Humane Society for Inland Mendocino County
HSIMC Beginnings
In the early 1980’s the forerunner of the Humane Society for Inland Mendocino County called DAP (Domestic Animal Protection) was founded. Its primary purpose was to raise funds for spay/neuter education and services. Funding came from individual donations and proceeds from an ongoing rummage sale, bake sale and other fundraising efforts.
In 1988 the group voted to change the name of the organization to The Humane Society for Inland Mendocino County (HSIMC). The newly named group concentrated on trying to establish a 501 c 3 non-profit animal shelter and adoption center. Others decided to continue focusing primarily on spay/neuter assistance to the community and the Spay Neuter Assistance Program (SNAP) was created.
In the early 1990’s Beatrice Breeze, a longtime supporter, made a large contribution to HSIMC with the stipulation that her donation be used to purchase property for a shelter that would serve both the communities of Willits and Ukiah. The property at 9700 Uva Drive in Redwood Valley was acquired and the shelter was opened in 1993.
Maintaining the shelter has met with some challenges over the years but the determination of staff, volunteers and HSIMC membership has carried the day. Time and time again the community stepped up when necessary to support THEIR humane society.
In 2013 the shelter received a generous donation from the estate of another long-time supporter, Bea Scanlon. We were able to make some much needed improvements to both the dog and cat kennel facilities. In addition, we were able to build a large storage facility to house equipment and supplies, fund-raising items and provide additional kennel space when necessary. A substantial sum was invested to help ensure the sustainability of the shelter for many years to come.
Support HSIMC
Our membership is critical to our monthly sustainability. Although annually we hold five major fundraisers and receive generous support from individuals and businesses in our community, it is always a struggle to stay within our budget. The shelter takes in, cares for and adopts out an average of 300 dogs and 400 cats each year. Most of the dogs are surrendered by their owners but we also transfer in many dogs from shelters and rescues that are faced with over-crowding and need our assistance. The majority of the cats that come to the shelter actually arrive as stray litters of kittens that Good Samaritans bring to the shelter. We also assist a large number of community members who are faced with the difficult decision of surrendering their adult cat. We want to continue assisting as many displaced animals as possible. Membership is one way you can help us do so.