Bless the beasts

Without clinics, thrift store revenue, KHS faces challenges as donations drop off

HAYDEN — Don’t forget about the animals at the Kootenai Humane Society.

That’s the message from Vicky Nelson, KHS development director, as the country deals with the coronavirus.

“Please remember that we’re still there,” she said Friday.

The humane society has closed temporarily, as has its thrift store on Third Street. Its clinics, such as spay/neuter, vaccine and microchip, are also shut down.

All of that has resulted in a loss of usually reliable revenue sources.

“The bottom line is, we’re getting hit pretty hard,” Nelson said. “Donations are down as well because people are unsure what’s going to happen.”

Still, spirits are up as staff continues to provide daily care for the 18 cats and nine dogs at the shelter.

KHS is open for adoptions by appointment, and a few animals have gone to new homes in the past week.

The shelter, fortunately, has not seen an uptick in people surrendering pets that they can no longer afford to keep due to a disappearing economy.

The capital campaign to build a new 24,000-square-foot shelter west of the Coeur d’Alene Airport on Atlas Road has raised just over $4 million toward its $6.5 million goal.

It will include more space for dogs and cats and a veterinarian clinic.

“As soon as we reach 90 percent of the goal, we’ll start to break ground,” Nelson said.

Contributions toward the new shelter have slowed, too, as the economy continues to reel, businesses close and people lose jobs.

Nelson understands the uncertainty of the situation has given people reason to hold on to their money.

That’s why any gift, even a few bucks, is appreciated

“We rely on donations from the community,” she said.

Nelson, KHS development director for seven years, said this is the biggest financial challenge it has faced.

“Absolutely,” she said.

If it continues, Nelson said she’s not sure what KHS will have to do. She does know staff there are adamant about maintaining services and care of the animals.

“Hopefully, things will get better,” she aid

Check out animals up for adoption at kootenaihumanesociety.com or call 772-4019.