Uncategorized

Willamette Humane Society receives grant to continue saving animals

Rapunzel, a three-year-old domestic shorthair, awaits adoption at the Willamette Humane Society, which is allowing adoptions by appointment only. (Courtesy/Willamette Humane Society)

The Willamette Humane Society received a $22,000 grant from nonprofit Petco Love to continue saving animals in Marion and Polk counties.

Erin Weldon, development and community engagement director, said the funding will help pay for operational costs which have risen as the nonprofit takes on more medical and behavioral care for the dogs and cats in the shelter.

She said the reason they applied for the grant is that is costs more to save an animal than it used to.

“We’re treating for a lot of conditions that wouldn’t have been treatable in the past,” she said.

The shelter is doing in-house care for respiratory conditions and other health problems like ringworm which takes more than a month to treat.

Weldon said the Humane Society is also doing more behavior training, like for dogs with mild aggression or needed potty training.

“That lends to more time spent in the shelter,” she said.  

In 2019-20, the humane society had 2,897 adoptions and spayed and neutered 5,718 animals, including shelter pets, owned animals, and community cats.

“Petco Love joins our dedicated donors to invest in Willamette Humane Society programs, pets, and people. We’re so thankful for the support and partnership,” said Executive Director BJ Andersen in a prepared statement. 

-Saphara Harrell