Island humane society to host open house Saturday

GALVESTON — The Galveston Island Humane Society will have an open house to highlight its many new amenities and services from noon to 4 p.m. Saturday and Jan. 23 to present to the public the organization’s new facility at 6814 Broadway.

More than 10 years in the making, the society’s new facility will showcase to the community an expanded, comfortable environment — an environment comfortable both for the many homeless animals eager for a “forever” home, and an environment comfortable for those looking to adopt a new four-legged family member.

During the open house, discounted adoption fees will apply to most animals up for adoption. Adoption rates vary contingent on whether or not one is adopting a dog, cat, puppy or kitten. Adoption fees include current vaccinations, spay and neuter, rabies vaccination, microchip, and one month of free pet insurance.

In addition, all visitors will receive a gift bag, be treated to a demonstration by “Mutts with Manners” trainers, and have a chance to win a dog or cat basket. For everyone who adopts a pet during the open house, well-known photographer Ryan Dandridge of Puparazzi, will be volunteering his time and talents to photograph any new adoption families.

For those interested in making donations to GIHS, visitors will have the opportunity to learn more about the Shelter’s “Brick by Brick” Campaign — allowing one to honor family, friends and pets with a “brick” that will be laid and prominently displayed in the entry way of the new shelter facility.

The Galveston Island Humane Society was founded in 1980 as the Animal Shelter and Adoption Center of Galveston Island Inc. and incorporated as a nonprofit organization in 1981. Annual fundraising events hosted by GIHS include the annual Galveston Home and Garden Show (this year’s 22nd annual event is set for March 18-20 at the San Luis Convention Center), the annual PAWS Gala, held each September, and the Krewe of Barkus/Meoux Parade held during the city’s Mardi Gras festivities.

The Galveston Chamber of Commerce will conduct the official ribbon cutting at 11 a.m. Saturday, to officially open the shelter’s new facility.

For information, call 409-740-1919 or visit www.galvestonhumane.org.

Regular business hours are 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mondays through Fridays; and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays. The shelter is closed on Sundays.