Welcome to the March issue of WAG, the monthly HSSW Newsletter. Click the links below to jump to an article.

Dog Training at HSSW    Walk/Run Puts the Fun in Fundraising   Veterinary Care for Your Pet

A well-trained dog isn't just a joy to live with — training is one of the most important investments you can make in your dog's health, happiness, and safety. Dogs thrive when they understand what's expected of them, and training gives them the mental stimulation and structure they need to feel secure. It also strengthens the bond between you and your pet, builds trust, and helps your dog be their best!

The good news? It's never too early — or too late — to start. Whether you have a brand-new puppy who needs to learn the basics, an adolescent dog testing every boundary you set, or an adult dog with some habits you'd like to work on, there's a class for you. At HSSW, our certified trainer uses positive reinforcement methods to shape behavior in a way that's kind, effective, and fun for both dogs and their people. 

Puppy Classes

The earlier you start, the better. The first few months of a puppy's life are a critical window for socialization — the process of helping your pup feel comfortable and confident around new people, animals, environments, and experiences. Puppies that miss out on positive early socialization are more likely to develop fear-based behaviors and anxiety later in life. Our puppy classes are thoughtfully designed to give your dog the best possible start.

Puppy Pre-School (Ages 9–16 weeks)
This 50-minute single-session class focuses on early socialization, confidence building, and gentle handling to help your puppy grow into a well-adjusted companion. Limited to 8 puppies to ensure every pup gets the attention they deserve.
Sign Up

Puppy Essentials – AKC S.T.A.R. Program (Under 6 months)
This AKC-approved six-week class covers socialization, training, activity, and responsible ownership — and your pup will earn their official S.T.A.R. Puppy title and ribbon upon completion! The first session is a people-only orientation so you can come prepared, with puppies joining for the following five weeks. Limited to 6 puppies.

Adult Manners Classes

Basic training does more than teach your dog to sit on command. It builds communication, reduces frustration for both of you, and makes everyday life safer and more enjoyable. A dog who walks nicely on a leash, comes when called, and knows how to settle is a dog who can go more places and do more things with you.

Basic Manners (6 months and up)
This six-week series covers the everyday life skills your dog needs: sit/stay, recall, loose-leash and heel walking, greeting other dogs and people, and more. The first session is a people-only orientation, with dogs joining for the following five weeks. Limited to 5 dogs.

Advanced Manners – Canine Good Citizen Prep (6 months and up)
Ready to take things further? This six-week course adds distance, duration, and new distractions to the skills introduced in Basic Manners, helping your dog build even greater focus and reliability — and prepares them for the AKC Canine Good Citizen evaluation. Completion of Basic Manners is required.

Reactive Dogs and Private Training

If your dog barks, lunges, or shuts down around other dogs or strangers, you're not alone — and it doesn't mean your dog is "bad." Reactivity is common in dogs, and is often rooted in fear or anxiety. With support and the right guidance, most reactive dogs can make significant progress. And if you prefer one on one support for your dog's training journey, we can help. Private training is also available.

Reactive Rover
This class is dedicated to helping reactive dogs and their handlers build confidence and skills together. You'll learn to read your dog's stress signals, advocate for them in challenging situations, and practice focus exercises like eye contact and touch. Small class sizes mean your dog gets to work at their own pace in a supportive environment.

Private Training
Sometimes a group class isn't the right fit — and that's okay. Private training sessions allow our certified trainer to focus entirely on you and your dog, tailoring every session to your specific goals and challenges. Whether you're navigating loose leash walking, working through behavioral concerns, or just want some one-on-one guidance after welcoming a new pet into your home, private sessions offer flexible, personalized support.

New Classes Coming Soon

We're always growing our class offerings to meet the needs of our community and their dogs. Here's a peek at what's on the horizon — stay tuned for dates and registration details!

Reactive Rover II
Already completed Reactive Rover? This follow-up class is designed for graduates who are ready to keep building on their progress, practice skills in more challenging environments, and continue their training journey.

Teen Manners (Ages 6–14 months)
The teenage months can be one of the trickiest phases of dog ownership — full of energy, selective hearing, and boundary-testing. Teen Manners is designed specifically for adolescent dogs and the people who love them, helping you navigate this stage with confidence and set your dog up for success as they grow into adulthood.

Calm & Collected
Does your dog struggle to relax or stay focused when other people and dogs are around? This class is designed to help easily overstimulated or anxious dogs learn to settle, find their calm, and engage with the world around them without feeling overwhelmed.

Small Dog Puppy Essentials (Small dog breeds, under 25 lbs | Under 6 months) All the benefits of our popular Puppy Essentials AKC S.T.A.R. program, now in a small-dog-only setting. A great fit for petite pups who do best learning alongside dogs their own size.

Small Dog Basic Manners (Small dog breeds, under 25 lbs | 6 months and up) Our six-week Basic Manners curriculum in a small-dog-only format. Perfect for owners of smaller breeds who thrive in a class tailored to their size and pace.

Register Today

To sign up for dog training classes and learn more about the many ways our team can support you and your dog, click the link below. All classes are held at our new Swigert Family Behavior and Training Center at 10501 NE Hwy 99, Suite 27 in Vancouver.

Register and Learn More

Last September, we opened the Nierenberg Community Veterinary Clinic in the Hazel Dell neighborhood of Vancouver. And in just a few months of operating in 2025, more than 2,300 pets received care at the CVC.

You May Qualify for Affordable Vet Care 

When people hear "community veterinary clinic," they may assume it's only for families in financial crisis. But that's not the case with the Community Veterinary Clinic — and that distinction matters.

The clinic serves pets of families who are income-qualified as well as those whose family would qualify as low income — and there's an important difference between the two. The qualification thresholds are based on your household size and county, and they're more generous than many people expect. In Clark County, for example, a single person earning up to $69,550 qualifies. A family of four can earn up to $99,300 and still be eligible. In Cowlitz County, thresholds begin at $53,100 for a single-person household.

See the chart below for more details. 

Income Thresholds

What does that mean in practice?

It means a lot of working families qualify — including many people who would never describe themselves as "low income." If you earn an hourly wage, work part-time, or are managing on a single income, there's a good chance you meet the guidelines. The same is true for many seniors living on a fixed income, such as Social Security, SSI, or a pension. Even individuals with generous retirement funds and investments can take advantage of our low-cost services if their total annual income falls within the thresholds.

What services are available?

The Community Veterinary Clinic offers a range of essential care, including:

• Spay and neuter surgeries for dogs and cats
• Vaccines and preventative care packages (with options for rabies, DA2PP or FVRCP, deworming, flea/tick prevention, and microchipping)
• Sick pet visits for non-emergency health concerns

Pricing is significantly reduced compared to private veterinary practices. A canine spay, for instance, is $250. A basic vaccine and preventative care package for a dog starts at $100 as a stand-alone visit.

Now Open in Longview

This month, we opened the Community Veterinary Clinic at our Longview Campus. The clinic is already delivering essential care for families throughout Cowlitz County. 

The Longview Clinic offers spay/neuter for felines only, but provides vaccines, preventative care, and wellness services for dogs and cats. Appointments are now available!

How to Get an Appointment

Appointments are required — walk-ins are not available. New appointment slots are released online on the 15th of each month for the following month, and they fill quickly. Nearly half of all appointments open back up due to unpaid deposits, so it's worth checking the booking system regularly.

Make an Appointment

The bottom line

This CVC exists to keep pets and people together. If the cost of veterinary care has made you hesitant to get your pet the help they need, take a few minutes to check the income guidelines. You might be surprised — and your pet will thank you.

Your steps — and your fundraising — make a real difference. Here's how to earn amazing prizes while changing animals' lives!

Imagine a morning on the Vancouver waterfront — the sun shining over the Columbia River, your dog trotting happily beside you, and hundreds of fellow animal lovers walking, running, and celebrating the pets that make our community better. That's Walk/Run for the Animals, and this year it's happening on Saturday, May 2, 2026, at Downtown Vancouver Waterfront Park.

But Walk/Run for the Animals is more than a fun morning out — it's a lifeline for thousands of pets who depend on the Humane Society for Southwest Washington every year. When you register and raise funds, you're providing medical care, shelter, and second chances for animals who need it most. And as a little extra thank-you? You'll unlock some seriously great prizes along the way.

2026 Prize Lineup

These aren't your average, run-of-the-mill prizes - they're prizes so good you can't wait to show them off.

This year's event prizes feature commemorative art on the tee shirt and sweatshirt. It's a fun, retro vibe with recognizable features from the region we call home. You'll spot the Vancouver and Portland skylines, and specific landmarks like Mt. St. Helens, Mt. Hood, the Esther Short Clock Tower, and the Grant St Pier, this year's art celebrates our special community and its love of animals.

When you raise funds, you get to enjoy that warm, fuzzy feeling of knowing you made a lifesaving difference for pets. Extra bonus: you earn cool prizes along the way! 

Check out the 2026 Fundraising Prizes below.

How You Earn Prizes

Prizes are earned by individual fundraisers — they're not shared across a fundraising team, so every dollar you personally raise counts toward your own prize milestones. You can pick up your prizes at the event during check-in on May 2.

Want to share the prize details with friends and family as you ask for their support? Download the 2026 Walk/Run Fundraising Prize Sheet.

What to Expect at Walk/Run

Walk/Run is a big day and it's packed with fun! Here are just a few things you should expect 

Beer and Wine Garden
A longtime favorite returns! Join us at the park after you finish your walk or run and share a tasty brew or glass of wine with your fellow animal lovers (admission to the beer garden is included in registration, limited to individuals aged 21 and older).

Vendor Village
With more than 50 local vendors featuring items and activities that range from health and fitness to face-painting and  pet-related items, our vendor village is a bustling hub of Walk/Run fun!

Walk/Run Raffle
The raffle features exciting items and packages for you and your pet. You'll have a smile on your face even if you aren't a lucky winner, because every ticket purchased supports the animals.

Face Paint and Kid Activities
Walk/Run is fun for all ages - whether your kiddos are looking for a fresh look for the face painting booth, kids activities, or just love looking at dogs (who doesn't?).

Pet Activities
Ball pits, costume contests, an agility course, and more! There's always a something to do with your pet at Walk/Run.

Register Now! 

The last day for early-bird registration is March 15, so don't delay. Register now and save. Join a team and get started raising funds because the animals are counting on you!

Register Now  Walk/Run Info