Humane Society seeking new shelter options
The Humane Society of Harrison County is facing uncertainties about its current shelter’s future, with a tentative timeline until the end of March. In an interview, we spoke with a representative to understand the challenges and ongoing efforts to secure a new location.
As of now, the society is set to remain in its current shelter until the end of March. Plans beyond that are contingent on Jefferson Landmark’s project progress, with hopes of having a shelter for April. The society has been at their current location for a little over a year. The benefits of having a brick and mortar shelter are incredibly important. The society saw an increase in adoptions over the last year with 13 since the beginning of 2024.
There are currently six adoptable cats still in the shelter, with society volunteers working diligently to get them adopted before they have to leave the shelter.
While there are potential options in the works, nothing is finalized. The society is actively seeking a temporary shelter to continue its mission while simultaneously exploring options for a permanent home. The society doesn’t know what that new home will look like yet but is hopeful that something will open up soon. Ideally, it should be equipped with heating, cooling, and water/sewage to meet the society’s needs. While square footage specifics are not determined, the society expresses flexibility, willing to work with various options.
One day in the future, they hope to have a permanent shelter with enough land to house not only cats and dogs but livestock as well. There are always larger, barnyard animals in need of rescue and right now it is difficult to find foster homes for horses, goats, and sometimes fowl that need places to stay and recover.
Apart from securing a new physical shelter, the society is in urgent need of volunteers for its trap, neuter, return program (TNR), aiming to extend outreach efforts throughout Harrison County. The TNR program helps reduce the number of stray and feral animals in an area and the society has seen some success in reducing the cat population in the county.
Community members can participate in the Spring Wreath making event scheduled for March 24 at 3 p.m. at the current shelter. Additionally, the 3rd Annual Car Show hosted by Byers Graphics is planned for May 18, with more details to be announced closer to the date.
The society urges the community to share adoptable cat posts, make monetary donations to aid the future shelter project, attend events, and follow their Facebook page for updates. These collective efforts ensure the Humane Society of Harrison County can continue its vital mission in the community.
