Humane Society closes temporarily

Times are tough for many, even for our furry friends.

"It comes down to being able to provide care to the animals at a certain level and also making sure that our staff is taken care of,” said Mary Gauden, the President of the Humane Society of Bay County.

With donations low, Gauden tell us they need to close their doors.

While there’s a few animals left at the shelter, local animal rescues are stepping up to the plate.

"So our cat room is actually completely empty so we were happy to utilize that space and we will be bringing in some of the Humane Society cats, or the remaining Humane Society cats,” said Amy Sheperd, the Founder of Heartland Rescue Ranch.

For dogs, it’s a different story.

"That is going to be our biggest challenge, we don't really have space out here for any more large dogs so we are trying to find fosters for the remaining dogs,” said Sheperd.

But for anyone taking in a new pet or needing help with an old one, the Humane Society will still offer some services.

“We're gonna continue to offer our low-cost shot clinics, as well as the microchipping and nail trim, different types of testing we do at the clinics," Gauden said.

The community food banks for animals will also be open, the first one is happening May 2.

All service opportunities will have a planned date.

"We will have certain dates set up, certain hours, if we're having it at the shelter or if we're doing a different area around Bay County, it'll all be put out there,” said Gauden.

Gauden said once enough funding is in place to remain open, the Humane Society will welcome people and animals once again.

If you do find an animal you are required to take it to Bay County Animal Control, but they’re encouraging people to take those pets to a vet first to see if they are microchipped and have an owner.

Animal Control officials tell us they’re trying to keep shelter space open in case we have a large outbreak of COVID-19 and people need to surrender their pets.