The Lewis County Humane Society: A Haven for Animals in Need

Introduction

The Lewis County Humane Society (LCHS) is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing shelter, care, and adoption services to abandoned, neglected, and unwanted animals in Lewis County, Washington. Since its inception in 1989, the LCHS has played a crucial role in promoting animal welfare and enhancing the well-being of both animals and the community.

Transition: This article aims to provide an in-depth overview of the LCHS, its services, impact, and the benefits it offers to animals and the community.

Services Offered by the LCHS

Animal Shelter: The LCHS operates a state-of-the-art animal shelter that provides a safe and comfortable environment for rescued animals. The shelter offers:

• Intake and Care: Each animal entering the shelter undergoes a thorough intake process to assess its health, temperament, and any special needs. The LCHS provides vaccinations, spaying/neutering, and other medical care as required.
• Sanctuary: Animals in the shelter enjoy spacious kennels and access to indoor/outdoor play areas. The staff ensures regular exercise, socialization, and enrichment activities to maintain the animals' physical and emotional well-being.
• Adoption Program: The LCHS facilitates the adoption of animals on a first-come, first-serve basis. Potential adopters must undergo a screening process to ensure the compatibility and suitability of both the animal and the potential owner.

Transition: Beyond its animal shelter services, the LCHS offers a range of other programs to promote animal welfare in Lewis County.

Other Programs and Initiatives

Community Outreach: The LCHS conducts proactive outreach programs to educate the public about responsible pet ownership, animal welfare, and the importance of spaying/neutering. They participate in community events, provide educational materials, and work with local schools and organizations to promote animal welfare awareness.

Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) Program: The LCHS operates a TNR program that aims to control feral cat populations in Lewis County. They trap stray cats, spay/neuter them, vaccinate them, and release them back into their outdoor territories. This program effectively reduces the number of unwanted kittens entering the shelter and promotes a healthier, more balanced feral cat population.

Animal Foster Care: The LCHS relies on a dedicated network of foster volunteers who provide temporary care for animals recovering from injuries, illnesses, or who need socialization before adoption. Foster care provides animals with a nurturing home environment and helps them prepare for their future placement.

Transition: The Lewis County Humane Society's services and programs have a significant impact on the community and the animals they serve.

Impact and Benefits

Animal Welfare: The LCHS provides a vital safety net for abandoned, neglected, and unwanted animals in Lewis County. The shelter and foster care programs offer a safe haven, medical care, and opportunities for adoption, ensuring that animals have a chance at a better life.

Public Health: The LCHS's TNR program plays a crucial role in reducing the feral cat population, which helps to control the spread of diseases and improve public health. Spaying and neutering feral cats prevents unwanted litters and reduces the risk of feline leukemia virus (FeLV) transmission.

Cost Savings: The LCHS provides affordable spaying/neutering services to the community, which helps to prevent unwanted litters and reduce the number of stray animals entering the shelter system. This not only saves taxpayers money but also reduces the euthanasia rate of healthy animals.

Transition: The Lewis County Humane Society's services are supported by a team of dedicated staff, volunteers, and donors.

Support the LCHS

The LCHS relies on the generous support of the community to continue providing its vital services to animals in need. There are several ways individuals and organizations can support the LCHS:

• Adoption: Adopting an animal from the LCHS not only provides a loving home for a deserving animal but also frees up space in the shelter for other animals in need.
• Donations: Financial donations help the LCHS cover the costs of shelter operations, medical care, and outreach programs.
• Volunteering: Volunteers play a crucial role in the day-to-day operations of the LCHS. They assist with animal care, cleaning, fundraising, and other tasks.
• Foster Care: By providing foster care for animals in need, individuals can make a direct impact on their lives by providing a temporary home and socialization opportunities.

Transition: The Lewis County Humane Society is committed to promoting animal welfare and making a positive difference in the community.

How to Get Involved

Adoption Process: To adopt an animal from the LCHS, follow these steps:

1. Visit the shelter at 930 NW Bradeen Road, Chehalis, WA 98532.
2. Browse available animals and interact with the staff to find a match that suits your lifestyle and needs.
3. Complete an adoption application and undergo a brief screening process.
4. Finalize the adoption paperwork and pay the adoption fee.

Transition: The Lewis County Humane Society is a valuable resource for animals and the community.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What are the adoption fees at the LCHS?
Adoption fees vary depending on the animal's age, species, and any special needs. Please contact the LCHS for specific fee information.

2. Does the LCHS accept walk-ins for adoption?
Yes, the LCHS accepts walk-ins during regular shelter hours. However, it is recommended to make an appointment or complete an online adoption application in advance to expedite the process.

3. What are the requirements for fostering animals with the LCHS?
To be eligible for fostering with the LCHS, you must be at least 18 years old, have a safe and suitable home environment, and be able to provide regular care and attention to the foster animal. An application and interview process are also required.

4. How can I donate to the LCHS?
You can donate to the LCHS online, by mail, or in person at the shelter. Donations can be designated for specific programs or used for general operating expenses.

5. What are the shelter hours?
The LCHS shelter is open to the public:
- Monday through Friday: 12 pm - 5 pm
- Saturday: 10 am - 3 pm

6. Does the LCHS offer veterinary services?
The LCHS provides routine vaccinations, spaying/neutering, and other basic medical services to animals in its care. For major surgeries or specialized treatments, animals are referred to local veterinary clinics.

7. What is the euthanasia policy at the LCHS?
The LCHS strives to adopt out every animal in its care, but in some cases, euthanasia may be necessary due to severe illness, injury, or behavioral issues that pose a threat to the animal or others. Euthanasia is only considered as a last resort and is performed humanely by a licensed veterinarian.

8. How can I contact the LCHS?
The LCHS can be contacted by phone at (360) 748-3827, by email at [email protected], or in person at the shelter.

Call to Action:

The Lewis County Humane Society is a beacon of hope for animals in need. By supporting the LCHS through adoption, donations, volunteering, or fostering, you can make a meaningful difference in the lives of these animals and enhance the well-being of the community.

Tables:

Table 1: Animal Intake and Adoption Statistics

Table 2: TNR Program Impact

Table 3: Foster Care Program