Who could have predicted a year ago where we would be today? 

With the hard work of our shelter staff, dedicated volunteers and the compassionate commitment from you - our community - we were able to take all of 2020's lemons and make the sweetest lemonade!

Wendy Welling, our Executive Director notes: "As we reflect on the last year I am proud to say that we were able to make an impact for many animals and their people, despite the challenges thrown at us. I am honored to work with such an amazing and dedicated staff who never lost sight of their “why”. It’s because of them and because of you, our animal loving community, that we’ve been able to make this year count. Thank you!"

We measure our success with numbers, but we never, ever forget that each number represents an animal saved, reunited with its loving family or united with a new loving forever family. We couldn’t have saved and healed these lives without YOU.

2020 Incoming Animals -

Surrendered: 195

Stray: 457

Transferred in: 1,030

2020 Outgoing Animals -

Adopted: 1405

Reclaimed: 149

Transferred out: 214 (this is a direct correlation to our deeply valued partnership with Sonoma County Animal Services (SCAS) receiving all underage kittens from SCAS jurisdiction, and our willingness to temporarily help any animal even if it is not suited for our adoption program)

2020 Live Release Rate - 98% (this means that, thanks to you, we saved 98% of the broken, frightened, traumatized, lonely, hungry, adorable, loving, soulful, magical, amazing little lives entrusted to our care.)
 

We could not have done it without you!

❤️ THANK YOU for being such a treasured part of our beloved HSSC family!! ❤️

Our Veterinary Department began 2020 with ambitious goals....

In the public spay/neuter clinic, we hoped to boost surgery numbers by 25%. The Community Veterinary Clinic had shifted gears to accept more surgery referrals and dentistry cases than the previous year. On the shelter side of things, intakes were expected to increase by 25%, leading to a higher number of shelter animals that would require medical care.

During the first two months of 2020 we were on track – shelter intakes were up, spay/neuter numbers had increased by 43%, and the number of CVC surgeries and dentals had nearly doubled. Then came COVID-19; shelter intakes were suspended, the public spay/neuter clinic was forced to close its doors, and the CVC refocused its mission to provide urgent care only. We had to reinvent ourselves practically overnight and create new protocols to work together without putting each other and our clients at risk.

The main surgery and treatment area was modified to make social distancing possible, and a one-way flow of traffic was mapped out to minimize contact between staff. New sanitation and disinfection protocols were implemented. Because of COVID-related drug shortages, our anesthetic protocols had to be adapted to use only veterinary-specific drugs. Paperless systems were set up, and patient intake and discharge were moved outdoors at curbside, with staff wearing full PPE. Thanks to the resiliency, adaptability, and creativity of our team, we were able to continue the important work ahead. Our goals were adjusted in keeping with our new reality. By year end, the numbers spoke for themselves:

Fostering ringworm kittens means the difference between homeless and home. ❤️

Ringworm is still a pretty scary word in shelters. Oftentimes, they don't have the resources required to treat it. It's a lot of work for staff and volunteers, and the cats don’t get to spend as much time with people as they’d like. Ringworm is also highly contagious and can spread to other animals (and people) if not handled properly.

HSSC has a progressive program and a dedicated group of amazing fosters who are willing to take ringworm into their home and treat it. This is a messy, smelly job that involves bathing the cat, medicating the cat, coming to HSSC weekly for appointments, and a ton of cleaning. It may not be glamorous, but it is truly lifesaving! These committed volunteers socialize and play with them every day, and help these vulnerable animals so often euthanized in other shelters.

Mary, one of our ringworm foster volunteers sent us these photos of Sophie and Lillian, two cuties she cared for through this program who have since been adopted into loving homes!

Paying-It-Forward Adoptions!

January brought with it some AMAZING news. At a certain point this month EACH and EVERY animal available for adoption at our Santa Rosa and Healdsburg shelters had their adoption sponsored by a veritable pay-it-forward LOVE TRAIN of compassionate adopters, volunteers and lovely humans!!!

This means that, so far in January, over 20 animals were able to find their furever homes with sponsored adoptions!

We are blown away by and so grateful for the love that flows through our community! These thoughtful, loving, generous gestures opened the door wide to a beautiful new future for these fur-babies and their loving families.

THANK YOU!

Poppy, an HSSC kitten fostered then adopted
by one of our Press Democrat employees.

The Press Democrat

The Press Democrat, our cherished local newspaper, is a beloved sponsor of HSSC. When asked about their connection to our cause, Community Relations Coordinator Karen DeLuca told us: 

"At The Press Democrat, we are dedicated to keeping our community connected and informed. Like the Humane Society of Sonoma County, our goal is to make a positive difference in the lives of local residents."

"In these challenging times, the connections that we share with our animals have never been more important. We encourage you to support local businesses, but when it comes time to add a furry new member to your family, please visit our friends at the Humane Society of Sonoma County. Adopt, don’t shop."

Thank you so much to the Press Democrat for your ongoing support!!

Two Shepherds Winery Annual Fundraiser for Arya’s Birthday!

Our friends at Two Shepherds Winery invite you to the 6th Anniversary of the fabulous annual birthday party for their dear pup, Arya. This delightful event, which raises funds and food for the Humane Society of Sonoma County, is going virtual this year!

Join us on January 30th from 4-5pm for a virtual tasting, farm animal tour and LIVE caricature drawings of the winery's own Bucking Luna plus one of your pets!

The event will also feature a special guest appearance by HSSC's own animal-assisted therapy dog and reigning winner of the national Ugliest Dog Contest, Scamp the Champ!!

This virtual extravaganza is open to all who make a donation to the Humane Society or purchase wine for the event via the Two Shepherds website. A Zoom link will be sent to you upon registration!

For more information and to register, click here !