Our Story
In 1989, a group of residents in Sydenham Township launched an initiative to create a shelter to care for local dogs and cats while facilitating their adoption into new suitable caring homes. By 2003, they had raised $300,000 and with a private mortgage of $40,000 began the construction of the building on five acres of land donated by local farmer Ed Tottenham. Originally incorporated in August 2006 as the Grey Bruce Humane Society, the group was debt free in January 2007 when the name was officially changed to The Grey Bruce Animal Shelter and became an independent volunteer run, no kill registered charity surrender shelter. In May 2010 an outdoor utility shed was constructed by the firefighters of the Order of Good Cheer.
Today, this charitable organization, which serves the residents of Grey and Bruce counties, is volunteer based and funded by adoption fees, private donations and fundraising. The shelter can house a maximum of 10 surrendered or rescued dogs, obtained mainly from Grey and Bruce Counties. In 2023, new homes were found for a total of 49 dogs and puppies and 120 cats and kittens. Our success in serving the needs of Grey/Bruce residents has placed added pressure and demands on our magnificent volunteers who are the backbone of GBAS. In order to manage our volunteers and provide consistent care for our pets, we have three part time Shelter Managers who will provide 7 day a week morning and evening coverage and care for our animals. The Shelter has an elected board of up to 11 directors and is maintained and operated by volunteers. Funding comes from donations, fundraising events and adoption fees. We receive no government financial support. Please HELP us HELP our animals by donating financial aid, goods, labour and time. |
Charitable # 890221591RR0001
What We Do |
We provide shelter, treatment and care for cats and dogs whose owners, residents of Grey and Bruce Counties, are no longer able to care for their pets
- * In special emergency situations and subject to availability of space, we accept animals destined for euthanasia. They are treated in the same manner as we treat our surrendered pets.
- We arrange for all shots, vaccinations, spaying and neutering of our animals prior to adoption. Rare exemptions are made due to age or health.
- We minimize the time animals remain at the shelter by consistently matching animals to suitable homes.
- We assist sick or injured dogs and cats toward a humane end of life. We are a facility for owner surrendered dogs and cats and we do not surrender animals for research.
- We practice and provide information on humane treatment to help fight pet overpopulation.
- Resources permitting, we attempt to modify behavior of ‘unruly’ animals.
What We Don't Do |
- We do not have the authority to accept stray animals. Only dogs or cats surrendered by their owners are accepted.
- We are not licensed as an animal control agent.
- We are not a boarding kennel for dogs and cats.