At the Humane Society for Southwest Washington, we have a long held, bold vision for a community where everyone loves and cares for animals. In 2018, we launched Leaps and Bounds, a campaign to build a community veterinary clinic and behavior center to address medical needs and support the pets of income-qualified families.  

In the years since we began the campaign, the need for affordable veterinary services has grown significantly. It has become increasingly difficult for some families in our community to access preventative care and spay/neuter surgery for their pets. Too often this struggle results in beloved animals missing out on essential medical attention and at times, being surrendered to shelters like ours out of necessity.

A Solution is in Sight

We are thrilled to announce that our dream is now a reality. The Nierenberg Community Veterinary Clinic will open to the public on September 2, 2025 - bridging a service gap for people who love their pets but find themselves struggling to afford veterinary care.  

We have built a 5,400-square foot, state-of-the-art clinic and training facility to provide subsidized, high-quality medical care for pets of income-qualified families in Southwest Washington. With the opening of this new clinic located in Hazel Dell, we will be able to serve thousands of pets each year with vital services from vaccinations and wellness exams to spay/neuter surgeries, helping them stay healthy, happy, and at home with the families who love them dearly. 

By expanding access to these services, we can support families and our local veterinary community in ensuring more pets remain healthy, preventing unnecessary surrenders or suffering and keeping people and pets together where they belong.

Appointments Now Open

We're excited to announce that appointments are now open! Families who meet income qualifications may now schedule care for their pet for appointments opening September 2.

Appointments and Income Qualifications

Come Celebrate with Us!

We invite you to come to our Open House Celebration of The Nierenberg Community Veterinary Clinic and The Swigert Family Behavior & Training Center. 

The Open House will include light refreshments, self-guided tours of the new facility, and the chance to connect with fellow HSSW supporters as well as staff.

Join Us

Saturday, September 6, 2025 | 10:00 am - 3:00 pm
10501 NE Highway 99, Suite 31, Vancouver

Together let's celebrate this milestone for our community and a brighter future for the pets who call it home.

For years, we've offered a comprehensive suite of dog training programs designed to support both pets and people on their training journey. Each year, hundreds of dogs receive the behavior and training support they need to put their best paw forward.

We're thrilled to announce that our Dog Training program has a brand new home: The Swigert Family Behavior and Training Center. This 1,100 square-foot space offers ample room for group training classes, private behavior and training consultations, and community education. 

HSSW’s Dog Training services are designed with your goals in mind. With an emphasis on real-life skills and emotional well-being, we’re not just training dogs – we’re building better relationships. 

Our professional team of trainers utilize positive reinforcement training methods to shape and modify behavior and build a strong foundation of respect between you and your dog. So, whether you're empowering your new puppy to put their best paw forward or teaching your old dog new tricks (or just some better leash manners!), we have the optimal setting for you.

Grand Opening Discount!

To celebrate the opening of this new dedicated Behavior and Training Center, we are offering 20% off all September Classes. 

Training Courses Include:

Puppy Pre-School: Designed just for puppies 9–16 weeks of age, this session focuses on early socialization, confidence building, and gentle handling to help your puppy grow into a well-adjusted companion.

Basic Manners: Whether your dog is a recent addition or a longtime family member, this class helps build a strong foundation in essential skills for everyday life. We’ll cover key behaviors like sit, down, stay, recall, polite leash walking, and appropriate greetings with both people and other dogs.

Puppy Essentials: Help your puppy get an early start on their training journey in this AKC S.T.A.R. approved group class. Gain knowledge in proper socialization, training, activity, and responsible dog ownership during this class designed for puppies under six months of age.

Reactive Rover: This class is designed to help reactive dogs build confidence and improve behavior in challenging environments. You'll learn how to recognize your dog’s stress signals and support them through focus-building exercises like touch and sustained eye contact, all while reinforcing basic manners.

Advanced Manners: Take your dog’s training to the next level with this course designed to strengthen focus, increase reliability, and deepen your bond. By introducing greater challenges and distractions, your dog will learn to apply their skills in more complex, real-world situations.

View a full list of our Dog Training Courses and learn more about private training options visit: hssw.org/training.

Note: Our behavior classes are affordably priced and open to individuals of all income levels. 

Mark your calendars and get ready to make a difference because HSSW's Unleash Your Heart Gala & Auction is back, and it’s set to be our biggest and most unforgettable celebration yet.

Last year, more than 700 guests came together to share an evening of compassion, connection, and generosity. This year, we’re hoping to welcome even more friends as we unite for the animals who need us most! This exciting event serves as a showcase of our community’s love and generosity, with spirited bidding, joyful camaraderie, and paddle raises that make a real difference.

We hope that you can join us for an unforgettable evening celebrating compassion, connection, and the transformative power of love - for animals and the people who care for them.

Get Your Tickets

Join Us

Saturday, October 4, 2025
ilani Casino Resort | 1 Cowlitz Way, Ridgefield
Cocktails at 5:00 | Dinner at 6:30

Individual Ticket: $200
Table of Ten: $2,000

Get Tickets

Your evening will include a cocktail reception, live and silent auctions, and a delicious meal prepared by the ilani culinary team.

Make Your Evening an Escape

Pamper yourself with an overnight stay at ilani hotel. You'll receive a discount when you book using code: HSSW25. Book your room today.

The Fun Starts September 24

Open September 24 through October 4, you have the opportunity to explore and bid on unique experiences, exclusive packages, and indulgent treats for you and your pet, no Gala ticket required! From local getaways to international adventures, there’s something for everyone.

Preview coming soon!

Relive Last Year's Event

If you joined us and want to relive all the Gala fun - of if you couldn't be there and want to see what you missed - check out photos from our 2024 event at the links below. 

Gala Photos  Photo Booth