WAG Newsletter | December 2025

December 16

WAG Newsletter | December 2025

Caring for your pet just got easier.

Sick Visits Now Available at Our Community Veterinary Clinic

We're excited to announce that starting in January 2026, our Community Veterinary Clinic will be expanding care options to include sick visit appointments for your pets. This new offering reflects our commitment to providing accessible, quality care for the animals in our community.

When to Schedule a Sick Visit

Our sick visit appointments are designed for non-emergency health concerns that may be affecting your pet's well-being. If you notice any of the following conditions, we encourage you to schedule an appointment:

Vomiting or diarrhea - If your pet has had mild to moderate stomach upset for more than a day but is still eating, drinking, and acting normal, we can help get them back on track.

Limping or stiffness - When your pet is favoring a leg or moving more slowly but can still put weight on it and doesn't seem to be in severe pain, we can evaluate what's going on.

Hair loss and skin problems - Itching, hair loss, hot spots, or rashes that don't involve open sores or seem to be making your pet feel sick overall.

Minor cuts or scrapes - Small wounds or scratches that aren't actively bleeding heavily or showing signs of infection can be examined and treated.

Ear troubles - If your pet is scratching their ears, shaking their head, or you notice an odor or discharge, but they're not tilting their head or showing signs of severe pain.

Eye concerns - Discharge, redness, or squinting when there's no obvious injury and your pet can still see normally.

Cold-like symptoms - Sneezing, runny nose, or mild coughing in a pet who otherwise seems bright and alert.

Changes in appetite - When your pet has been eating less for a day or two but isn't vomiting, seems reasonably energetic, and hasn't lost weight.

Urinary changes - Needing to urinate more often or mild straining, as long as your pet can still urinate and isn’t showing signs of pain.

New lumps or bumps - Growths that you've recently noticed or that seem to be changing, but aren't growing quickly, ulcerated, or causing discomfort.

Changes to chronic conditions - Conditions like arthritis, skin problems, or sensitive stomach that have been slowly declining and need attention.

Sick Visits vs Urgent or Emergency Care

Our sick visit appointments are for non-urgent conditions only. These are health concerns that need veterinary attention but can safely wait for a scheduled appointment. Urgent care, on the other hand, is for problems causing distress that could worsen quickly, while true emergency care addresses severe, life-threatening issues.

The Community Veterinary Clinic is not equipped for emergency or urgent care situations. If your pet is experiencing a life-threatening emergency such as difficulty breathing, severe bleeding, suspected poisoning, collapse, choking, or trauma, please contact an emergency veterinary hospital immediately.

Appointments and Income Qualifications

Our community clinic serves families who meet certain income guidelines, including seniors on fixed incomes, working families, students, individuals receiving disability benefits, and others. If you are a single individual making $69,550 or less annually ($33.44 hourly or less), your pet may qualify for care. Household income limits vary by family size and county, please visit our website for complete qualification information.

View Income Qualifications

You can begin scheduling your pet's sick visit appointments today for visits starting in January 2026. Click the link below to learn more and book your appointment.

Schedule an Appointment

MAR Wag 1200X600 2025 12 12 Holiday Giving2

Help make the holidays merrier

Bring Holiday Cheer to Pets in Need

The holiday season is a special time to spread warmth and kindness—not just to people, but to pets in our community who need it most. This year, there are so many ways you can make a meaningful difference for the animals at our shelter and beyond.

Give the Gift of Hope

Your holiday gift helps pets in need get the care, support, and love they deserve. Donations provide lifesaving medical treatment, behavior support, safe shelter from neglect or abuse, and help pets find loving homes. Every gift - whether a one-time contribution or a monthly donation - helps ensure we can be there for animals when they need us most.

Looking for a gift that’s thoughtful, impactful, and hassle-free? Consider making a donation in honor of a loved one! It’s a meaningful way to share holiday joy with someone special while directly helping pets in our community. Simply select the “dedicate in honor” option when you give.

Make a Gift

Launch a Fundraiser

Want to make your holiday gatherings, birthdays, or workplace celebrations even more meaningful? Hosting a DIY fundraiser is a fun and easy way to rally friends, family, and colleagues to support pets in need.

Our platform gives you a personalized fundraising page you can share with your network. Add your own photos and messages about why animals matter to you and watch the generosity of your community come together to make a difference.

Start a Fundraiser

Give Back in Person

If you’re looking for hands-on ways to spread holiday cheer, there are plenty of opportunities to get involved:

Adopt: There’s nothing like the magic of welcoming a new furry family member into your home for the holidays. Adopting this season means giving a pet a safe, loving home and sharing unforgettable moments together. Need guidance on holiday safety for pets? We’ve got tips and resources to help.

Volunteer: From dog walking and cat care to helping with adoptions or lending a hand at ReTails, volunteers bring daily joy to the animals in our care. Giving your time is one of the most rewarding ways to make the season brighter for pets.

Foster: Fostering saves lives! Providing temporary homes for pets allows them to thrive outside the shelter and prepares them for a forever home. Our team offers training, mentorship, and flexible placement options to fit your schedule and lifestyle.

Adopt Volunteer Foster

HSSW Giving Trees

Currently on display at both shelters, the Community Veterinary Clinic, and ReTails, our Giving Trees are showcasing more than sparkling ornaments and twinkling lights. Each tree is adorned with holiday giving tags, each one representing a special donation made to the animals by a generous member of our community. Plus, you can even get in on the fun at two local Mud Bay stores! See below.

Giving Tree Locations:

Get your bid cards ready!

Claws for Paws Tickets Are Now Available

Mark your calendars for an unforgettable evening supporting the Humane Society for Southwest Washington’s Longview Campus! After last year’s incredible success, we’re thrilled to continue the tradition with this year’s Claws for Paws event.

Claws for Paws isn’t just a night out - it’s a chance to make a real difference for the animals of Southwest Washington. This exclusive event features a silent auction, social hour, a crab dinner, and the much-lauded dessert dash, along with inspiring stories of impact and exciting updates on the progress and bright future of our Longview Campus. Guests will also enjoy a lively auction and paddle raise, all while knowing that every dollar raised stays in Longview, directly supporting the daily care of local pets in need.

Get ready to raise a glass (and a bid card!), indulge in sweet treats, and help us build a more compassionate community for animals. Tickets are on sale now. Don’t wait to secure your spot for a night of fun, compassion, and generosity!