The year in numbers is a fun approach used to reflect on the past year and The Heritage Humane Society is joining the revelry. As 2024 draws to a close, Greater Williamsburg’s largest animal shelter is sharing how the community’s support impacted the lives of pets and pet lovers alike.
A year of transformation at The Heritage Humane Society
The Heritage Humane Society has had a remarkable 2024, transforming heartbreak into heartwarming outcomes for both animals and the community. With groundbreaking programs, record-breaking adoptions and a focus on humane education, the organization continues to inspire a new generation of animal advocates.
Record adoptions for finding forever homes
The shelter facilitated 1,302 adoptions this year, giving homeless animals a second chance at life.
- Cats: 791
- Dogs: 402
- Birds: 17
- Reptiles: 11
- Small Pets: 81
Two standout stories include:
- Syrup the cat. Rescued in May with her kittens, Syrup overcame severe eye damage and blindness through surgery. After months of foster care, Syrup found her forever home in October and is now thriving as Shadow. Her adopter recently visited the shelter, sharing that Shadow is “confident, loving, smart, and playful.” In honor of Syrup, the shelter’s Neuter Nuts collaboration with Virginia Diner, home of Virginia’s famous gourmet peanuts, now includes Syrup’s Mix. The cheeky collection is highly popular and available at the ReTAIL Store in the shelter.
- Magenta the puppy. Discovered in February with her brother, Blue, who was her dedicated protector, Magenta was emaciated and abandoned in a condemned house. After recovering and forming a bond with her adopter, she was renamed Emmy Lou. Her adopter described her as “the most joyful, energetic, and cuddly dog” and expressed deep gratitude to The Heritage Humane Society for bringing Emmy Lou into her life.
Paws-itively vital volunteers
In 2024, 571 active volunteers dedicated 22,393 hours of their diverse talents to The Heritage Humane Society. Foster volunteers, whose hours of round-the-clock care are in addition to the volunteer hours, opened their homes and their hearts by fostering 834 pets with a variety of critical needs, which helped ease pressure on the shelter’s daily operations.
Humane Education: Shaping future advocates
Under the guidance of Kendell Thomas, the Humane Education & Activities Manager since April 2023, The Heritage Humane Society has launched impactful programs to educate and engage the community.
- Animal Aces Kids’ Club. This year saw the debut of the Animal Aces Kids’ Club, which welcomed 43 young charter members. The club has been a resounding success, fostering compassion and knowledge about animal welfare. Members enjoy hands-on learning, engage with and create enrichment items for shelter pets, drive awareness among their peer groups and enjoy community initiatives such as selling some of their creations at the annual Holiday Bazaar. Membership for 2025 is now open.
- Animal Camp. The popular Animal Camp returned with sessions throughout the year, including a Winter Break Animal Camp now open for registration. Looking ahead, the Spring Break Animal Camp is being held April 7-11, and the Summer Camps promise even more enriching experiences. Read the 2024 Animal Camp recap here.
- Kids’ Movie Nights. From January through December, the shelter hosted monthly Kids’ Movie Nights, creating a fun and educational way for children to connect with animal welfare and with one another.
Expanding shelter capabilities for improved living
This year, The Heritage Humane Society enhanced its facilities to better serve animals and visitors:
- Dog Isolation Ward. This newly gifted space is being upgraded with proper kennels, enhanced sterilization and improved drainage, creating a safer, more comfortable environment for dogs to recover faster.
- Cat Colony Room. This multi-cat space was rebuilt with safe, pet-friendly materials and interactive features after unexpected repairs.
- Kennel upgrades. Greater Williamsburg is affected by the nationwide crisis of stray and surrendered pets. With the increase also comes a growing length of stay in the shelter before pets are being adopted. This created an immediate need to improve the living conditions for over 55 dogs currently in care, which is in the process of being met.
- Air quality improvements. Ventilation systems were enhanced to ensure a healthier environment for the more than 2,000 animals who came through the shelter this year and for the staff, volunteers and visitors.
Community engagement and fundraising
The Heritage Humane Society hosted several successful events in 2024. A sampling of these includes:
- FURever Homes Race. Area pet lovers raced into summer with the fifth annual FURever Homes Race as 450 racers participated in this Colonial Road Runners Grand Prix event at Jamestown High School.
- Make Par for Pets Golf Classic. Bringing together animal lovers and golf enthusiasts for a good cause, an almost sold-out field of more than 250 golfers took on the PGA and LPGA championship courses at Kingsmill Resort. The day included a special performance by community favorite Good Shot Judy, breakfast, lunch and raffles.
- Holiday Bazaar. This beloved community event is a much-anticipated festive celebration of talents, crafts, shelter merchandise, gourmet soups and more that’s spearheaded by the HHS Auxiliary. This year’s event saw 3,000 shoppers and broke record sales, all in direct support that all stayed local and put into immediate use caring for the shelter’s pets.
Looking ahead, the new Black Tie & Tails Gala is set to debut on Feb. 15, promising an elegant evening of advocacy and support.
Schwartzy’s Cat Cove
Williamsburg’s popular cat adopting spot, Schwartzy’s Cat Cove, opened in July 2022. Showcasing adoptable cats and kittens from The Heritage Humane Society, the decorative open setting is within The Nautical Dog in New Town, Williamsburg’s only independently owned and operated pet market. Area residents have proven they love visiting the Cat Cove where they are guests and cats roam free. In the short time since it’s opening, 456 cats have been adopted.
Looking ahead
As The Heritage Humane Society prepares for 2025, the organization remains committed to its mission of rescuing and rehoming animals while fostering a compassionate community. With exciting new programs and continued facility improvements, the future is bright for the animals and people who call The Heritage Humane Society their home shelter.
Ready to be adopted for the new year
Nearly 180 dogs, cats and small pets are currently in the shelter’s care. Adoptable pets are available to meet during The Heritage Humane Society’s visiting and adopting hours from noon to 4:30 p.m., Tuesday through Sunday.
To learn more, visit HeritageHumane.org, call 757-221-0150, or visit The Heritage Humane Society located at 430 Waller Mill Road, Williamsburg, VA 23185.
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