The West Columbia Gorge Humane Society provides many services to pet owners in the Camas-Washougal community on a case-by-case basis. It provides temporary boarding for dogs and cats. It runs a community pet food pantry and it also distributes pet food through Refuel Washougal, the Camas-Washougal Meals on Wheels People and the Interfaith Treasure House at 91 C St. in Washougal. The society maintains an emergency fund for veterinary care for animals whose owners can’t afford it and it also helps financially strapped pet owners pay for basic veterinary care, like vaccinations and microchipping.
“We have people who are living paycheck to paycheck. They have an emergency with their pets and they don’t have hundreds of dollars sitting around for expensive tests,” Simeone said. “We try to provide resources to keep the pets in their homes with their loving families because that’s where they do best. We’re trying to go the extra mile for people. We’re trying to enrich the lives of pets and people.”
Simeone said there are many ways to help the organization carry out this mission.
“Adopt, volunteer, donate, advocate. Those four words represent something that anybody can do regardless of their socioeconomic level,” Simeone said. “If you don’t have any money, say good things about our organization. Volunteer – come in and pet some cats and walk some dogs. Donate – nonprofits need money. Lastly, adopt. If you want to adopt an animal, call us.”
Donations for a new or refurbished cat shelter are, of course, most welcome. Simeone also noted that in-person volunteering opportunities have been cut back during the pandemic and that WellHaven can’t accommodate many face-to-whisker visits because the cats’ space is inside a busy veterinary clinic. If you’re still eager to help the kitties, said Simeone, consider applying to foster one or more cats or kittens in your own home.
For the time being, cat adoptions are being conducted online at wcghs.org, and staff will do their utmost to pair you with a feline companion that’s well suited to you. If you live in the Camas-Washougal area and need help caring for your pet, call 360-835-3464.