Oakville animal shelter receives historical donation of $10M

The Humane Society of Oakville Milton and Halton (HSOMH) has received a landmark donation this week of a whopping $10 million.

The animal shelter says the donation comes from long-time supporter and philanthropist Klaus Bytzek.

This contribution comes at a pivotal moment as HSOMH says it has sold its current property to the Town of Oakville and is actively planning a new, modern animal centre.

“It means the world,” said Jeff Vallentin, Executive Director, HSOMH. “$10 million is an amazing and huge gift for us. This is an organization that is long deserving of a new shelter, renovation and expansion. This really helps us realise this dream because now, our new renovation, our new facility, our new property, is really going to happen. It’s not a matter of ‘if’, it’s a matter of ‘when’ we can make this happen, so it’s wonderful news for us. “

This expanded facility will allow them to care for more animals, support more families, and deliver enhanced programs and services in a purpose-built space.

“Our staff, volunteers and certainly the animals deserve something better,” Vallentin said. “We’ve sold our property. We’re looking for a new property, something a little more than five acres. Once we can land that property, then it’s time to construct something much bigger and much better than what we have.”

The humane society currently has up to 138 animals up for adoption, including 40 rabbits.

“The faith it instils in the work that we’re doing, and what it shows our staff, our community and our volunteers is incredible,” said Calla James, the director of community engagement with the HSOMH. “A significant gift of that kind is transformational and we know that it will go a very long way in supporting in the pets in the community for a long time.”

Staff say they’ve seen an increase in the need for their services, and hope the donation encourages other people to donate to help animals find a new home.

“What we are seeing are families, who sadly are coming to us for support and sometimes needing to surrender their pets,” said Vallentin. “We’re grateful to be in a position to take those animals and make sure they’re re-homed in places that their previous owner would want, but it’s a sad situation nonetheless.”

“We do know that people are accessing human food banks and pet foodbanks for pet food to feed their pet — when they’re facing a personal or financial crisis, we hope that they turn to that so they can feed their pet temporarily while they get back on their feet, because we don’t want to see pets and families separated,” said James.

HSOMH have been in operation since 1936 and at this current location since 1951.

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