Humane Society Waterville Area's New Animal Shelter

Background

The Shelter operated from a facility on Drummond Avenue since 1977. Though the building was expanded in the early 1980's, the facility was no longer adequate to ensure the well-being and safety of the many animals that are entrusted to the Shelter's care.The HSWA was equipped to serve 50-75 cats at a time, but often accommodated more than 100. Cats and kittens in temporary cat carriers were frequently stacked in workspaces and administrative areas while they waited to be adopted.

The number of towns that contract with the Shelter for animal control/shelter services
increased significantly, putting an even greater strain on the already over crowded facility. The threat of disease spread by airborne pathogens was constant due to an outdated ventilation system. A makeshift quarantine room was insufficient for the Shelter's requirement and storage space had been taken over by animals in need.

The dog kennel area had no natural light and its poor design made it difficult to maintain sanitary conditions. The animal bathing area was extremely limited causing disruption to the daily routine at the Shelter.

To address these critical issues, the HSWA launched The Campaign For Tomorrow: A NEW ANIMAL
SHELTER, A NEW FUTURE. The goal of the campaign was to raise $750,000 to build a new facility that would meet the needs of the organization and the demands of the community. The shelter's first-ever capital building project allowed the Humane Society to continue its extensive and important service in our community.

Services Offered

STRAY ANIMALS are brought to the Shelter by members of the community and by animal control officers from all of the communities that contract with the HSWA for services. The animal control officers have access to a drop-off room at the Shelter during non-business hours.
PAWS FOR ADOPTION, a bi-weekly local cable access television program, facilitates the placement of hundreds of animals in new homes annually.
THE HUMANE SOCIETY'S GIESEN FUND subsidizes the cost of spaying/neutering for pets whose owners would find the expense a hardship. This program is critical in reducing the number of unwanted strays.
RABIES CLINIC sponsored by the Shelter in collaboration with local veterinarians, provide rabies shots at a greatly reduced cost to the general public.
EDUCATIONAL OUTREACH PROGRAM, offered by the Shelter, promotes awareness of animal care and the
importance of spay/neuter programs in controlling animal populations.
KIDS IN NATURE'S DEFENSE (KIND) News is underwritten by the Humane Society and distributed to third
grade classrooms in local schools. This colorful monthly newspaper is an educational tool that teaches children about the proper treatment of animals and care for the environment.
EDUCATIONAL COUNSELING for potential adoptive families and ongoing support services offered by the HSWA are valued resources for pet owners.
PEOPLE AND ANIMALS IN CRISIS (PAC) is a HSWA program offering shelter and care to pets whose families are dealing with a temporary crisis that prevents them from keeping their pet at home.Our communities are safer, healthier, and happier because of the many essential programs provided by the Humane Society – Waterville Area.