State Reps. Tour Site of Future Humane Society Facility in Wilton

The Connecticut Humane Society was created by legislative charter but is a stand-alone 501(c)3 organization. They are in the process of replacing their Westport facility with the Wilton location.

State Representatives Rachel Chaleski (R-138) and Nicole Klarides-Ditria (R-105), members of the Bipartisan Animal Welfare Caucus, joined some colleagues and members from the organization for a tour of the site. Ground was broken earlier this month on 18 acres at 863 Danbury Road. Three houses on the property will be torn down to make way for the Animal Resource Center. The organization is currently in the abatement process as they await a demolition permit.

"Having three pets of my own (dog Luke and cats Obi and Leia), I know how expensive it can be to care for them, but also how important they are to our family.  The scope of this project will help so many to be able to care for their pets from its central Fairfield County location – a straight 30-minute drive on Route 7 from Danbury. Not only will it provide a low-fee veterinary clinic to take care of shelter pets, but also a pet food pantry for community members in need," said Chaleski.

The clinic will also serve the community, though there will not be ER services. Most of the work will be by appointment, though some walk-ins will be permitted.

"Families that adopt pets through the Humane Society will be able to take advantage of behavioral supports as they adapt to having a new cat or dog in the home. This will hopefully cut down on the number of pet owners who feel they have no choice but to surrender their animal if they can't properly care for it," said Chaleski.

The Humane Society also offers a crisis fostering program. This is for people who are injured and can't walk their pets for a period of time, those called to military service, or who find themselves homeless, among other emergencies. The organization finds people to care for the pets temporarily until they can be returned to their owners.

"I'm excited for the thousands of animals the Connecticut Humane Society will be able to assist and care for with this new facility, and I cannot wait for it to be up and running," Rep. Klarides-Ditria, co-chair of the Animal Welfare Caucus said. "This will be one more incredible resource for the community, and another tool to help further the Humane Society's mission to protect and provide for all of our animal friends."

This site will house a four-acre campus, restored wetlands, and trails for dogs staying there long-term. All work except for the design component for the vet clinic is being done by in-state companies.

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