HSSV Shelter Temporarily Closing to the Public

Good morning,

I sincerely hope you are all safe and well during these uncertain and frightening times we’re living in. As you know, COVID continues to be a dangerous and deadly virus. The Omicron Variant has led to a marked increase in cases statewide and, indeed, across the globe. Its rate of transmission is fast and aggressive. This is of course worrisome for a host of reasons. One particularly challenging side effect is that staffing levels are being greatly impacted for businesses around the world. The Humane Society of Skagit Valley is no different. We have experienced shortages of staff that have made it a challenge to remain open and conduct “business as usual” for the general public. Our main focus is always on caring for the animals and we make that priority number one above everything else, but we of course want to help in our community as much as possible as well.

Therefore, after much consideration, we have made the difficult decision to close to the general public and walk-ins and return to appointment-only business at the shelter. Even those with an appointment will be served at our walkup window to protect staff and volunteers.

Here are more details on our plans:

  • Should we need to address something with the public, it will be by appointment only, you may call 360-757-0445 or email us at shelter@skagithumane.org to schedule an appointment. 
  • We ask that any feral cat trappings cease until further notice.
  • Incoming strays and surrenders will be handled by appointment as well, but please call first to begin the process. 
  • Adoptable animals are viewable on our website. Should you have an interest in one of those animals, you are welcome to fill out an adoption application online (available when you click the pet’s profile pic) and a staff member will get back to you within 48 hours. 
  • All lost & found pet reports should be submitted in writing to shelter@skagithumane.org – please include a photo if you can. We will be monitoring that email closely and will get back to you as soon as we possibly can.
  • Animal Control functions will remain the same and staff will address those needs as they arise. Animal Control has internal communication access and should continue as usual for all ACO business.
  • If you find yourself experiencing an animal-related emergency, please call 9-1-1.
  • Should any questions or concerns arise regarding these procedures or anything else related to business at HSSV during this time, please email me at info@skagithumane.org

We continue to sanitize & clean all surfaces thoroughly and all staff and volunteers continue to mask up. We encourage you to do the same when visiting, vaccinated or not, to protect the health and well-being of our staff, volunteers, and the general public.

We will evaluate this plan quarterly.

Thank you, everyone, for your cooperation, patience and understanding.  Stay tuned for more details, including information regarding when we will open once more to the public. Most importantly, stay safe and healthy!

Janine Ceja, Executive Director