2000s

2001

A working group is determining how soon a pilot spay/neuter project could be implemented in light of the large number of stray cats in the twin cities. The program will be called “1 + 1 = 6: Pets Can’t Add But They Sure Can Multiply.”

 

2002

A one year pilot project (starting in January 2003) that ensures all animals adopted from the KW Humane Society are either spayed or neutered prior to adoption. If the animal isn’t spayed or neutered prior to adoption, the purchaser will be eligible for a refund of $75.00 once the animal’s surgery has happened. There is a problem with the stray cat population in particular. This new project should help the situation. The local veterinary committee stands behind this project by offering lower cost procedures for shelter animals.

$1 million shelter expansion project almost doubles the size of the building on Riverbend Drive. The shelter includes friendly holding systems, areas for dogs to socialize, better areas to view animals up for adoption, and better ventilation.

The KW Humane Society employs 18 full-time and 10 part-time staff, plus 70 volunteers who do everything from wash windows to walk dogs.

 

2003

The Society found homes for 500 dogs and 700 cats. They are proud to have one of the lowest euthanasia rates in Ontario.

 

2004

Sadly, cats are still considered by some people as “disposable” pets and the shelter frequently gets calls from landlords whose tenants have moved out and left a cat behind (usually without food or water).

Each year 20,000 school children receive a talk by a humane society staff person. Public education is #1.

Remember, “It’s a privilege not a right to own an animal.”

New program is “Tales for Tails”. Volunteers visit local schools with companion animals and work with children from Grade 1 to 4 who struggle with their reading. During this special visit, the children will read to the animal. The success is amazing as children with low self-esteem are more comfortable interacting with an animal than an adult.

 

2005

KW Humane Society helps train volunteers at the new Beaufort Delta Humane Society in Innuvik, Northwest Territories. The volunteers will be fostering animals in their own homes, putting dogs on planes for emergency medical procedures, adoption etc.

Junior Vet Club is gaining in popularity. The Jr. Vet Club is a 6-week session that runs in the autumn and winter. Children (aged 9 to 12) learn about a different animal subject each week. Crafts, pet first aid and special guests are highlights.

 

2006

KW Humane Society was awarded the Banff Care in the Community Summit Award for Animal Sheltering.

 

2008

KW Humane Society was awarded the Community Care Award for Education.

 

2009

Behavioural Hotline is started for people who have any animal related questions.

 

2012

The Kitchener Waterloo Humane Society assumes ownership of the Stratford Perth SPCA.  Now under one Board of Directors and one organization, the Kitchener Waterloo Humane Society and the Stratford Perth Humane Society make up one of the largest animal welfare agencies in Canada.

 

2014

KWHS’s Animal Hospital opens.

The Weber TNR Clinic begins. Working with rescue groups, strays are caught, spayed/neutered and returned to where they are found. This program works to lower the population of stray cats in KW.

Capital Campaign for SPHS building is launched.

 

2015

Emergency Boarding program starts. This program helps provide temporary housing for the pets of people who require assistance in the community, during emergency situations such as house fires, hospitalization, or incarceration, when there is no other family to assist.

Jr. Vets and Vets In Training Program begins at KWHS. This program is designed for youth, ages 7 – 14 aspiring to be a vet or to work with animals in the future. This six-week program includes theory and hands-on learning opportunities with our Registered Veterinary Technicians and Veterinarians.

Capacity for Care is introduced to KWHS Animal Centre resulting in a decrease in feline respiratory illness and a 50% decrease in length of stay.

 

2016

Spay Neuter Assistance Program is created to help low income pet owners receive low cost spay/neuter services.

Stratford Perth Humane Society’s new shelter – “Gloria’s Place” - holds its grand opening in September after reaching $1 million capital campaign.

The new facility features an on-site animal clinic to care for the animals in care - this is a satellite location to the Animal Hospital at the Kitchener Waterloo Humane Society.

 

2017

KWHS was recognized by the Kitchener Record Reader Award, receiving the Diamond Award (first place) for “Favourite place for a kid’s birthday party”.