Vision Statement

We, the Humane Society of Kawartha Lakes, envision the day when every animal in the City of Kawartha Lakes has a good quality of life with a caring, responsible, and knowledgeable owner, and is free from the fear of abuse, neglect, and ignorance.

Mission Statement

By establishing partnerships within the community, Humane Society of Kawartha Lakes, a charitable organization, is dedicated to providing leadership in the:

• Protection and provision of the humane care and treatment of all animals
• Enforcement of protection laws
• Education of the public

Slogan

Connecting Pets and People

Our History

In 1986, the Victoria County Humane Society was founded in Lindsay by a group of concerned citizens. The first President and Society founders were Richard Skinner and his wife, Janice Jones-Skinner. Memberships were sold for five dollars a person. The first fundraiser, a bake sale at the Zellers Mall, made $400. Supporter Marj. Howe held a yard sale. Tag Day was started on Thanksgiving weekend.

During those first years, volunteers housed stray and abandoned animals in their homes. Sick and injured animals were cared for and sheltered at local veterinary offices.

Gradually, as the community became aware of the organization's presence, people started leaving legacies. On January 18, 1991, a bequest of $100,000 came to the Humane Society and the property at 111 McLaughlin Road was purchased for $60,000.

In July of 1997, the organization became an affiliate of the Ontario Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals . As such, the O.S.P.C.A. assists with the training of paid and volunteer Agents who respond to reports of cruelty and/or neglect in the community. For 13 years, all manner of fund raising activities was held in conjunction with the daily task of caring for the animals. On October 2, 1999, the long awaited Adoption Centre opened its doors.

Early in 2009, the Victoria County Humane Society adopted the operating name, Humane Society of Kawartha Lakes (HSKL), to more accurately reflect the geographical area it serves.

Spring 2010 became another new beginning for HSKL when we were fortunate to receive a grant of $800,000 from the Federal and Provincial Governments. This, along with a $100,000. grant from OSPCA, enabled us to move forward with the construction of a new, larger, healthier shelter facility. We have to work diligently in the community to raise an additional $400,000. to support this undertaking.

HSKL is a registered charitable organization that does not receive any on-going funding from any level of government. In order to continue our work, we depend on the generous support of the community and the tireless efforts of many animal loving volunteers.

Services

The Adoption Centre volunteers and staff provide shelter, food and love for domestic animals until they are adopted into new homes. While they await adoption, a Visiting Program enables some of these animals to bring joy to individuals living in retirement and nursing homes.
The organization also coordinates trained volunteer and staff O.S.P.C.A. Agents who investigate reports of animal cruelty, abuse, and/or neglect as well as providing education and assistance at every opportunity throughout the City of Kawartha Lakes.

Fundraising continues to be a primary focus for supporters of the Society as this work must be totally supported by the community. Many new fundraising events have been introduced, in addition to the traditional ones started by the founding group.

Community Base

Volunteers are the backbone of the organization and without them, we could not exist. They assist with animal care, office tasks, education, public relations, fundraising, board and committee work.

Financial support for Adoption Centre services and programs is provided solely by the community through individual donations, corporate and service group donations and bequests.