To meet the changing needs of a growing Lake Country, the Oconee Regional Humane Society (ORHS) has been working to transform from a small regional animal shelter to a community animal welfare center. Making the transition is complicated, but ORHS hopes to build off the success of the past to meet the needs of the future.
Formed in 1999 by a group of pet enthusiasts who worked from home to get pets adopted, ORHS later became a 501c3 non-profit organization with a board of directors.
An employed staff of four is supported by more than 150 dedicated volunteers and this year ORHS is on track to rescue and adopt-out 500 pets, distribute 35,000 pounds of pet food to those in need, and spay/neuter more than 500 pets. All this is made possible only through the generosity of many donors.
As the region expands, the demand for pet-related services grows, so the efforts of ORHS need to align with community needs. ORHS is receiving an increased number of calls to partner with local animal control agencies to save animals facing euthanasia (more than 40% of animals are euthanized by local animal control).
However, given current space constraints, the present ability for ORHS to do more is severely limited. In order to adequately meet ever-increasing demands, ORHS will best be able to serve the region by building a community center devoted to pets and their owners.
Migrating from a small shelter to a community resource center for pets and families to support pet retention and create broader awareness of healthy pet care and animal welfare overall will be challenging.
ORHS hopes to build a facility that would accommodate more animals, provide a food pantry, and provide low-cost, basic animal care, all of which are spelled out in its strategic plan. The strategic plan outlines the activities and timelines to construct a pet center that will enable ORHS to reduce animal homelessness, optimize animal health, and provide community education.
Hiring Diane Robinson as the new executive director of ORHS was the first step. Robinson has extensive animal welfare experience from national organizations and the Atlanta Humane Society, and her expertise has already made ORHS a safer place and helped refine future requirements.
Robinson’s placement also allows the board to focus on raising the money necessary to fund the shelter and support critical programs, instead of working constantly on day-to-day operations.
As ORHS gets ready to celebrate its 25th anniversary, it is preparing to launch a capital campaign. The migration from a local shelter to a community resource center is required to save more pet lives.
After all, it’s all about the dogs and cats. Now more than ever, ORHS needs its community's support.
To learn more about the ORHS strategic plan, or to donate or volunteer, visit the Oconee Regional Humane Society online at orhspets.org.