A Q&A with Julia Willson of the Capital Area Humane Society

The Capital Area Humane Society is engaged in its Creating Hope, Completing Families capital campaign? What will the result of the campaign be? We are really looking at chang…

The Capital Area Humane Society is engaged in its Creating Hope, Completing Families capital campaign? What will the result of the campaign be?

We are really looking at changing the way that we house animals at CAHS. Animal shelters can be very frightening places for pets.

In 2014 we began a 10-year facilities plan to create an environment where pets feel safe, while at the same time projecting to the community that animal shelters are a place of hope.

We completed the first phase of our vision in 2017. We are now working hard to make the rest of our vision a reality by re-creating our dog, kitten and puppy adoption areas. While the pandemic slowed our progress on this campaign, we were able to move forward with the creation of the Judith A. Posey Anti-Cruelty Center in November 2021. This is an area of the shelter, designated for the care of animals that are victims of cruelty.

 

How has the COVID-19 pandemic impacted the work at CAHS?

It has been a very interesting time for animal welfare. We have seen some unexpected things, like an increase in adoptions due to people being at home more. That was a real win for the animals.

We have also been reminded of how much our community cares about animal welfare through so many wonderful people stepping up to help with volunteering, fostering and donating.

It hasn’t been without some real challenges though, and we faced many of the same struggles other businesses have trying to navigate these unchartered waters. We have learned a lot about being resilient and doing things differently.

 

What is the best part about working at CAHS?

I have been passionate about animal welfare since I was a small child. I was the kid who had to save every stray and hug every dog.

This is truly a dream to be serving my community in this capacity. And I have the most amazing group of people to work with. The shelter is filled with staff and volunteers who remind me every day that the world is filled with amazing people.