Woods Humane Society Makes ‘PACT’ to Alleviate Animal Suffering

Local Nonprofit Commits to Tenets of Socially Conscious Sheltering

Woods Humane Society announces its commitment to the tenets of PACT, People and Animals in Community Together, put forward by The Association for Animal Welfare Advancement (AAWA).

According to the AAWA, “PACT is a compassionate, transparent and thoughtful model of how shelters, rescues, and other animal welfare organizations can best support vulnerable animals.”

There are nine tenets of PACT that the organization says result in the best possible outcomes, and Woods Humane Society joins animal shelters across the country in officially committing to them.

Woods CEO Emily L’Heureux says, “We wholeheartedly agree with the PACT assertion that every community has a responsibility to its animals and should demand that animals receive the care and respect they deserve. Woods is proud to contribute to making San Luis Obispo County a socially conscious animal community by providing access to thoughtful animal welfare resources and services, and by officially making a ‘PACT’ to uphold these industry-approved best practices and philosophies in our shelters.”

The nine tenets of PACT include:

1. Ensure every unwanted or homeless pet has a safe place to go for care.
2. Place every healthy and safe animal.
3. Assess the medical and behavioral needs of homeless animals, and ensure these needs are thoughtfully addressed.
4. Alleviate suffering and make appropriate euthanasia decisions.
5. Align policy with the needs of the community.
6. Enhance the human-animal bond through thoughtful placements and post-adoption support.
7. Consider the health and wellness of each animal and community when transferring animals between communities.
8. Implement inclusive policies and practices.
9. Foster a culture of transparency, ethical decision making, mutual respect, continual learning, and collaboration.

PACT has been adopted by shelters and rescues across the United States, and it is also being considered in Australia. The AAWArecognizes that for PACT to truly be successful in a community, the tenets must also be embraced by veterinarians, law enforcement, community members and policymakers.

L’Heureux says, “By making this public commitment, Woods hopes to help spread the word about PACT and to encourage the SLO County community to join us in this important movement.”