West Columbia Gorge Humane Society (WCGHS) is an independent, 501(c)(3) nonprofit, animal shelter located in Washougal, Washington.
Established in 1994, our programs and services are carried out by a small staff and over 100 volunteers who are dedicated to the welfare of animals in need from our community and beyond. Thousands of animals and people are the recipients of our compassionate care and assistance each year.
Mission
To save the lives of pets and provide resources that keep pets and their people together.
Vision
Our vision is for all pets to live healthy lives, in loving homes.
Values
WCGHS embraces and fosters a culture of kindness, respect, compassion and integrity towards all pets and people.
WCGHS is focused on bettering the lives of both pets and their people in our community. This is why we are committed to these tenets of socially conscious animal sheltering:
- Finding placement for every healthy or treatable animal.
- Ensuring unwanted or homeless pets have a safe place to go for shelter and care.
- Assessing the medical and behavioral needs of unwanted or homeless animals and ensuring these needs are thoughtfully addressed.
- Aligning shelter policy with the needs of the community.
- Alleviating suffering and making conscientious decisions regarding euthanasia based on the health and safety of the animal.
- Enhancing the human-animal bond through proper matchmaking and post adoption support.
We believe that animals deserve the utmost respect and are cared for in the most compassionate manner. When animals are placed in our care, we take into consideration our capacity for meeting their needs, the safety of the community, and the quality of life of both pets and people.
Animals come to WCGHS through owner surrender and partner organizations.
WCGHS is also contracted by the Animal Control division for the cities of Camas and Washougal to manage and care for stray dogs found in the community.