The Windsor/Essex County Humane Society (WECHS) is proud to announce it has received a $35,000 grant from Petsmart Charities, a gift that will strengthen collaboration with PetSmart and expand adoption opportunities for animals in need.

This generous funding will support enhanced in-store adoption presence and programming at the PetSmart Dougall location(3164 Dougall Ave, Windsor).

With this grant, WECHS will build on its ongoing partnership with PetSmart Charities to grow pet adoption visibility, resources, and engagement in the region.

“Thanks to this generous grant from Petsmart Charities, we can expand our efforts to connect even more adoptable animals with caring families,” said Lynnette Bain, Executive Director of the Windsor/Essex County Humane Society.

“This funding will help us bring animals into the spotlight, strengthen community support, and make the dream of a forever home a reality for more pets.”

Key initiatives supported by the grant include:

• Year-Round In-Store Cat Adoption — WECHS cats will continue to be present in the PetSmart Dougall store throughout the entire year, offering ongoing opportunities for customers to meet and adopt their next furry companion.
• 2026 National Adoption Weeks — WECHS will take part in three National Adoption Weeks in 2026, bringing increased visibility to available animals and encouraging responsible pet ownership.
• Monthly Adopt Joy Days — Each month, adoptable dogs will be featured in the PetSmart Dougall location to meet prospective adopters, offering personal introductions that often help pets find their forever families faster.

“Making room in your heart and home for a pet opens the door for another pet to enter the Windsor/Essex County Humane Society, so you’re really saving two lives,” said Aimee Gilbreath, president of PetSmart Charities of Canada. “If you’re looking for a positive way to contribute to your local community and bring new joy to your household, there’s no better time than during National Adoption Week.”

The Windsor/Essex County Humane Society invites the community to visit PetSmart Dougall during the March National Adoption Week (March 23-29) and this month’s Adopt Joy event on Saturday, March 28.

For more information about upcoming adoption events and how you can help, visit www.windsorhumane.org or follow WECHS on social media.