The original name of the Upper Credit Humane Society (UCHS) was the Erin and Hillsburgh and District Humane Society (EHDHS). The EHDHS was founded as a Branch of the Ontario Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Ontario SPCA) in 1991. The original founders of the Society were Robert and Anne Burr, who, with a group of concerned local citizens, began holding meetings in an Erin church basement. During the first year, the EHDHS concerned itself primarily with the welfare of local wildlife and investigating reports of cruelty to animals. As more volunteers offered to help, the Society was able to take on more responsibilities. An office with a dedicated phone line was set up in the home of one of the volunteers. Volunteers provided foster homes for dogs and cats. A large foster home for dogs was set up on a farm following a cruelty case involving more than one hundred dogs that had to be removed from their owner. More than a dozen cats were fostered in a playhouse in the back yard of another volunteer. As the number of animals cared for by the Society increased, so did the amount of fund-raising required to support the work. Eventually the Board of Directors and the membership of the EHDHS voted to become an independent society. In 1995, the Society incorporated as charity under the name Upper Credit Humane Society and was granted affiliate status by the Ontario SPCA. The UCHS took over the pound contracts for the towns of Erin and Eramosa to ensure that no local stray animals would be euthanized unnecessarily or sold for research. The society utilized donated kennel space from the animal hospital in Hillsburgh until funds were raised to build an animal shelter. Construction of the UCHS animal shelter, education center, and thrift and collectables shop started in 2002 and was completed in March 2003 on a piece of land donated to the town of Erin to be used for the construction of an animal shelter. The number of animals requiring care increased , and in 2006, the UCHS Thrift Shop moved to its current location in Moore Park Plaza in Georgetown. In May 2011, the UCHS Board and Membership voted to become an independent humane society. UCHS refers ALL animal cruelty/ inhumane treatment of animals to the appropriate branch of the OSPCA . OSPCA is mandated to investigate all accusations of animal neglect, abuse and cruelty. UCHS does NOT have a contract to pickup stray animals , injured or sick wildlife. UCHS does not remove wildlife that are deemed a nuisance by neighborhoods. UCHS does not house wildlife at the shelter, as we are not licensed for this purpose by the Ministry of Natural Resources. The Town of Erin chose not to renew their Canine Control services contract with UCHS for 2016.
*************MEMBERSHIP***********
Every day UCHS provides care and shelter for animals in need. As a member of the UCHS, your support helps ensure that the animals in our care are protected from harm and receive loving acre while we work to place them in forever homes. Members have the opportunity to provide input into the direction of the UCHS. Whether through their active involvement as volunteers, as members of committees or through their votes at the annual general meeting , the membership has input into the decisions that govern the organization. As a member, you are entitled to :
* Vote at our annual Annual General meeting
*discount on adoptions
Membership fees :
Active- $25 /year
Family- $45 / year- 2 votes at the AGM
Junior- $10 / year ( must be 17 years or younger) . Our Membership form is available on our website. Please drop off/ mail your completed membership form ,along with payment, to the Shelter OR Thrift Shop. Email it to : [email protected]
***VOLUNTEERS
UCHS volunteers play a vital role in the lives of the animals that pass through our doors and they are very valued members of our organization. Our volunteers are involved in all areas of the Upper Credit Humane Society, including:
animal care, organizing and attending special events, fundraising, office help, yard work and gardening, light maintenance duties and a variety of roles at our Thrift Shop.
***When volunteer positions become available, they are posted on the website. www.uppercredit.com
****Volunteer Age Policy*****
All SHELTER volunteers must be over the age of 16 years old, unless stated otherwise. Thrift Shop volunteers must be over the age of 14 years old. If you are interested in applying for a volunteer position that has been posted on our website,
please submit an application form, as outlined on the posting.
***We appreciate everyone who considers volunteering with the Upper Credit Humane Society, however, some opportunities are limited and we will contact applicants who are best suited for the position.***
***All volunteers are required to provide 2 personal references. We are currently looking for volunteers for the following positions:
***Thrift Shop , 68 Main Street North , Moore Park Plaza, Georgetown Ontario. Volunteers are needed to work in all areas, including: sorting merchandise, pricing and sales. High school students who need to complete their 40 hours of community service are also encouraged to apply. UCHS Thrift Shop is open : Tuesday through Saturday, 10am -4pm. If you are interested in joining our Thrift Shop team, please complete the application form, found on our website. Once we have received your application, a member of the UCHS team will contact you to discuss your application and the next steps. email : [email protected]
**** Event volunteers ***
Please Email :
[email protected] for detailed info.
*Volunteer Committees*
Gardening Committee – Looking for green thumbs to help keep our garden looking great at the shelter.
***Please *** email [email protected]
should you have any questions about our volunteer program , the application process or general assistance. Thank you .
