MOSCOW — Just behind the dog park on Moscow’s East White Street sits an inconspicuous building that houses HSoP, the Humane Society of Palouse, a small animal shelter celebrating its 45th anniversary of serving animals and people in Latah County. Over the past year they have been able to get updates and improvements completed to the shelter which includes a new roof over the outside dog walks, floors in the kennels sealed off, and some fresh paint.
Upon arrival, you will be greeted by a group of knowledgeable and caring shelter staff, who are diligently managed by our 18 year old, orange, permanent resident, shelter cat, Notail. In the foyer is a poster board of lost and institutional pets, community events, and a photograph of an employee of the month honoring Miss Nuttell.
Besides providing a safe place for lost dogs, cats, and pocket animals, they also provide identification tags, microchips, spay/neuter assistance, pet food, and pantry supplies.
According to the Humane Society of the United States website, the national dog return to owner (RTO) rate is between 10% – 30%, and the Humane Society of Palouse has an impressive 60% RTO. One of the most important factors that help reunite pets with their owners are identification cards and microchips; Both are available at HSoP. The shelter has been given an engraver so they can print IDs on the spot for $8, any time the shelter is open.
Microchipping is another service that’s offered to the public for $30, but four times a year, it’s offered half the time. For more information on exact dates for the $15 e-shipment, or to schedule an appointment, you can call or email the shelter. A microchip is a permanent identification that is placed under the skin of animals. The wafer is about the size of a grain of rice and is usually inserted at the base of the animal’s neck, between the front shoulder blades. The process involves minimal discomfort to the animal and takes less than 5 minutes for the entire procedure. Lauren Green, director of public relations for the shelters, explains, “The microchip does not contain any sensitive personal information for the owners. In order to read the microchip, a special scanner is used in most veterinary shelters and clinics. So there should be no privacy concerns for the owner.” The scanner gives them a unique number that the animal professional can then enter into a database that tells them which company made the chip and where it was implanted. At this point, they contact the company or facility and let them know that they have found a pet with this unique identification number. The chip company or clinic will then attempt to contact the owner and advise them of their pet’s whereabouts. Lauren stresses the importance of keeping your pet’s microchip information up-to-date. You can go online to https://www.aaha.org/your-pet/pet-microchip-lookup/microchip-search/ and see who made your pet’s microchip if you forgot.
The animals, who cannot be reunited with their owners, await their new families while they temporarily reside at the shelter. There is a private room for potential adopters to spend time with the cats and pocket animals and several fenced outside areas where adopters can bond with available dogs. HSoP currently does not have a sponsorship program, although they hope to implement one soon. Anyone interested in future care is encouraged to access the shelter.
Syrah Piller is the shelter manager for 2 years, but has been involved in HSoP for 6 years. She says cat season came around early this year, and they already have tons of kittens coming to the shelter. She stresses the importance of spaying and neutering. “HSoP offers two programs regarding spaying and neutering pets in Latah County; spay/neuter assistance for owned pets, and a TNR (trap, neuter/spay, release) program for feral/barn cats. Application for assistance for owned pets saves $50 spay , or $30 of neuter, for both cats and dogs.The TNR program is a fairly new HSoP program that started in October of 2021.The program covers spaying or neutering and vaccinations.The application for both programs is available on the shelters website, and can either be emailed or Bring her to the shelter personally.”
The pet food and supply pantry is run entirely from generous donations from the community. It is completely free for those in need. “We are here as a resource for all accommodations in Latta County.” Lauren stated. “Anyone in need is welcome to drop by the shelter any hour we’re open, or you can call ahead and we can get things ready. There’s no income check, no judgment.”
There are many opportunities for those who want to support HSoP and their service to the community. Throughout the year they host a variety of fun events, most of which are two- and four-legged friendly! Annual HSoP fundraising events include: Kitten shower, Howling for Hamilton, Pet Pics with Santa, Soup and Pie, and Palouse 5K. More information and exact dates for these and other special events can be found on the shelter’s website or posted on their Facebook page. For those interested in contributing donation items, besides pet food and pantry supplies, the top 5 donations that are always needed, according to Sierah, are bleach, laundry detergent, cat milk replacer, warm disk heating pads, and dog treats. Any kind of dog treat is fine, she adds, just please don’t use rawhide. Volunteers are also an essential part of the shelter’s operations and anyone aged 12 and over is encouraged and welcome to volunteer. Volunteer assignments vary by age and ability, so interested people are charged to reach out to shelter staff by email, Facebook, or phone.
The Humane Society refuge in Palouse is located at 2019 East White Ave. Moscow, ID 83843
Working hours: Monday – Saturday from 1 pm to 6 pm
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 208-883-1166
Web page: https://www.humanesocietyofthepalouse.org/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HumanePalouse