Humane Society for Southwest Washington reviews 2024 Battle Ground intakes, outlines Hazel Dell clinic and outreach programs

The Humane Society for Southwest Washington presented its 2024 municipal-sheltering results and community programs to the City of Battle Ground during a March 17 study session.

HSSW leaders said their contracted municipal services for Battle Ground cover stray intake, dangerous-dog holds, bite quarantines, and abuse/neglect cases, and stressed diversion and “upstream” services that aim to keep animals in homes when appropriate. "Our goal is not to increase or build a bigger shelter," Andrea Bruno, executive director, said. "If we can keep an animal in the home, that is a win for the community and for the jurisdiction paying for these services."

HSSW also described organizational changes and expanded services. Megan Dennis, vice president of strategic initiatives, said HSSW completed the acquisition of the former Humane Society of Cowlitz County effective Jan. 1 and now operates a Vancouver campus and a Longview campus. "We are now one organization," Dennis said, and she said the merger was intended to share expertise and avoid duplicative services across counties.

Why it matters: the city contracts with HSSW to provide municipal animal services instead of operating a municipal shelter. HSSW argued the public–private model saves money and adds volunteer capacity while allowing donor-funded programs to address needs outside the contract.

Key service lines and programs HSSW listed the functions it provides under municipal agreements: intake and sheltering of strays; protective custody and forensic support for neglect and abuse cases;…