Founded in 1870, the Washington Humane Society (WHS) is a congressionally chartered animal welfare agency based in Washington DC. The main purpose of WHS is to help in creating a community where all animals are let to live peacefully and in secure homes.
In essence, WHS’s commitment is to play a key role in solving the immense pet related problems such as overpopulation. This is achieved by offering high volume, affordable and safe sterilizations within the metropolitan area of DC. As a result, the number of unwanted animals entering the adoption centers is significantly reduced.
ROLE PLAYED BY WHS
Generally, WHS provides care and comfort to over 51,000 animals per year. This is done through the incorporation of various programs and services some of which include:
a) Implementing the trap-neuter-return (TNR) program for federal cats – Cat Neighborhood Partnership Program (CatNiPP).
b) Offering advice on pet behaviors with the intention of minimizing the rate at which people relinquish their pets to shelters.
c) Investigating animal neglect or cruelty allegations as per the Human Law Enforcement.
d) Letting members of the community volunteer at WHS so as to aid in helping more animals.
e) Collaborating with breed rescue groups in order to help find homes for more animals.
f) Offering low-cost neuter and spay services to both pet owners and local pet organizations.
g) Helping unite families with their pets through the Lost and Found Services.
h) Hosting adoption events that aim towards finding new homes for animals.
i) Teaching animal lovers the importance of animal kindness.
j) Giving shelter to homeless animals.
EFFECTS OF WHS
Throughout its 145 years of operation, WHS has successfully aided in spearheading a legislation that is aimed towards protecting all animals living in DC. Examples of these laws include: Enhancement of better health standards in medical research clinics and pet shops, prevention of animal hoarding, and as of today, animal cruelty is considered a felony crime.
WHS LOCATIONS
The Washington Humane Society currently has two shelter locations: A private shelter at 7319 Georgia Avenue NW and an animal care and control facility at 1201 New York Avenue NE. WHS also runs a spay and neuter facility at 1001 L Street SE and a Behavioral and Learning Center that’s located at 7315 Georgia Avenue NW. The WHS administrative offices are however located at the 4590 MacArthur Boulevard NW.
AWARDS AND RECOGNITION
In 2014, WHS was awarded the Top-Rated Non-profit Award by the Great Nonprofits website.
In a nutshell, the Washington Humane Society is ultimately the best animal welfare agency in the capital. This is made so by it’s being welcoming to all animals and its ability to respond to all phone calls and inquiries. Thus, if you are interested in adopting an animal, volunteering at the center, learning more about animal care, reporting animal neglect or abuse related cases, need to have your pet spayed or have just rescued a lost animal, then, WHS will come in handy. While adoptions can only be done from 12:00 to 7:00 p.m. on all days except Wednesdays, reporting animal neglect/cruelty and acceptance of stray animals can be done 24/7. Spay and neuter surgeries are on the other hand done from Monday to Thursday while vaccinations are only done on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.
Have you heard about the Washington Humane Society? For more information on amazing pet societies, click the links below!
Allie Cat Allies And Their Work With Feral Cats
Stopping Canine Cancer: The Morris Animal Foundation
