Humane Society of Boulder Valley | Daily Camera Nonprofit Spotlight

Humane Society of Boulder Valley

The Humane Society of Boulder Valley has expanded its programs in its century-plus of service, but the organization’s mission remains the same: To enhance the lives of companion animals by strengthening the bonds between people and pets.

As it has since 1902—first from the historic Boulder County Courthouse and today from a state-of-the-art facility on 55th Street—the HSBV provides sanctuary to homeless and lost pets, and in recent years has hosted about 8,000 animals annually. The nonprofit also offers comprehensive veterinary care and training opportunities, as well as a food-share program for low-income pet owners; the HSBV additionally partners with shelters in Colorado and other states to transfer animals in need of asylum.

“We’re a safety net for the community,” explained HSBV Director of Development and Community Relations Karla Rikansrud. “We’re here after floods, fires, financial hardships.”

The goal, added HSBV Development Supervisor Lisa Borgmann, is “to build lifelong relationships between pets and people” through complementary resources. The first step, which the organization achieves with notable success, is connecting pets with loving humans.

An overwhelming majority of animals that pass through the HSBV find forever homes or are reunited with their guardians; the HSBV boasts a live-release rate of 93 percent. The average stay for a dog is six days, and the average residency of a cat is 17 days, during which time the pets are pampered; dogs are walked three times a day, and cats receive plenty of attention and play.

Dog owners in particular can further forge a link with their pets through the HSBV’s training and behavior-modification classes. Some courses focus on the basics while others, such as the Grumpy Growlers class, are tailored to specific behavioral needs.

The HSBV’s devotion to the long-term well-being of pets extends to its veterinary clinic, which offers inclusive medical care and handles more than 10,000 visits per year. The clinic and the training center help fund the operating costs of the shelter.

The HSBV also relies on volunteers, and donations of money and goods including fleece blankets, toys and treats. “The sad news,” said Rikansrud, “is that the need for our services doesn’t decrease.”

The good news is that the HSBV remains dedicated to pets seeking a new leash on life, as it has for more than 100 years.

Humane Society of Boulder Valley; 2323 55th St., Boulder; 303.442.4030; boulderhumane.org.