The Pope County Humane Society looks a little different these days. A 32’ by 32’ addition was added on to the north end of their building recently. 

A $15,000 grant from the Minnewaska Rotary Club gave PCHS the push it needed to start the project. The addition created some much-needed storage space which freed up space in the dog intake room for three additional kennels, as well as a space for indoor dog training and adoption meet and greets, and a bathing and grooming station. 

“We’ve had many community members and businesses donate towards our shelter project,” stated Shauney Gloege, President. “More help is needed for the project as sponsorship opportunities are still available as we still need to purchase the washing station and grooming table.” 

A grant awarded by the St. Croix Valley Foundation made it possible for the organization to purchase puppy playground equipment earlier in 2023 that will help with training for the dogs at PCHS as they increase their dog enrichment programs to help minimize stress for the animals. They have also been doing $5 Friday promotions on the PCHS Facebook page which has provided funds for several other items on their wish list including a recent purchase of a treadmill for dogs that will go in the addition. 

They’re currently raising funds for an incubator for babies and sick cats. Incubators act as temperature regulators, humidity controllers, and can also be used as nebulizers for kittens with severe upper respiratory infections. They can be the difference between life and death for vulnerable kittens. Not only can the incubators be used for neonatal kittens, they can also be used for adult cats and small puppies.

In 2023, PCHS had a total of 148 animals come into their care. 147 animals found homes in 2023. Even with the added space, they operate at capacity with a waiting list of more animals that need homes.

The number of animals that come through the doors of PCHS make these additions necessary. “We get animals with all different personalities, so they have been focusing on increasing animal enrichment to help reduce stress and training for reducing unwanted behaviors. We keep making changes to our practices to make sure all the animals are as healthy and happy as possible,” added Gloege. They’ve added additional outdoor kennel space for dogs who are in the intake holding period and also increased the number of staff at the shelter and replaced the roof after a big storm caused damage.

 PCHS has also added some services for the community. Nail trimming and microchipping will create a small revenue with little expense for the shelter. Each service is $20 and is offered on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 12:30 pm. To 2:30 p.m. No appointment is necessary, they just request that you bring your pet in a carrier or on a leash. “We hope in the future to offer bathing services as well,” Gloege said.

If you are interested in donating to their cause, please visit their website at PCHSmn.org or email PCHSpets@gmail.com.