From dogs and cats to rabbits, chinchillas, guinea pigs, rats,
birds and even snakes, the Humane Society of Genesee
County (HSGC) has everything you’re looking for in a pet. The organization and its staff are committed to raising awareness for the protection and adoption of companion animals, finding forever homes for approximately 2,000 animals last year alone.
Executive Director Ruth Cantor said that the Humane Society’s mission is to provide shelter and adoption of companion animals, to reduce over-population, to extend humane education, to prevent cruelty, and to provide those services that promote the goals and policies of the organization.
The HSGC’s focus remains on the companion animals of Genesee County, treating them with dignity and respect, providing them with the best possible humane treatment until they are able to locate the animals’ forever homes.
“Every animal that comes in, the first thing we do is evaluate them for health and behavior,” explained Cantor. “Cats are tested for feline leukemia and feline HIV, and dogs are tested for heartworm. Then we deworm, put them on a flea preventive, and we give them vaccinations, because we typically don’t know what they’ve had done. Unless, occasionally, we’ll get owner surrenders, and they’ll bring in the animal with all of their veterinary records.”
Once the animals are evaluated and cared for, they are welcomed into the Humane Society by the staff, which consists of about 20 employees, as well as volunteers. The staff ensures that the dogs are walked and that all animals remain socialized, promoting good behavior for adoption. “We absolutely love our volunteers,” said Cantor.
All told, HSGC can currently house approximately 175 different animals, mostly dogs and cats, but generally doesn’t find itself at capacity. And each of those animals is given the chance to find their forever home without having to worry. “We wait for each animal to find a home, no matter how long it takes, there’s no time limit,” said Cantor.
For more information, including how to adopt and how to volunteer, visit www.geneseehumane.org.
Ruth Cantor has served as the executive director of the Humane Society of Genesee County since January of this year, and remains committed to providing exceptional care for each animal that comes in the door. On taking the position, Cantor said, “I’m doing something I’m passionate about, and that allows me to make a difference.”
