By Steffen Klenk
Since 1964, The Humane Society of Ocean City has been serving our community, providing the highest level of compassion and resources for all animals in need. While the COVID-19 health crisis has continued to affect our area, the Humane Society has remained committed to providing service to our local community, with their veterinary clinic and shelter providing top notch care for animals that need a loving, caring home.
In an effort to preserve the health of animals and humans during the pandemic, updated guidelines have been put into place. This includes enhanced cleaning procedures , allowing a small number of volunteers into their facility at any given time, and an outside water station for people to wash their hands before and after entering the building.
Their Veterinary Clinic also remains open. Those with appointments are asked to wait in their cars until they are called by cell phone, at which point a staff member will walk out and direct you. The shelter also provides Animal Control services, rescuing endangered or injured wildlife and stray animals throughout Ocean City. A limited number of adoptions are being accepting by appointment only. Those seeking to view dogs or cats for possible adoption can call 609-398-9500.
From the on-site veterinarians and animal control officers, to the staff who tend to the shelter pets, the Humane Society has been devoted to serving our community, according to Executive Director Bill Hollingsworth. “The whole staff decided to stay and commit themselves for the animals of Ocean City and the surrounding area. They’ve been outstanding through this.”
On May 23rd, the Humane Society hosted a Virtual Campout fundraiser on its Facebook page. This event included special performances by Ken Shiles & CiBon, Shaun LaBoy, Nancy Malcun and Cosmic Charlie of The Dead Reckoning. Each of the performances were streamed live on social media, while the live “crowd” at Josie Kelly’s and Tennessee Avenue Beer Hall consisted of photos of furry canines and felines. Phil Bellucci, Operations and Development Director for the Humane Society, is grateful for the outpouring of support. “We’re really appreciative of our local community and the bars and restaurants to take time to let us go in and set this up.”
Also, on the same weekend, Mr. Hollingsworth and Dr. Julie Moberg participated in the Tail of Two Cities bike ride, a 12 mile journey from Tennessee Avenue in Atlantic City to the shelter in Ocean City. In total, $3,500 was raised to support the shelter and their continued services.
The HSOC provides an up-to-date wishlist of required items needed for daily operation, such as cleaning supplies and wet cat food. Those that wish to make a donation are encouraged to call the shelter or visit their website at hsocnj.org. Monetary donations are also accepted, and for every dollar that is donated, 93 cents goes directly back into shelter programs.
The Humane Society of Ocean City located at 1 Shelter Road, just off of Bay and Tennessee Avenues. You can learn more about HSOC by visiting their website, or follow them on Facebook for all of the latest updates.
Steffen Klenk is a multimedia journalist. He resides in Ocean City and enjoys capturing the eclectic moments of shore life.
