Regina Humane Society sees 90% volunteer jump in first year at new facility

WATCH: The Regina Humane Society celebrated one year since it moved to its new facility in southwest Regina. Cole Davenport reports.

The Regina Humane Society’s Animal Community Centre is celebrating a special birthday, as the organization marks one year since the new facility opened.

After more than 60 years at their former location on the northern edge of Regina, the move began to the Animal Community Centre in Harbour Landing in early 2024.

• Regina Humane Society prepares for move to new home

Along with providing significantly more comfortable accommodations and amenities for animals in need, the new facility is also driving a 90 per cent increase in volunteers.

“In the old building, we technically weren’t even in Regina. We were in the R.M. of Sherwood. No bus service, not easy to get to, it wasn’t on the way to anywhere unless you happen to work at Evraz or something,” said Bill Thorn with the Humane Society. “It tells us that they care about the work that we’re doing. They care about the animals and they want to be a part of it.”

Daylene Sliz, who volunteered in both buildings, agrees that location is key.

“Being right in the city here, it’s just easier to get to. There’s public transit, people don’t have to drive out of town to volunteer or to work or to go to an event,” Sliz said, holding one of the many dogs the facility has up for adoption.

Easier access also means easier meet-and-greets for dogs, cats and other critters looking for a forever home.

The one-year birthday ‘paw-ty’ was marked Saturday by a puppy chowing down on a dog-friendly cake. The pup was a last-minute replacement for Lorenzo, the Humane Society’s longest-serving canine resident - adopted minutes before the ceremony.

Three cats were given their own ‘cakes’ as well, but in classic feline fashion, were more reserved in their approach to the treats amid the extra attention.

McKenna Garrett adopted a dog from the humane society a few weeks ago. She says Olivander has been a great addition to her family.

“He is the biggest goober ever. He was here for a few months, they said, and we came in and he was sleeping and met him. And he was most docile, unfazed dog ever,” Garrett said. “Took him home, and he’s the best companion ever.”

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Garrett brought her two kids to Saturday’s open house, so they could see and understand where their new furry family member came from.

“We also just wanted to come check out the Humane Society and the one year celebration of their new their new facilities here and everything,” Garrett said.

“Anytime we can bring people into the building to see what we’re doing and to see the animals, it does help,” Thorn said.

While the mood Saturday was celebratory, the need to find loving homes for each of the animals in the humane society’s care is still critical, particularly for dogs.

To mark the anniversary, adoption fees have been lowered for dogs and puppies.