Cowley County Humane Socieity Announces Projects, Goals

The Cowley County Humane Society (CCHS) is excited to announce several upcoming initiatives designed to enrich the lives of animals and meaningfully engage the community. Director Amy Gates is spearheading these efforts to utilize available space at the shelter and create a better environment for animals and potential adopters.

Thanks to an ASPCA grant, one of the shelter's most significant projects this year will be the creation of an outdoor agility and play area. This space will allow dogs to exercise, socialize, and showcase their personalities to prospective adopters.

“We have extra space in front of the shelter that I’ve always wanted to use for something like this,” said Gates.

The agility and play area will also serve as a resource for the many high school and college volunteers visiting the shelter to walk dogs.

“We have many dogs that would benefit from a play yard. Plus, we have many high school and college volunteers who take the dogs out for walks, and this will be something extra that they can do with the dogs,” Gates said.

Since stepping into her role as Director in September 2024, Gates has focused on capital improvements and addressing long-overdue maintenance needs at the facility.

She explained, “This shelter has been without general maintenance for many years, and it’s time to prioritize that. "

Gates also wants to increase CCHS’s focus on dog enrichment activities and rescue partnerships.

“We’ve been able to send six dogs to rescue organizations recently, which is great considering the challenges many shelters face with overcrowding,” Gates said. “We’re always looking for ways to improve the lives of our animals while they’re with us.”

In addition to these initiatives, Gates is committed to improving public understanding of the shelter’s operations.

“We work hard every day for the animals, but I think people often misunderstand what we do or how we operate,” Gates said. “I encourage anyone with questions or concerns to come talk to me. My door is always open.”

It’s also important to clarify some confusion regarding the shelter's services. The Cowley County Humane Society is not equipped to conduct welfare checks or handle animal neglect, abuse, or abandonment situations.

“This responsibility falls to Animal Control in both Arkansas City and Winfield. Currently, Arkansas City does not have an Animal Control Officer, so residents should contact dispatch (preferably using the non-emergency line unless it is urgent) to have a police officer respond and assess the situation. This ensures the proper handling of these cases and helps protect the animals in need,” Gates said.

Additionally, to help support the shelter’s operations and ensure they can continue to care for animals in need, CCHS is now accepting a surrender fee for animals being brought to the shelter. This fee will assist with the costs of caring for each animal, from medical care to food and shelter.

Gates brings a wealth of experience to her role, including a veterinary care and management background. Her passion for animal welfare is evident in her leadership and dedication to the shelter.

“Everything we do is for the animals,” she said. “From our amazing volunteers to the incredible staff who work tirelessly here, we’re all in this to give these animals a second chance at a loving home.”

As the Humane Society looks toward 2025, Gates hopes the community will continue to support their efforts by volunteering, donating, and attending events.

“We’ve added more events since I joined the team, and they’re a great way for the animals to get out, be seen, and hopefully be adopted,” Gates shared.

The community can support the shelter by attending the Wags & Whiskers Gala on Saturday, April 5, 2025, at 5:30 p.m. The event will occur at the K-Shaw Event Center, 1504 S. M. Street, Arkansas City. Tickets are $40 each and can be purchased at https://cowleycountyhumane.harnessgiving.org/events/2508.

For more information about the Cowley County Humane Society, upcoming projects, or how you can get involved, please contact Amy Gates at (620) 620-221-1698, visit www.cowleycountyhumanesociety.org, or email cchsdirector@cchs2.onmicrosoft.com.