Humane Society of Ocean City Starts Makeover Project

OCEAN CITY — The Humane Society of Ocean City, located at 1 Shelter Road in Ocean City, is starting a year-long Shelter and Veterinary Center makeover. Renovation plans in the Veterinary Center are currently underway.
“We listen to our clients and the public’s feedback, and we realize that our services to the community are in demand, so we’ve started a year-long renovation project to accommodate the needs of the community and our shelter residents.” states Bill Hollingsworth, Executive Director.
Bill Hollingsworth has been the Executive Director of the Ocean City Humane Society for the last decade. Over the last 10 years, the organization has grown significantly and recognizes its need to expand services that benefit the community. In 2009, The HSOC opened a part-time veterinary center. Today, the HSOC Veterinary Center sees more than 2000 clients per year and offers exceptional and comprehensive veterinary services at an affordable cost, including low cost spay neuter which benefits the community at large.
“We know that this area has been economically challenged since Hurricane Sandy. We want to ensure this community has affordable vet care without having to wait a long time for an appointment, so we are expanding the veterinary exam rooms and hiring an additional veterinarian to work with Dr. Julie Moberg to accommodate this need.”
Any proceeds from the HSOC Veterinary Center help to offset the costs of the Adoption Center. As a no-kill shelter, the homeless animals that enter the Adoption Center reside at the shelter until they are adopted, there is no time limit as to how long it takes to find the right home. In 2016, The HSOC achieved a 95% adoption rate.
The homeless cats and dogs residing at the shelter will benefit from this project as well. The plan includes incorporating stainless steel cages in the cattery, as well as new dog kennels that will benefit the newly established kennel enrichment program. The stainless steel cages will aid in a healthier and less stressful environment for the cats and dogs awaiting adoption. The cattery renovation will also include interactive cat habitats.
“This is an expensive but necessary project for The HSOC,” says Michelle Chalmers, HSOC’s Development Director, “but our animals’ health and well-being is our first and foremost priority. We are asking the public to consider sponsoring dog kennels and cat cages to help offset the cost.”
For more information on how to help or make a donation, visit www.hsocnj.org or call 609-398-9500 x 4.