In the Municipality of Port Hope, Township of Hamilton, and Township of Alnwick Haldimand, pet licence fees and donations are an important source for funding essential animal services. When you license your pet, know that you are doing your part to help your local shelter workers care for lost, injured and abused animals.
We are proud to call the Northumberland Humane Society the current Safe&Happy Partner in these communities. This means that 20% of every designer tag sale is donated to Northumberland Humane Society in an effort to provide additional funding for the community’s vulnerable animals and the staff that serves them. They are doing some pretty amazing things for local animals in need, read on to learn more about this great organization!
By The Numbers
600
Animals sheltered
per year
525
Adoptions
per year
50
lost pets worked with
• 20 lost pets reunited with families
12
Employees
35
Volunteers
3,200
Volunteer hours
Q&A
Talkin' Shop
Here’s what’s been going on at Northumberland Humane Society.
What is something you are really proud of as an organization?
The Northumberland Humane Society (NHS) has been serving the local community for over 50 years, and remains the only registered charitable animal shelter in Northumberland County. Although many aspects of the NHS have changed over the decades, our goal remains the same, protecting and serving the animals that call Northumberland County home.The NHS does not receive financial support from any level of government, including our local municipalities. Instead, the NHS relies solely on the generous support of the local community. Monetary donations, community fundraising events, funds raised through sales at our Thrift Shop and generous bequests and donations throughout the years, have allowed the NHS to continue its important work in the community
What makes your organization unique?
We are the only registered charity animal shelter in Northumberland County.
What is a program that you run that is important for people to know about?
Our Pet Food Bank is a program dedicated to helping those that require short term assistance to help feed pets in the household. We are open 7 days a week and can provide food for cats & dogs, as well as treats and litter when available.
What is the biggest obstacle(s) your organization faces while caring for animals?
One of the biggest obstacles we face is the continued cost of spay and neutering animals in our care.
Can you share a story of a specific pet you’ve helped? What was the case and what was the result?
We recently adopted out a dog named Buddy (husky cross) that had been in the shelter system for over 3 years. We were able to gain the attention of the community to help raise awareness and garner attention for what this dog specifically needed in a forever home! With the help of a local community business, Buddy was placed into foster care, and on Christmas day 2022, Buddy’s foster family announced that they had become foster failures! Buddy had indeed found his forever home!
In your words, why are pet licences important?
Pet licences assist in the fast and safe return of your pet if it gets lost. A licence is immediately visible to anyone who finds your pet and shows that your pet belongs to someone. Your pet is returned home faster and/or spends less time in the shelter.
How do monetary donations and licensing fees help out around your organization?
Donations and fees allow the NHS to continue to help animals in the community.
How can people help or volunteer?
Simply fill out an application and submit it to our organization at any time.
If someone wants to donate pet supplies, what are the items that are needed most?
Kitten Milk replacer, Pee pads, cat treats, Dog treats, Kongs (assorted sizes), cat food (wet), and dog food.
To what extent do pet license fees contribute to your overall budget?
10%
What does the day of a shelter worker/volunteer normally look like?
Lots of cleaning, dog walking, laundry, meal preparation, dog and cat & small animal enrichment.
What should people know before adopting a pet?
Research the breed prior to getting any animals, and ensure it is a good match for your home and family.
What is your best advice for pet owners?
Sign up for pet insurance as soon as you adopt your new pet. Make sure you contact microchip companies with your contact information.
What is an easy way for community members to help support your organization?
Volunteer, Donate, Foster!
For more information about the NFHS, visit northumberlandhs.com