1999-2006
The Early Days of the Humane Society
In 1999, Pat Longmire and Dori Butler were inspired by a heartfelt letter to The Enterprise Bulletin and founded the Collingwood and District Humane Society. Volunteers swiftly rallied, offering temporary homes and care for these animals in foster homes.
2006-2008
A Community United for a Future Shelter
By 2006, our fundraising efforts surged, igniting a collective vision for a dedicated animal shelter. The beloved “Bizarre Bazaar” became a cornerstone, empowering our community-driven mission and paving the way for our future shelter.
2008-2010
Building a Foundation for Compassionate Care
In 2008, with donated land secured from the Town of Collingwood, we embarked on constructing a permanent facility under the banner of Georgian Bay Animal Rescue. This initiative aimed not only to centralize rescue efforts but also to elevate our care standards. January 2010 marked a significant milestone as cats moved into our new Animal Centre, expanding our impact. Affiliating with the Ontario Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Ontario SPCA) that year, we launched transformative programs like “Collingwood Cats,” focusing on spaying and neutering to ensure a brighter future for our furry companions.
2011-2012
An Animal Centre Built on Generosity and Dedication
In 2011, through the generosity of 1,175 compassionate donors and a pivotal donation from volunteer Justin Cork, our Animal Centre, including a dedicated dog area, was completed. The grand opening, on April 28, 2012, honored Justin and his late wife, Eileen, by naming the facility the Justin and Eileen Cork Animal Shelter.
2012-2024
Growth, Commitment, and New Milestones
In the 12 years since, rebranded as the Georgian Triangle Humane Society, we have grown significantly, supported by 362 active and casual volunteers and a dedicated team of 30 full and part-time staff. In 2019, our commitment to comprehensive animal welfare led us to open our fully accredited Companion Animal Hospital, performing 3,000 surgeries annually. Today, our programs and services, like the GTHS Pet Pantry Program, established in 2020, span across six municipalities, two counties, one First Nation community and beyond.
From caring for 500 pets in 1999, we now welcome more than 1,500 pets into our care annually, helping nearly 1,400 cats and dogs find new loving homes each year. Our journey continues to be fueled by the unwavering support of our community. Together, we continue to grow, innovate, and ensure that every pet receives the care and compassion they deserve.