BRATTLEBORO-The Windham County Humane Society (WCHS) presents their annual "Walk for Animals" fundraiser at the Brattleboro Common on Saturday, Sept. 13.
Registration begins at 9:15 a.m. At 10 a.m., participants and their canine companions will walk a 1.3-mile loop through downtown Brattleboro before returning to the Common for treats, games, and prizes. Register at windhamcountyhumane.org.
The Walk for Animals is a community-wide event. Their 2025 goal is to raise $40,000 for the care of shelter animals.
"There are so many ways you can help this year," WCHS Executive Director Maya Richmond said in a news release. "You can join in by registering to walk in person, registering to support virtually, donating to and sharing our Facebook fundraiser, creating your own online fundraiser, or gathering donations from your friends and family. Every dollar raised is essential, and your help is needed."
In 2024, WCHS helped more than 6,000 animals through its adoption-sheltering and the Pet Care Assistance (public veterinary clinic) programs. They placed more than 500 animals in new homes, provided more than 4,000 veterinary services, and more than 1,300 discounted vet exams, spay/neuter surgeries, and medical exams. They also helped reunite 63 pets with their owners.
WCHS does more than just adoptions, and every service is funded by donations. They offer spay/neuter services, vaccine and nail trim clinics, microchipping services, flea and tick preventatives, a pet food pantry, and wellness appointments for Pet Care Assistance (PCA) clients.
Already in 2025, WCHS has placed over 400 pets in new adopted homes, performed over 600 spay and neuter surgeries, completed over 2,000 wellness services, and administered over 750 rabies vaccinations. They have also jumped in to help other rescues take in dozens of animals in multiple animal hoarding cases.
Animals arrive at WCHS as strays, owner surrenders, transports from other states, or when they are removed from an unsafe situation by animal control. Many are sick, almost all need vaccines, spay/neuter surgery, and every single one needs extra, tender love and care before they are ready to meet their new families. Animals stay at WCHS for as long as they need to before finding their forever homes.
"Every dollar you help raise for the Walk this year will provide essential care, supplies, and services to the animals in our care," said Director of Operations Keri Roberts. "The annual walk is a great opportunity to come together as a community for local dogs and cats, get some fresh air, and enjoy connecting around a common cause."
The top fundraisers will win prizes, and all registered participants will be entered to win a prize. You must be registered to be eligible to win. Those who can't attend the walk in person, but want to help can support the cause virtually by registering for the event, donating at windhamcountyhumane.org/donate, or mailing a check to WCHS, P.O. Box 397, Brattleboro, VT 05302.
This Town and Village item was submitted to The Commons.