PTBOCanada Featured Post: 5 Things You May Not Know About Peterborough Humane Society
/The Peterborough Humane Society has been connecting people with pets in Peterborough for over 50 years in the current site.
In addition to providing care and compassion to animals, Peterborough Humane Society also does the following:
-> protecting animals from cruelty
-> matching people and pets in their forever homes
-> providing vital education to reduce pet overpopulation and promote responsible pet ownership
Did you know that pets make us happier and healthier: They lower blood pressure, help us keep a healthy weight, help alleviate depression, and support people living with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and Alzheimer’s.
The goal is to help more pets get or stay healthy, find their perfect people, and continue the virtuous cycle of health and happiness, together.
If that sounds like a lot, it’s because it is! But did you know PHS does even more for our community and animal welfare across the country and beyond?
5 THINGS YOU MAY NOT KNOW ABOUT PETERBOROUGH HUMANE SOCIETY
1. They support pets in times of personal crisis
Not only does the Peterborough Humane Society shelter lost pets and provide a refuge for surrendered and neglected animals, they will also give pets a home away from home when their families are displaced in times of crisis.
The Safe Nights for Pets Program (SNooPy Program) provides temporary emergency animal care when the owners are dealing with traumas like domestic abuse, homelessness or other precarious situations. The program gives pet owners peace of mind when they need it most and ensures families are reunited when the time is right.
Dogs on the Tarmac at Peterborough Airport after arriving from Big Trout Lake/Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug First Nation
2. They care for animals in Peterborough and beyond
If you have visited Peterborough Humane Society, you know at any given time the shelter is home to dozens of cats, dogs and small animals like rabbits or guinea pigs. But did you know that PHS is dedicated to the care of animals across the province and beyond?
When other shelters need help accommodating vulnerable animals, PHS will participate in transfers to ensure all animals are given a fair chance to live happy, healthy lives.
PHS has been involved in airlifting dogs from Big Trout Lake/Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug First Nation in Northern Ontario and recently partnered with Humane Society International to facilitate a rescue of 80 animals out of South Korea.
An Animal Control Officer and pet owner practising responsible pet ownership. All dogs must be on a leash!
3. They’re always practising kindness above cruelty
The Peterborough Humane Society is committed to the well-being of all animals and their staff work tirelessly advocating for animals and promoting responsible pet ownership. Even though they see their fair share of heartache, PHS aims to prevent cruelty through education and opts for court proceedings only as a last resort.
Last year, 80 percent of complaints were settled through simply educating pet owners. PHS will do whatever they can to ensure animals are protected so that they and their humans can live happy and healthy lives together.
A few of the incredible PHS Volunteers
4. Community is everything to them
While it seems like PHS does a lot for the people of Peterborough and their pets, it’s a true partnership. Did you know that their work would not be possible if it weren’t for the generosity of this incredible community?
As a charity, PHS relies almost entirely on charitable donations from animal loving donors. They’re able to provide animal care thanks to more than 100 dedicated volunteers who help with everything from dog-walking to dish-washing.
PHS also works closely with local retailers like Paulmac's Pets and PetSmart who assist with adoption events, helping PHS adopt out more than 1,500 animals each year! And don’t forget those very generous individuals who open their homes and their hearts to give rescued animals a second chance in their new forever homes.
Rendering of the visiting area of the new Peterborough Humane Society designed by Lett Architects
5. It’s not only the animals who need a new home
Much like the city of Peterborough itself, the Humane Society has undergone a lot of change over the past few decades. Did you know that the current 6,200 square-foot space from which the Humane Society currently operates has been its home since 1956?
While the current site has served the community well, PHS has outgrown much of its existing infrastructure. They are now preparing for a $10,000,000 capital campaign to raise money to build a new home.
Rendering of the new Peterborough Humane Society designed by Lett Architects
Our Pet Project: The Campaign for a new Peterborough Humane Society
In the new, purpose-built facility, Peterborough Humane Society will be able to help more animals than ever before. They will expand the essential services they currently provide and take on ambitious new projects that will put Peterborough on the map as a North American leader in animal welfare.
Plans include an upgraded shelter and adoption centre; a high-volume, low-cost spay and neuter clinic; Canada’s first-ever dog rehabilitation centre in partnership with the Ontario SPCA; 20 new full-time jobs; and partnerships with Peterborough institutions like Trent University and Fleming College.
According to Executive Director, Shawn Morey, the new Peterborough Humane Society will be life-changing for both animals and their humans: “With more space to roam and more resources at our fingertips, animals who visit the new shelter will be able to get the highest standard of specialized care and enrichment they need to prepare for their new life with a family.”
The centre will facilitate adoptions through enhanced public visitation spaces that will enable potential adopters to form stronger bonds with their future pets.
Rendering of the new Peterborough Humane Society designed by Lett Architects
Connecting Pet Owners to Essential Services
The Peterborough Humane Society expects once the new facility is built, they will be able to provide low-cost spay and neuter services for up to 50 animals a day. “For many pet owners, the high cost of spaying or neutering their pets can be a huge barrier,” says Morey.
“The way we see it, it is our responsibility to ensure animals are well cared for," he adds. "From increased community education partnerships with local schools through our 'AnimalSmart' program to providing access to affordable services, we’re making it that little bit easier on pet owners who want to do the right thing.”
In addition to helping control the pet population, reducing shelter admissions and reducing the risk of health issues in un-spayed or un-neutered pets, Morey also sees the high volume, low-cost spay and neuter service as the first step in connecting pet owners to veterinarians, marking the beginning of an important step in prioritizing the health of their pet.
“We all want the same thing—for animals to be happy and healthy," says Morey. "And for that to happen, they need access to proper care."
Rendering of the new Peterborough Humane Society designed by Lett Architects
