Simcoe animal shelter seeks community volunteers

Em Hancock, a volunteer at the Simcoe and District Humane Society, helps nurse sick puppies back to health at the shelter. 

By Alex Hunt 

Advocate Correspondent

Staff and volunteers at the Simcoe and District Humane Society continue to persevere through hardships, serving the community - and animal needs - to build a better future for all.

In recent years, the shelter battled against a plethora of animal diseases and continues to work diligently keeping animals safe from outside illnesses. Cathie Hosken, president of SDHS, said that the (feline) herpes virus ranked number one in terms of disease spread and they even witnessed the return of a form of Chlamydia. 

“What I think is happening with some of the feline diseases is that they are mutating and changing it up,” said Hosken. “We’re not always seeing the proper symptoms, it’s difficult to pinpoint what it is. We’ve had cases of feline kennel cough a few years ago so we have been vaccinating against it.” 

Hosken said the emergence of diseases is caused by the high-numbered feline population and they are ensuring the shelter is heavily sterilized to prevent the infection from spreading or reigniting.

“We are vaccinating everybody and have even installed a $2,000 air cleaner,” said Hosken. “We just have to be proactive and preventative, cats that come in here get fleas treated, dewormed and vaccinated, which helps us keep the disease spread down.”

Housing 81 animals ranging from cats, dogs, rabbits, goats, chickens, and even a horse, the shelter expects to see a rapid influx of newcomers by mid-April. With only seven staff and volunteers, Hosken hopes that they will receive support from the community with the oncoming arrival, programming and future adoption events. 

SDHS currently runs educational seminars at community schools and senior homes, with the objective of providing information on programming and animal care. Some of the programs offered by the shelter range from Seniors with Animals as Pets where volunteers can care for pet duties that belong to the elderly.

Also offered by the SDHS is The Guardian Angel Program which allows an owner to have their pet be cared for after their passing. 

“Over a period of years, we lost five of our members that used to volunteer with us and it’s very sad because they were great. We just haven’t been able to fill that void,” said Hosken. “People are working, and they don't have the time anymore. I’m just finding that there is so much on our plates already, it’s hard to dedicate just an hour of volunteer time.”

Those interested in volunteering at SDHS can call 519-428-9161, email at info@SimcoeDHumane.ca or visit the shelter on 24 Grigg Dr., Simcoe.