We’re pleased to share these inspiring updates from our county’s humane societies – both of which took in pets for short-term shelter during the recent fires – demonstrating how our community comes together in times of crises.
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, your Community Foundation Boulder County awarded $100K in September and October 2020 in general operating support to a number of nonprofit organizations, including the Longmont Humane Society and the Humane Society of Boulder Valley. As well, in response to the recent fires, we’ve partnered with these and other nonprofits to support countywide relief needs.
We’re pleased to share these inspiring updates from our county’s humane societies – both of which took in pets for short-term shelter during the fires – demonstrating how our community comes together in times of crises:
Longmont Humane Society
“2020 has been a challenging year due to COVID-19 and the Cal-Wood and East Troublesome fires,” says Carrie Brackenridge, Director of Marketing and Communications. “Longmont Humane Society has experienced a significant loss of funding due to the cancellation of important fundraising events and public facing programs, which provide essential support to our life-saving programs and services.
“Though our resources have been stretched to the limit, we’re committed to keeping the animals of our community safe and healthy. Support of Community Foundation Boulder County will help to provide ongoing shelter, food, and medicine to animals and families in need in our community.”
Carrie further notes that the Longmont Humane Society has made adjustments – large and small – to every program and process within the organization in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. “We’ve adapted our daily operations to create a safer space for staff who are in the building caring for animals, and we’ve updated how we offer veterinary care to our public clients,” she explains.
“We’ve also have moved to an appointment-only model for adoptions, lost and found, and surrender services. And we’ve developed online alternatives for our programs.”
Adds Carrie, “Despite current challenges, we continue to work hard each day to meet the needs of the animals and people in our community who depend on our services. The support of our community during this time is vital and allows us to continue providing life-saving programs and services without interruption to those who need them most.”
Humane Society of Boulder Valley
“Thanks to support from the Community Foundation, our safety-net program can meet our community’s needs during the pandemic, in natural disasters, or personal crises,” says CEO Jan McHugh-Smith. “By supporting pet guardians in our community, the safety-net program can keep pets and people together, even when unexpected challenges and emergencies arise.”
Indeed, Humane Society of Boulder Valley safety-net services include temporary pet housing for community members who are hospitalized – including victims of COVID-19 – as well as those who are navigating the effects of natural disasters, mental health issues, domestic violence, and families facing such hardships as a job or home loss.
Continues Jan, “The safety-net program also includes a food share resource that has provided nearly 30K free pet meals this year, as well as discounts and grants that provide financial assistance for veterinary care and behavior consultations. Through the Community Foundation’s support, we can help families keep their pets during this challenging time and in the future.”
That said, HSBV’s countywide impact extends beyond adoptions. “We’re the trusted source for services and information related to companion animals in Boulder County,” says Jan. “Our innovative shelter, medicine, and behavior programs work to strengthen pet-guardian relationships and helping families thrive.”
She concludes, “We will always be the safe haven for lost animals, strays, and companion animals awaiting new homes. But the events of 2020 have made it clear that we have the opportunity – and responsibility – to expand our mission.
“Our neighbors face an unprecedented economic crisis that has caused more than 18K people right here in Boulder County to lose their jobs. They are left with unimaginable decisions, like how to care for their beloved pets. Community support ensures our doors can be open as an essential community service for the animals and families of our community.”
