For the City Times

Grant award provides cats at the Humane Society with improved housing

The South Wood County Humane Society is the recipient of a $10,000 grant through The ASPCA® (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals®) Northern Tier Shelter Initiative, which will provide housing improvements for cats waiting for new forever homes.

“The Humane Society provides safe shelter for 125 cats every single day,” said Executive Director Bridget Chariton. “These funds will ensure the most comfortable and stress-free housing during their stay.”

“The ASPCA is proud to support the South Wood County Humane Society in updating their shelter to provide larger housing units for the animals in their care. The renovations will not only create a more enriching living environment but will also increase South Wood Humane Society’s capacity for care,” said Michael Barrett, Vice President of Grants Management at the ASPCA. “This is a terrific example of how the Northern Tier Shelter Initiative Grant helps local shelters improve the lives of animals in their communities.”

The initiative features several projects including: the installation of portholes to cages on the adoption floor, a new bank of kennels with side litter box compartments and new play equipment for the free roaming and visiting rooms. Installing portholes in the adoption room cages will double the square footage of housing space, offering more room, the ability to socialize with another cat and more efficient cleaning for staff and volunteers. The new bank of kennels with side compartments will allow shy cats to feel more comfortable on the adoption floor by providing an area to hide if necessary. Finally, the new play equipment is designed to allow for daily sanitation which will reduce the spread of illness for cats housed in the free roaming rooms.

The project is scheduled for completion in late April. Visitors are welcome to view the improvements during open lobby hours.

For more information about this project, please contact the Humane Society at 715-423-0505.

About South Wood County Humane Society

South Wood County Humane Society provided warm and safe shelter to 1,068 stray and unwanted dogs, cats and small animals in 2015. Most required vaccinations, many needed behavioral rehabilitation and some, life saving medical treatment. The Humane Society is currently providing housing and care to over 200 dogs, cats, and small animals.