In June, the board of the Humane Society of Weld County (HSWC) announced that the organization will dissolve and transfer its assets, including the animal shelter located at 1620 42nd Street in Evans, to Larimer Humane Society (LHS) on October 2, 2023. As of that date, LHS will assume full responsibility for providing animal welfare services to Weld County.
During the transition period, the current leadership, and staff of HSWC will work with ongoing support from LHS to maintain operations. LHS has been collaborating with the HSWC leadership and City and County municipal leaders since the beginning of the year to identify the most suitable options for animal sheltering and services in Weld County.
The support provided thus far has included supplies, counsel, animal transfer, and animal intake. In addition, LHS will offer financial support during the four-month transition period. All services currently provided by the HSWC, including sheltering, adoptions, lost & found services, pet microchipping, and more will continue.
“Larimer Humane Society is an acknowledged leader in animal welfare. We are confident in their capabilities and optimistic their operational know-how, coupled with the efficiencies of one organization serving multiple communities throughout Northern Colorado, will result in more vital programs and services that heal, nurture, and protect companion animals and our communities well into the future,” said Kara Englert, board president of HSWC.
Weld County, the fastest-growing county in the state and home to seven of the state’s 14 fastest-growing municipalities, experienced a 23% increase in the number of stray animals coming to the shelter in 2022 alone. The HSWC has faced challenges in meeting current demands, given the area’s anticipated continued growth and subsequent increase in the pet population, declining revenues, and limitations posed by an aging facility. For more information about the transition, donation opportunities, and ways to get involved, please visit LarimerHumane.org.