Talkin' Shop

Here’s what’s been happening at the Humane Society of Boulder Valley.

What is something you are really proud of as an organization? Serving more than 16,000 animals a year, the Humane Society of Boulder Valley (HSBV) is the trusted source for services and information related to companion animals in Boulder and Broomfield counties.

What is something that makes your shelter unique? Founded in 1902, HSBV has been serving our community for 120 years. HSBV’s mission to protect and enhance the lives of companion animals by promoting healthy relationships between pets and people is supported by critical services beyond animal adoptions. HSBV is the only animal welfare organization in our service area offering an array of Safety Net options to provide access to temporary boarding, veterinary care, dog training services, access to pet food and supplies, and pet rental deposits to keep pets with their families.

What is a program that you run that is really important for people to know about? In addition to adoptions and lost & found services, HSBV proudly offers a full-service veterinary clinic, training and behavior services, an animal transfer program (with state and regional partnerships) and Safety Net services to help keep pets and people together during times of hardship and crisis (like natural disasters).

What is the biggest obstacle(s) your organization faces while caring for animals? As a local nonprofit organization, we depend on the generosity of our community to support us financially. Inflation, staffing shortages and our commitment to pay a living wage to our dedicated staff requires additional donor support to keep our current level of care and programs.

Can you share a story of a specific pet you helped recently? This sweet orange tabby arrived at HSBV suffering from severe burns after the Marshall Fire. After a few visits with our partners at local emergency veterinary clinics, he was transferred to us for specialized treatment and extended care.

His face and paws were extremely burned, and our compassionate veterinary team quickly began treating him for the burns, cleaning his wounds and ensuring his pain was well-managed.

“Boots” is now home, safe and warm, where he belongs. This brave guy actually went missing a year before the fire, and his guardian searched far and wide for her beloved boy to no avail. When she saw photos as he recovered here at HSBV, and his signature orange and white markings became more identifiable, she couldn’t believe her eyes. She was overwhelmed to realize it was her long-lost companion, and Boots was overjoyed to see her!

In your words, why are pet licenses important? Licensing your pet is a critical step guardians can take to keep their pets safe – especially during times of crisis and natural disasters. In addition to collars and microchips, licensing your pet can help support organizations like HSBV, other shelters and animal control to reunite lost pets, ensure pets are up-to-date on vaccinations and much more!

How can people help or volunteer? Visit our website for volunteer information and opportunities:
https://boulderhumane.org/volunteer/

View our shelter Wishlist that includes needed pet supplies:
https://boulderhumane.org/wishlist/

To what extent do pet license fees contribute to your overall budget? City of Boulder Animal Protection contracts with HSBV to shelter lost animals and license fees support this service.

What does the day of a shelter worker/volunteer normally look like? Volunteers assist in all areas of the shelter, from cleaning kennels to walking dogs to caring for ferrets! Volunteers ensure that all shelter dogs receive basic care and enrichment, including a minimum of two visits per day (which can include a walk outdoors or some snuggling indoors). They also visit with our cats, providing enrichment to reduce their stress.

Volunteers are integral to shelter operations, performing indirect care tasks such as cleaning kennels and doing laundry and dishes.

Finally, volunteers assist staff with other tasks such as helping clients make purchases in the retail store, caring for the ferrets that come through our doors, and delivering donations of animal food to our partners. We couldn’t do what we do without our amazing volunteers!

What is your best advice for pet owners? We understand how important and special the animal/human bond is, and every day we work to preserve that bond through our mission to protect and enhance the lives of companion animals by promoting healthy relationships between pets and people. As our community has seen great tragedy in natural disasters this year and remains at high risk of fire danger, we want to promote planning and prevention to pet owners in our area. We’ll be here when you need us, but start acting now:

• Plan now – for pets and family in case of emergency or disaster. Visit: www.ready.gov/pets for tips, and have a “go bag” ready. Make a plan with neighbors and friends who can help with your pets when needed.

What should people know before adopting a pet? HSBV is proud to support people throughout their entire pet journey. Offering services from pet adoption, to training and behavior, to veterinary care and cremation services – we are the trusted source for pet resources and information in Boulder and Broomfield Counties and beyond. We encourage anyone with questions to call or come see us!

Phone: 303-442-4030
Address: 2323 55th St. Boulder, CO 80301

What is an easy way for community members to help support your organization? The best way to support the animals at HSBV, and our community is to donate. Visit our website for information on all the ways you can support: https://www.boulderhumane.org/donate/.

Supporting text: For more information about Humane Society of Boulder Valley, visit Animal Centre, visit www.boulderhumane.org