Building a Better Future

Windham County Humane Society (WCHS) has been helping homeless pets in Windham County and beyond since1887! Over these hundred-plus years, homeless dogs, cats, and other animals in need have received food, shelter, medical care, and compassion through the efforts of our dedicated staff and volunteers. We have placed thousands upon thousands of animals in loving homes.

Over the past 30 years, the Humane Society has grown from a humble operation to a progressive life-saving shelter. The momentum generated by our community-enriching programs and services welcomed a new era for WCHS.  

While our old facility served us well for many years, we have reached a point where we are not only limited by our current facility, but it is no longer operating as a safe, comforting place for people or animals.

A thoughtful, sustainable expansion will enable us to do more lifesaving for animals – both now and in the decades to come.

In 2018, Building a Better Future (a $1,900,000 capital campaign for phase one) was launched. The campaign reached 58% of its goal in just over a year! With each generous donation, the team grew more excited, knowing the long-awaited “construction day” was within reach.

Then in March 2020, the You-Know-What happened.

We’ve come a long way.
We’ve waited out a pandemic.
We now need the support of friends –our community– like never before to finish the campaign and give hurt, homeless, and helpless animals a safe place to rest and recover before finding them happy forever homes. We hope you will join us as we build the future together.

Why is it Necessary?

In the last ten years, WCHS has gone from serving 300 animals annually to helping 2,000 animals yearly. Windham County Humane Society has reached a point where our infrastructure is limiting our mission. The renovated shelter and addition will allow WCHS to reach its full potential and ensure that every companion animal and every pet owner in the serviceable area of Windham County has the resources they need to thrive.

The pandemic, along with social and economic changes, only magnified the importance of WCHS’s social service programs aimed at keeping pets well cared for, in the homes of people that love them, and ultimately out of shelters. The current building is too small for all of WCHS’s programs to operate at the same time, thus hindering how much the organization can help pets and people.

Saving more pet lives means investing more resources on the neediest shelter animals. It means more medical and behavioral care and low-stress housing for animals that stay longer.

It is in the best interest of the community that WCHS thrives, and it is absolutely in the best interest of the animals that the renovation and expansion happen. The animals coming through our doors deserve to be cared for in a shelter that lowers their stress and doesn’t potentially expose them to disease through a broken ventilation system.  

New Building Highlights

• Improved plumbing and drainage systems, flooring, sanitation, acoustics, and lighting to promote health and wellness for the shelter guests by addressing environmental conditions.

• Air filtration and handling system that meets animal welfare standards of 10-15 air exchanges per hour.

• A specialized chemical pump system in the dog kennels to ensure the kennels are sanitized, reducing disease transmission.

• Modern kennel layout designed to reduce reactive barking by limiting people from walking through as a pathway to other places. Materials that absorb sound. More natural light.

• Separate dog and cat areas for intake, sick isolation, proper surgery patients’ rooms to prevent disease transmission, and allow time for animals to de-stress after arriving and while recovering.

• Centralized, dedicated, and improved animal laundry and kitchen space to ensure all animals always have clean bedding and pet meals and enrichment treats can be stored. New kitchenette for staff and volunteers so their food and medications aren’t co-mingled with the pets’.

Addition & Renovation Floor Plan

How Can You Help?

Pledge now and pay your pledge over two to three years.

GIFTS OF CASH
The easiest and most direct way of supporting WCHS’s Capital Campaign is a tax-deductible cash gift.

GIFTS OF STOCK
Avoid capital gains while taking a full-value deduction on your tax returns by making a gift of highly appreciated stock.

QUALIFIED CHARITABLE DISTRIBUTIONS
You can meet the required minimum distribution from your IRA by making a qualified charitable distribution of up to $100,000 per year; you’ll also lessen your taxable income.

MATCHING GIFTS
Many employers offer opportunities to match gifts.

PLANNED GIFTS
Include WCHS in your estate plans and leave a legacy of compassion.

Naming Opportunities

Change the world for tomorrow’s animals in your name or honor of a beloved friend, family member, or company.

Below is an abbreviated list of available naming opportunities. All donors giving over $1000 will be listed on the “Honor Roll” displayed in the shelter.

View the full list of Naming Opportunities

Building a Vision for Their Future

As we make strides in the planning and design of WCHS’ future building, we’ve drawn inspiration from modernized shelters throughout the country. Imagine:

• Bright, friendly kennels constructed of special material to replace rusting wire and cold, chipping cinder block.

• Equipped treatment and surgery rooms with separate holding areas and warm recovery stations. Each with a sink to wash hands and surgery instruments.

• Safe spaces for scared kitties to relax, and an open community room for the adventurous kitties.

Please note that the following images are intended as a “vision board” for inspirational purposes only.

At a Glance