OAHS urgently seeks adopters to clear out the shelter

OSHKOSH, WI – (WGBW & WISS) – The Oshkosh Area Humane Society (OAHS) urgently needs people to adopt or foster their animals as the shelter conducts repairs and maintenance after 19 years. The “Clear Out the Shelter” campaign is underway to find homes for the over 150 animals currently housed there.

Ieva Engel, President of the OAHS says they are painting walls, resurfacing some of the flooring, and replacing sinks and countertops that have started to deteriorate in the largest renovation since they moved into the building in 2005. 

Engel said the noise and movement associated with the renovations can be stressful for the animals. She is also very concerned about the smells that accompany painting and refinishing floors.

“Some small mammals here in the building, currently, like rabbits and guinea pigs and so on, their respiratory systems are very sensitive to any smells,” said Engel. “So those we need to get out of the building,  period, for that time when the flooring is being done.”

Engel hopes that people will adopt or foster the animals. If you can’t foster or adopt, then please pass the information on to someone who can. The OAHS has four rabbits and five guinea pigs they need to homes soon. The shelter also houses 111 cats and 36 dogs.

“All of us are trying to do everything we can to minimize the stress on the animals,” said Engel. “But, as always, obviously, you can’t eliminate all the sounds and noises, and so on. So come help us ‘Clear Out The Shelter.’”

OAHS hopes to have all the animals adopted out by April 30th. They don’t want the animals to smell the epoxy or be stressed by the noises that will come with the renovations and repairs.  

Kitten season is starting, and the shelter needs kitten food and other supplies to keep up with the demand. The OAHS does have a wish list on Amazon and with Chewy. They will also take donations from the public.

Engel says Oshkosh residents can interact with OAHS through the website and by following on social media. 

“Just be a friend to us,” said Engel. “I always say it’s not just about the animals. We’re here to help the community in any way we can.”

To see the animals that are available for adoption, please visit oahs.org/see-all-pets.