BRATTLEBORO-The Windham County Humane Society (WCHS) is nearing completion of its expansion project that includes a veterinary clinic for public and shelter animals - and a local woman is returning to help run it.
Dr. Alyssa Cote, who was born and raised in Bellows Falls, will work part time at WCHS's Pet Wellness Center along with Dr. Tara Torcoletti, staff veterinarian; Dr. Susan Kelly, volunteer veterinarian; and visiting veterinarian Dr. Sara White.
Cote will start work at the clinic in August.
"WCHS does so much for the community, and I look forward to being a part of growing programs," she says. "I can't wait to start helping pet owners care for their beloved pets."
"Dr. Cote will be an excellent addition to the veterinary staff, because caring for beloved pets whose owners struggle financially is close to her heart," says WCHS Executive Director Maya Richmond. "She will contribute to WCHS's compassionate and caring culture. Her addition is a significant step towards growing our services."
Longtime WCHS Director of Operations Keri Roberts knows the community well and says providing access to low-cost veterinary care for many owned pets is crucial.
"Many residents are struggling with the cost of food, housing, fuel," she says. "Providing examinations, vaccinations, and care to their pets is often out of reach."
Cote obtained her bachelor's degree from the University of Vermont before attending Cornell University's College of Veterinary Medicine. She has wanted to be veterinarian since high school, when she volunteered at the shelter and did a range of duties, from cleaning kennels to preparing animals for surgery.
Dr. Erin Henry, assistant clinical professor of shelter medicine at Cornell University, says that as a veterinary student, Cote took electives in shelter medicine, traveled to the local shelter to care for animals, and participated in the University's spay/neuter clinics.
"Having Alyssa as a student was a pleasure," he says. "She excelled in her clinical rotations and always considered how to provide the best care to an animal while understanding that veterinary care is expensive for many pet owners."
As part of the shelter's veterinary team, Cote will be available twice a week at the Pet Wellness Center to perform examinations, vaccinations, routine diagnostics, and spay/neuter surgeries.
More space, better services
In the first phase of the project, WCHS bought the property next door to the existing building. The organization broke ground in 2023 to fully renovate its 4,000-square-foot shelter and add the 2,500-square-foot Pet Wellness Center.
The total project cost is estimated at $2.8 million.
While an estate bequest and fundraising have gone a long way to fund the project, donations to the capital campaign can still be made at windhamcountyhumane.org/capital-campaign-donations.
The new center will include:
• Improved spaces for laboratory work, surgery, and exams.
• More "compassionate assistance" to protect people's privacy, and sequester incoming animals who have not yet been examined from those going home.
• Added quarantine space for animals transported from overcrowded shelters; an improved intake area.
• Better best practice accommodations for stressed and ill animals.
• Added spaces for cats, including a colony room and outside "catios."
• Improved kennel spaces for dogs.
• Expanded outdoor dog yards.
• Easier, faster, safer, more cost-efficient heating, cleaning, and air-handling systems.
The Pet Care Assistance program receives donations to reduce the cost of veterinary care and supplies.
"Without donors, the shelter animals couldn't get the amazing care they do, and we couldn't extend our programs into the community to keep owned animals safe and in their homes," Richmond says. "Donations are always needed and accepted."
In 2023, more than 500 dogs and cats were adopted from WCHS, and 2,500 community pets received low-cost or free veterinary care or spay/neuter surgery.
Donations reduce the cost of veterinary care and supplies for clients and ensure that animals get the services they need to be healthy and pain-free.
To learn more about Windham County Humane Society's programs or to donate, visit windhamcountyhumane.org.
This News item by Virginia Ray was written for The Commons.