West Columbia Gorge Humane Society

Many lifesaving journeys start with a ride—help us drive our mission forward!

Since 1994, West Columbia Gorge Humane Society has been rescuing animals, preparing them for adoption, and placing them in loving homes. Every life we save depends on safe, reliable transport—for veterinary care, foster placement, events, and urgent rescues.

After years of dedicated service, it's time to replace our transport van so that we can continue this critical work. With the daily demands of lifesaving work, reliable transportation is essential to our mission.

For GiveBIG WA, our goal is to raise $35,000 to fund our Transport Program, including a new-to-us animal transport van, fuel, and ongoing maintenance—ensuring we can continue to save, serve, and support pets in need.

Pets in transport with our trusty shelter Ambassador Raeney

Why a Transport Program is Critical to our Mission: 

A strong transport program, including a reliable van, is one of the most powerful tools we have to save lives. It allows us to meet animals where they are, provide the care they need, and help them find loving homes.

A funded transport program allows us to:

• Spay/Neuter Surgeries
  Transport animals from our shelter to our clinic for spay/neuter surgeries to prevent overpopulation and prepare animals for adoption.
• Safety & Comfort
  Provide secure, climate-controlled transport with individual kennels to reduce stress and keep animals safe on every journey.
• Expand Community Support
  Provide community assistance to owned pets in partnership with other agencies.
• Access ER, Specialized Care & Rehabilitation
  Transport animals with medical or behavioral needs to the experts and resources that give them the best chance at survival and recovery.
• Save More Lives
  Move vulnerable animals out of uncertain or dangerous situations and into safe, supportive environments.
• Increase Adoption Opportunities
  Bring adoptable pets into the community—through events and Petco stores—so they can meet their future families.

Ready at the PDX Airport for a pet transfer

Why a Transport Program is Critical to our Mission: 

2025 Transport Statistics:

• 53 Pets transferred in from Rescue Partners 
• 141 Cats to/from Petco Adoption Centers
• 13 Community events featuring WCGHS animals
• 81 In-home pet training and TNR assistance visits
• 14 Specialty veterinary visits
• 72 Surgery clinic visits

A nearly full transport van, taking pets to one of many locations

In addition to taking monetary donations, we are also accepting donations of Stocks, and Donor Advised Funds.  

About Us

West Columbia Gorge Humane Society (WCGHS) is an independent, 501(c)(3) nonprofit, animal shelter located in Washougal, Washington. Established in 1994, our programs and services are carried out by a small staff and over 250 volunteers who are dedicated to the welfare of animals in need from our community and beyond. Thousands of pets and people receive our compassionate care and assistance each year.

Mission

To save the lives of pets and provide resources that keep pets and their people together.

Vision

Our vision is for all pets to live healthy lives, in loving homes.

Values

WCGHS embraces and fosters a culture of kindness, respect, compassion and integrity towards all pets and people.

WCGHS is focused on bettering the lives of both pets and their people in our community.

This is why we are committed to these tenets of socially conscious animal sheltering:

1. Finding placement for every healthy or treatable animal.
2. Ensuring unwanted or homeless pets have a safe place to go for shelter and care.
3. Assessing the medical and behavioral needs of unwanted or homeless animals and ensuring these needs are thoughtfully addressed.
4. Aligning shelter policy with the needs of the community.
5. Alleviating suffering and making conscientious decisions regarding euthanasia based on the health and safety of the animal.
6. Enhancing the human-animal bond through proper matchmaking and post adoption support.