Humane Society of Yates County to complete shelter addition

The Humane Society of Yates County is close to completing the 400 square foot addition to its animal shelter. This new facility will house new, larger dog housing and clinical space for future community spay / neuter programs.

Shelter of Hope has been planning an expansion for the past five years and began the building fund with a generous bequest. In 2019, he applied for a grant from the New York State Pet Fund and in 2020 received the maximum award of $ 500,000 to improve the quality of life of the pets they have. guard, waiting for homes forever.

After months of planning, construction on the extension began in the spring of 2021, with completion of the new facility expected by the end of the year.

“We are delighted with the progress made,” said Bonnie Brewer, Executive Director. The existing building has seen thousands of cats and dogs walk through the doors over the past twenty years, and the space simply no longer functions to house both species. We now know a lot more about the impact of stress on shelter animals, ”Brewer added. “This change really had to happen, we have an obligation to the animals that join us and to the community that has supported us. ”

Future renovations include updating the original shelter to current standards of care for the cat population.

When COVID drove up construction costs, the DeGeorge Foundation stepped forward and pledged its continued support. “Joe and Sue DeGeorge have helped us every step of the way and have been true partners in this project! Says Brewer. A paved driveway and an electric sign for the promotion of adaptable animals will be installed as part of DeGeorge’s financial donation.

The expansion will be the new home for the dogs of the Refuge of Hope. A surgical room for future sterilization / sterilization clinics was included and a grant to equip this room with equipment was awarded by Bailey and Friends, a division of the Golisano Foundation.

“We have been incredibly touched by the generosity of our community, to know that others care as much as we do about the homeless animal population makes this new chapter in our story hopeful,” adds Brewer.

The Humane Society of Yates County (The Shelter of Hope) exists to improve the quality of life for pets in our community. We are a Deathless Refuge that receives no funding from the county, state or federal government. Memberships, donations, bequests, fundraisers and grants are what keep us going. This year, we’re on track to help 300 homeless cats and dogs by providing shelter, verification, S / N and placement.