Windsor/Essex County Humane Society

24/07/2025

This weekend, celebrate Christmas in July! July 25-27, you can choose a free gift from our wall of goodies with each adoption. Apply in person during our walk-in hours from 2-6pm, or online 24/7 at www.windsorhumane.org

24/07/2025

From now until July 31, Pelee Island Winery & Vineyards Inc is donating an EXTRA $1 per bottle from the sale of their Pet Pics custom wine bottles! Now is the perfect time to stock up on all your summer favourites. Click the link below to order!

https://tinyurl.com/4bwd3sfv

23/07/2025

This week in our behaviour series, we're talking about litter box set up. Do you have the ideal litter box setup for your cat?

Size

Choosing the right litter box size is one factor to consider when preventing litter box issues and ensuring your cat’s comfort.
- At least 1.5x the length of your cat (nose to base of tail).
- Wider is better too — your cat should be able to turn around easily without touching the sides.

- Low sides (3–5") are good for:
o Kittens
o Senior cats
o Cats with arthritis or mobility issues

- High sides (8–12") or covered boxes are good for:
o High-peeing cats
o Kickers/scratchers who fling litter
o Multi-cat households with litter tracking issues
**If using a covered box, make sure your cat is comfortable entering and exiting it. Some cats dislike covered boxes because of odor build-up or feeling trapped.

- For Large Cats: breeds like Maine C***s or chunky domestic cats often need:
o Jumbo boxes or
o Use a large storage tote with a doorway cut out

Location

The best location for a cat litter box balances privacy, accessibility, and cleanliness.
- Place the box in a low-traffic, quiet area—away from loud appliances, kids, or barking dogs.
- But avoid isolating it in a basement or cold storage room that your cat rarely visits, unless you know your cat doesn’t mind.
- Your cat should have 24/7 access to the box, even when doors are closed or guests are over.
- Keep litter boxes at least a few feet away from feeding areas.
- One box per cat, plus one extra, and boxes in different locations to prevent territorial disputes.

Cleanliness

Some cats will not consider using the box if there is a single grain of used litter in it, and most will look for alternatives if their box is not cleaned on a regular basis. Scoop litter at least once daily and fully clean the box often.

Litter Type

Sometimes it can be as simple as finding what your cat wants in their litter box. There are a few different types of litter you can try. Factors such as price, dust levels, odor control, absorbency, clumping ability, availability, scent, and more can all influence the type of litter that suits you and your cat best.

Here are nine types to consider:
• Clay
• Silica gel
• Pine
• Wheat
• Grass
• Corn
• Walnut shell
• Paper
• Tofu

22/07/2025

These are just some of the kind, caring people who have stopped in to donate - whether it was having a lemonade stand, organizing a fundraising event, or asking for gifts for the animals for their birthday - we appreciate every single person who supports the animals here! ❤ Thank you!

21/07/2025

Monday Morning Smile!

Squeaky Minaj's Mom sent us these adorable photos of her exploring her new home, telling us that "she is already so, so loved!!🩷"

18/07/2025

UPDATE: Kitty is adopted!

Friday Featured Pet - Meet Kitty!

When Kitty lost her person, her whole world changed. This tender senior girl came to us after her owner passed away, and though we don't know much about her past, we do know one thing: she's full of quiet love, waiting for someone to notice her gentle heart. Kitty is calm, affectionate, and endlessly sweet. She spends her days curled up peacefully, hoping someone will sit beside her and show her she's not alone. Her eyes, touched by chronic corneal edema and synechia, may look a little cloudy - but they still light up when she hears a soft voice or feels a gentle hand. As part of our Special Paws Program, Kitty's adoption fee is up to you.

Apply to adopt Kitty at https://tinyurl.com/5n7kzc8w

17/07/2025

We are running low on martingale collars and slip leads! We are looking for donations of 6ft long slip leads and Med, Large and XL martingale collars. Below are links to the styles preferred. Our team, and our dogs, thank you!

Collars: https://tinyurl.com/4r6kh84z

Leashes: https://tinyurl.com/4rbc268a

17/07/2025

Are your dog, cat, or rabbit's nails getting long? Want to trim them without having to be the bad guy? We can help! Bring your pet to our pop-up nail trim clinic at the Windsor/Essex County Humane Society Veterinary Clinic TODAY from 11am-6:30pm and have their nails trimmed for only $20. No appointment needed!

17/07/2025

This week in our behaviour series on litterbox issues, we're talking about finding the cause of your cat's issue.

The most common reasons your cat may have stopped using the litter box are:

- Illness/pain: We suggest taking your cat to the vet to rule out any medical problems. Oftentimes, litter box issues are the first sign of a medical issue, some of which are easily treated.

- Stress/anxiety: Has anything changed in or around your home?
o Did you recently move?
o Gain or lose a family member?
o Have a baby?
o Get another cat or a dog?
Changes, sometimes even minor ones, can be very stressful for a cat. When cats are stressed out they may be too anxious to make it to the box.

Some other things to consider:

- Is your cat a senior? Is your cat declawed? Has it had a prior paw injury?

- It is not uncommon for declawed cats and for some senior cats to stop using a litter box. A common reason for this is simple – it hurts. Once they associate the litter box with pain, they will look for a less painful spot to do their business (a comfy couch, your mattress, or your laundry). There are litters made specifically for cats with painful paws, you may have to experiment to see which your cat prefers.

- Is your cat spayed/neutered? Is your cat marking/spraying?
Cats on the prowl or marking territory have other things on their mind than using the litter box. Spaying/neutering your pet is the easiest way to prevent urine marking.

16/07/2025

Happy World Snake Day!

We have snakes! Meet Boa Fett the Boa Constrictor, Slytherin the Python, and Hiss-terical the Corn Snake.

These three beautiful noodles came to the shelter after their human sadly passed away. They may not fetch or purr, but they'll certainly bring some cool slithery vibes to your home! Remember - snakes are a commitment! They can live a long time, and require proper care and temperature, a great habitat, and a healthy diet.

These snakes are determined to be law-abiding citizens, so must be adopted outside of the City of Windsor due to bylaws.

To apply to adopt one of these gorgeous slithery friends, visit https://windsorhumane.org/small-animals/

16/07/2025

Join the Board of Directors at the Windsor/Essex County Humane Society!

The Windsor Essex County Humane Society (WECHS) is seeking visionary leaders to join our volunteer Board of Directors. As we guide the Windsor/Essex County Humane Society into its next chapter of growth and impact, we are especially looking for individuals with legal or veterinary expertise to fill critical gaps in our current board composition.

Our Vision

Over the next 3–5 years, our goal is to build a Board that:
- Reflects diverse experiences and professional backgrounds
- Upholds excellence and ethical leadership
- Expands community representation
- Supports long-term sustainability and strategic growth
- Areas of Expertise We’re Seeking

Priority Areas:
- Veterinary Care / Animal Shelter Medicine / Animal Behaviour
- Law / Legal Compliance / Contract Administration

Additional Areas:
- Human Resources
- Organizational Strategy / Operations / Policy Development
-Structural or Building Engineering / Maintenance
- Development / Marketing / Grant Writing
- Finance / Accounting
- Non-Profit Governance
- Business or Non-Profit Sector Leadership

If you bring a unique skill set not listed here but believe in our mission, we encourage you to apply.

Qualities We Value

We are looking for individuals who demonstrate:
- Strategic Vision & Governance: Ability to analyze complex issues and guide long-term planning
- Leadership: Experience mentoring others and fostering collaboration
- Ethical Judgment: Commitment to integrity and responsible decision-making
- Relationship Building: Ability to engage with stakeholders and represent WECHS publicly
- Commitment to Learning: Openness to growth and continuous improvement
- Commitment to Diversity, Equity, Accessibility & Inclusion

WECHS strongly encourages applications from individuals with lived experiences from historically underrepresented communities, including:
- 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals
- Indigenous peoples
- Racialized communities
- Persons with disabilities

We believe a diverse Board strengthens our ability to serve the community with compassion and integrity.

Board members are expected to:
- Support WECHS’s mission and strategic planning
- Participate in fundraising and advocacy efforts
- Attend meetings and serve on at least one committee
- Maintain confidentiality and contribute time and resources
- Oversee the Executive Director and ensure regulatory compliance
- Approve budgets and special contracts
- Promote WECHS within their networks and the broader community

Apply by August 8, 2025

If you’re ready to make a meaningful impact in animal welfare and community leadership, we welcome your application.

Apply online at

Board Member - Board of Directors @ WECHS Board of Directors | Windsor Essex County Humane Society

15/07/2025

There's still time to order wine with custom labels featuring your pet! Our friends at Pelee Island Winery & Vineyards Inc are running their Pet Pics promotion until the end of the month!

The Windsor/Essex County Humane Society is a safe refuge offering rescue and relief for animals in need – providing compassionate care, treatment, and rehabilitation. By reuniting lost animals with their families, adopting animals into forever homes, and providing assistance with spay/neuter we of...