is an official Safe&Happy
partner
of DocuPet
The Upper Credit Humane Society (UCHS) is a non-profit registered charity operating an animal shelter in Erin and a Thrift Shop in Georgetown. In the past decade, UCHS has rescued, rehabilitated, and rehomed more than 5,000 animals.
UCHS’s mission is to strengthen the bond between dogs, people, and communities by providing compassionate care and finding loving homes for animals in need. Stray or surrendered animals receive shelter, medical care—including spay/neuter and vaccinations—and socialization before being placed in nurturing homes where they can thrive. Through their efforts, they prevent animals from roaming the streets and work tirelessly to foster strong, life-changing bonds between animals and people.
One of the most effective ways we can help support UCHS’s mission is through licensing. By ensuring dogs are appropriately licensed, we help keep them identified and reduce the chances of them ending up in the shelter. We are proud to call UCHS the current Safe&Happy Partner for Halton Hills. There are many ways to support the vital work UCHS is doing, and we hope you’ll join us in providing them with the help and resources they need.
“Licensing not only helps lost dogs reunite with their owners but is also an important source of revenue for organizations such as the Upper Credit Humane Society. You are not only ensuring the safety of your dog but are also helping out the homeless animals in your community.”
-Dr. Susan Thomsen, DVM
Chair, Board of Directors
UCHS needs our help
UCHS faces urgent challenges, including rising veterinary costs, staff shortages, and a lack of volunteers. As a non-profit, limited donations make providing the care animals need harder. Your support is crucial to help them continue their lifesaving work and ensure animals get the care they deserve.
How to help:
License Your Dog
Dog licences are more than just a legal requirement—they keep your dog identified and give them the best chance of getting home safely if lost. A licence also helps prevent lost dogs from ending up in shelters like UCHS by ensuring they can be quickly returned to their families. License your dog here.
Volunteer
Volunteers are highly valued team members and play a crucial role in the well-being of the animals that pass through UCHS’ doors. The shelter simply couldn’t function without the generous time and skills donated by these amazing individuals, who make a lasting impact on the lives of the animals in their care. Apply to volunteer here.
Make a donation
Community donations and revenue from UCHS’ thrift store and fundraising cover 88% of operating costs. Donate today to help UCHS provide lifesaving care, food, and shelter, and cover veterinary costs through Trooper’s Fund. Donate here.
Shop DocuPet
20% of every designer tag purchase is given to UCHS. Shop to support here.
What is the Safe&Happy Fund?
In an effort to provide animal organizations with as much funding as possible, we created our Safe&Happy Fund. We will always donate 20% of every designer tag sale to our Safe&Happy partners to provide additional funding for vulnerable animals and the staff that serves them. Dog owners can also donate to UCHS during the checkout process.
UCHS by the numbers
We hope that by providing residents with as much information as possible, the positive impact dog licences have on the community will not only be understood but also appreciated.
![[orgAbrev] city tag](/media/uploads/public/system/5c/01/5c01f04f634e3129680ac9d213968e12b7987b40387f5b0933d2ae5cb429e3b3.png)
11
Staff
Members
123
Pets
Fostered
203
Pets
Adopted
229
Pets
Served
*Per year
More than just a shelter
Rabies and Microchip Clinics
Rabies and Microchip Clinics
This outreach program provides low-cost Rabies vaccination and microchipping of pets for a minimal fee. Typically, five clinics are held throughout the year at locations in Wellington County and Halton Region.
This program protects both animals and people by reducing the incidence of rabies in pets and wild animal populations. Microchipping helps owners reunite with lost pets even if the animal has lost its licence tag. The program costs approximately $2500 annually.
Learn more here.
Trooper’s Fund
Trooper’s Fund
Trooper’s Fund was founded in 2007 in the name of Trooper, the lab cross, who touched the hearts of so many as he battled his way back from 35 lbs and near starvation to living life to the fullest in the happiest of homes.
This fund provides extraordinary medical care for many animals arriving at the shelter. It also informs the shelter that it has the resources to provide urgent and ongoing care for animals with more challenging medical conditions.
Without this fund, the shelter would have difficulty determining whether it can afford to pay for needed treatment. Annual veterinary costs exceeded $100,000 in 2023 and will exceed $120,000 in 2024.
Learn more here.
Thrift Shop
Thrift Shop
The Upper Credit Humane Society Thrift Shop is its largest source of revenue, contributing funds to cover approximately 35% of the shelter’s annual operating expenses. The store is staffed entirely by about 40 volunteers, and all money raised at the Thrift Shop supports UCHS.
The Thrift Store is located at 68 Main St. N., Georgetown. Not only does the Thrift Shop promote recycling and reusing, but customers can also feel good that the money from their purchases will go directly toward helping the shelter animals. Thrift shop expenses are approximately $35-38,000 per year to cover the cost of the retail store.
Learn more here.
Your dog's licence at work
Millions of pets enter shelters each year. Shelter workers and volunteers show these animals unlimited critical care and compassion. When you license your dog, it becomes easier for them to be quickly returned to you if lost, reducing shelter overcrowding and ensuring that less fortunate animals receive the care and resources that they desperately need.
Cinder
“Cinder arrived at the Upper Credit Humane Society after he was found wandering in Georgetown. This un-neutered young male cat was reportedly seeking refuge under people’s decks to escape the harsh weather. He was rescued and brought to the shelter.
Despite attempts to reunite this handsome fellow with his family, no one stepped forward.
Cinder's body was infested with fleas and flea eggs, but he received treatment to eradicate the parasites. His fur was severely matted, making it painful for him to walk. Now groomed, he gracefully parades around the room, flawlessly showing off his grey coat.
FULL of personality, Cinder is curious and playful. He is a cuddler and enjoys as much attention as you can give him. Cinder is quite agile, and watching him climb cat towers is quite amusing. He also enjoys pawing at his water bowl. Cinder was adopted by a lovely family and has settled well into his new home.”
Meesha
“Meesha and her brother Dax were surrendered to UCHS due to unfortunate circumstances. Meesha is an outgoing, friendly Mastiff/Bulldog mix weighing 120lbs. She is 8 years old and has kind eyes and a greying face.
Staff wanted to adopt the two dogs together because they were closely bonded, but unfortunately, no adopters came forward for several months. So, the difficult decision was made to adopt them separately.
Fortunately, Meesha’s new family arrived at the shelter to adopt her. Several weeks later, they reported that Meesha had settled in seamlessly and that it was like she’d been with them the whole time. She plays well with her 20lb brother and quickly learned where the treats are stored.”
More about UCHS
We sat down with Dr. Susan Thomsen, Chair, Board of Directors, to learn more about the vital work being done for local animals in need at UCHS. Here’s what they had to say:
What is most rewarding about being a part of your organization?
The most rewarding part about being part of the Upper Credit Humane Society is working with a group of people who recognize the importance of pets in our lives. Hearing the stories of the impact the shelter animals have on people’s lives is truly heartwarming. Working with animals who arrive frightened and gradually learn to trust again is a special experience.
In your words, why is it important for residents to license their dogs, and what impact does that have on your organization and community as a whole?
Pet licensing helps a community to provide a safe and secure environment for both pets and people. It ensures that lost pets find their way home and helps organizations such as our shelter reunite animals and their families. Owners who license their pets show that they care.
What is something that makes your shelter unique?
We have primarily free-range housing for the cats, which enables potential adopters to interact with the cats in a more home-like environment.
What is the best piece of advice you have for pet owners?
Be patient and gentle with your newly adopted shelter animal, as they may take some time to get acclimated to their new home. They will soon be providing you with more love than you ever imagined!
Is there anything else you would like people to know about the organization?
By licensing your dogs, you are not only ensuring the safety of your animals if they get lost, but you are also helping to support homeless animals. Upper Credit Humane Society relies on these funds to provide the often-expensive medical care needed by the shelter animals.
