Washougal animal shelter receives $2,500 grant

The Washougal-based West Columbia Gorge Humane Society (WCGHS) has been selected to receive a $2,500 CARES Community Impact Grant.

CARES, the independent, charitable and philanthropic arm of Finance of America Companies, “connects people, charitable resources and ideas, to unite behind common goals and spark positive change throughout the nation,” according to a news release issued by the WCGHS.

The funds will help support the shelter’s Emergency Veterinary Assistance Program, which aids east Clark County pet owners who cannot afford veterinary services. 

“WCGHS applied for this grant to help keep pets and their people together even when they cannot afford veterinary care,” the news release states. “We all know that pets provide comfort and companionship to their people, especially during trying times.”

To qualify for the Emergency Veterinary Assistance Program, applicants must be of low-income status and/or facing hardship, and be fully vetted. Those who qualify will receive veterinary care from a private practice veterinary clinic of their choice or a referral to a clinic. 

“WCGHS is proud to offer emergency veterinary assistance to folks in our community,” WCGHS executive director Micki Simeone stated in the news release. “We believe pets and people belong together and we do everything in our power to provide resources to keep them together rather than pet owners having to relinquish their pets to an animal shelter simply because they can’t afford a life-saving procedure for their pet.”