Pet Care Assistance Program
Thank you for your interest in the WCHS Pet Care Assistance Program!
The Pet Care Assistance Program (PCA) aims to help people and care for their pets. Too often, people must give up their pets because they aren't able to provide for their care. By helping pet owners keep their pets, fewer animals enter the shelter.
PCA includes:
Providing discounts at WCHS' Vet Center on the cost of wellness and spay/neuter surgeries
Access to the Pet Food Pantry
Temporary pet boarding if an owner is in crisis
This program is designed to help Windham County residents who are struggling to provide adequate care for their companion animals. It is available on a sliding scale.
Guidelines
Our guidelines to qualify for the WCHS Pet Care Assistance Program include:
Providing proof of Windham County residency
Providing proof of limited or fixed income (SSI/Disability/pay stub)
Agreeing to work with WCHS to have all family pets spayed or neutered
Agreeing not to acquire any more pets while receiving assistance
Agreeing to inform WCHS if financial status changes such that assistance is no longer needed
To apply, please use our Pet Care Assistance Application Form.
Once approved, participants are invited to schedule an appointment to see our veterinarian or pick up food or supplies, as needed.
Please contact us at (802) 254-2232 or petwellness@windhamcountyhumane.org with questions or concerns.
Pet Food Pantry
We put out pet food in our entryway cabinets each day and it is first come, first serve. Our supply changes from month to month, based on the donations we receive.
PCA Participants can come once a week; please do not call ahead
We can not guarantee we will have food available
Please only take what you need
The OC Tober Fund was established by Marilyn George in 2023 to help provide veterinary care to Windham County pet owners with financial limitations, through Windham County Humane Society’s community veterinary programs. OC Tober was Marilyn’s beloved Shih Tzu.
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With the cost of living increasing, many community members are in need of low-cost or free veterinary care. The OC Tober Fund covers services like veterinary examinations, vaccinations, diagnostics, spay/neuter surgeries, humane euthanasia, and cremation.
The fund is named after Marilyn’s beloved Shih Tzu of fifteen years. The little flea-infested stray was found at a gravel pit and brought to a local veterinary facility for medical attention on October 29, 2023.
Marilyn’s mother (Elanor O’Neal) walking into a local veterinary facility to get dog food and was greeted by a friendly man holding the little dog on his lap. He inquired if she might be interested in adopting the stray dog, to which Ms. O’Neal replied, “Oh, my daughter would love her!”
Marilyn, a self-described “big dog” person, never entertained getting a small dog, but she offered to help find a good home for the little pooch.
OC a few days after joining Marilyn at her home
That weekend – on the 12th anniversary of her late husband’s (Eli N. George) passing – something magical happened. The scroungy little dog captured every bit of Marilyn’s heart. She decided to keep the little gift from Heaven.
The name “OC Tober” was bestowed on the dog. She lived for 15 years with Marilyn’s family of big dogs and frisky felines. OC captured the hearts of many. She mastered the art of balancing on a lake water board and enjoyed riding in style in a comfortable backpack on hiking days.
OC was awarded first place in a photo contest sporting a colorful life-vest on a pontoon boat; “Captain OC Tober on the Blue Angel”.
Marilyn is now a lover of little and big dogs, and has committed to always including the Shih Tzu breed in her canine family in honor of OC Tober (1996 to 2013).
Inspired by her incredible bond with OC, Marilyn is gifting care and comfort to thousands of community dogs and cats for years to come.
View: February 15, 2023 article Windham County Humane Society establishes OC Tober Fund to help financially burdened pet owners in the Brattleboro Reformer