Furry Friends Feature: Community Overwhelmingly Answers the Call to Restock Empty Pet Food Shelves at The Heritage Humane Society

Bellies are full for homeless pets who temporarily call The Heritage Humane Society home these days. The Greater Williamsburg community has once again proven its unwavering compassion and generosity. Following the recent urgent plea from The Heritage Humane Society about its depleted pet food supply, local residents, businesses and organizations came together to donate food and funds, ensuring that the shelter’s many homeless dogs, cats and small pets continue to receive the nourishment they need.

The Cost of Caring for Homeless Pets

The Heritage Humane Society, Greater Williamsburg’s largest animal shelter, provides care for hundreds of pets in need while operating on a budget that exceeds $5,500 per day. What is unique about The Heritage Humane Society is that it is not solely supported by taxes, rather, 80% of the shelter’s operating expenses are entirely dependent on donations.

With rising costs and an ever-growing demand for shelter services, maintaining a steady supply of pet food is a critical, ongoing challenge. Annually, thousands of pets are under the shelter’s care to include being housed beyond the shelter. In 2024, there were 994 shelter pets that were fostered in homes. The shelter’s outreach program, Kibble Kitchen, works to keep hundreds of pets with their families and out of the shelter by providing food, litter and other pet supplies to families in need in the community.

When the shelter’s shelves recently ran low, the community answered the call with an outpouring of donations, helping to fill the gap and keep tails wagging. These generous contributions will help sustain the shelter’s food supply for the next couple of months, allowing funds to be redirected toward critical medical care for the growing number of homeless pets. At the same time, the shelter — which consists of a building over 20 years old and a much-needed expansion added in 2021 — is undergoing essential upgrades and repairs in pet housing areas. While these improvements enhance conditions for the animals, they also come with additional expenses.

Gratitude for Generous Supporters

From individuals dropping off bags of pet food to businesses and civic groups hosting collection drives, and a steady stream of Amazon delivery vehicles delivering from the shelter’s Amazon Wish List shopped by generous supporters, the response continues to be remarkable. The shelter’s ability to care for its four-legged residents is deeply tied to community support, and this wave of donations ensures that no pet at the shelter will go hungry.

“The Heritage Humane Society is tremendously touched and grateful for the kindness, generosity and spirit shown by our community,” says Kimberly Laska, CAWA, Executive Director of The Heritage Humane Society. “We want everyone to know that their donations are making an immediate impact, allowing us to continue providing for the many cats and kittens, dogs and puppies, and small pets that rely on us for food, shelter and medical care.”

How to Continue Supporting the Shelter

For those who still wish to contribute, donations of pet food and supplies can be dropped off at The Heritage Humane Society, or monetary donations can be made online. Every contribution helps sustain the mission of providing safe shelter, medical care and loving homes for homeless pets.

Adoptable Pets are Ready to Celebrate Spring

With warmer temperatures, sunnier days and the feelings of renewal that arrive with spring, over 140 dogs, cats and small pets are currently in the shelter’s care and hoping to find their forever homes. Adoptable pets are available to meet during The Heritage Humane Society’s visiting and adopting hours from noon to 4:30 p.m., Tuesday through Sunday.

To learn more, visit HeritageHumane.org, call 757-221-0150, or visit The Heritage Humane Society located at 430 Waller Mill Road, Williamsburg, VA 23185.

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