shelter Citizens for Animal Protection, the Katy Times has learned.

The benefactors, whose identities remain secret, are “a generous couple who share a passion for CAP's mission, and who staunchly give of their time and treasures,” said Freddy Cruz, a spokesperson for CAP, in an email to the Times. Cruz said that the couple has pledged to match up to $150,000 in donations to the shelter on Giving Tuesday.

“The donors are longtime supporters of CAP and wanted to make a contribution that could be leveraged to have twice the impact,” Cruz said.

Citizens for Animal Protection is a nonprofit organization located at 17555 Katy Freeway at Barker Cypress in Houston. Founded in 1972, the organization shelters, rescues and places homeless animals for adoption with loving families. CAP advocates respect and compassion for animal life and provides humane education to help prevent cruelty to animals. According to its website, CAP “speaks for those who cannot speak for themselves” through the following programs and services: Shelter & Care; Pet Adoption; Spaying & Neutering; Pet Care Counseling; Lost & Found Pets; Feral Cat Assistance Program; Pets for Seniors; Humane Education; and Pet Supply Shop.

Individuals wishing to assist can donate at cap4.pets.org, or via PayPal or Venmo. Donations should be earmarked for Giving Tuesday in order to qualify as part of the match.

“This generous donation can impact so many animals,” said Cruz. “With the average cost of an animal's stay being $450, a donation of $150,000 would help us care for more than 330 animals - but on Giving Tuesday, with our matching donation, that could double.”

“This will help us fulfill our mission to help pets in need through sheltering, adoption, humane education, spay/neuter services, low-cost wellness and community outreach,” said Cruz. “These much-needed funds will be used in support of CAP's general operations, in order to help us continue to fulfill our mission.”

Readers can also help in other ways too – through pet adoption, fostering or volunteering, and through donations of food, toys and supplies.

“As a privately run non-profit, we rely solely on the support of the community,” said Cruz. “Food and supplies are very helpful donations, and we have an Amazon and a Chewy wish list of all the things we can use. Of course, financial support has the most broad impact, as we can use them when and where they are needed most.”

While the number of pets in CAP’s care changes daily, the number currently hovers around one hundred animals awaiting their “fur-ever” homes.

“[Readers are] also more than welcome to call the shelter and/or drop off supplies,” said Cruz. “Who knows -- they may even find a FUREVER friend!”