1926-2026
explore 100 years of wechs
1925
1925
Georgina Lamarsh opens Windsor’s first animal shelter at her home on Goyeau Street, marking the beginning of the animal welfare movement in Windsor.
1926
1926
The Windsor Humane Society is formally established, and the first Humane Officer is hired.
1949
September 6, 1949
The Windsor Humane Society is officially incorporated.
1952
1952
The first Humane Society building opens at 1577 Crawford Ave.
1967
1967
Tiny the Cat arrives at the shelter and becomes the first official shelter mascot.
1971
1971
The new Humane Society shelter opens at 1375 Provincial Road.
1978
March, 1978
Pickles, Windsor’s beloved street dog, becomes an official ambassador for the Humane Society.
1980
June, 1980
In June 1980, a young black bear escaped from the Belle Isle Zoo, swam across the Detroit River to Windsor, and was taken to the Humane Society. That night, it broke out again, causing damage in the attic before being safely recaptured and returned to the Detroit Zoo.
1994
April 7, 1994
WECHS becomes the first organization in Ontario to implement a mandatory spay/neuter policy for all animals aged eight weeks and older.
1995
April, 1995
Dennis, the feline shelter mascot, arrives at WECHS. He lived at the shelter until his passing in 2011.
1999
1999
The foster program launches, allowing volunteers to care for animals needing medical treatment or awaiting adoption – previously, only staff could foster animals.
2010
2010
A major expansion is added to the existing WECHS building following the ‘Help End the Heartache’ Shelter Expansion Fund campaign.
2011
August 8, 2011
Happy Tails Dog Park officially opens.
2011
August 8, 2011
The WECHS Veterinary Clinic opens, expanding access to affordable animal care.
2015
December 17, 2015
Justice the dog is found bound with electrical tape in a Windsor field. He survives, becomes a symbol for animal rights, and helps raise awareness about animal cruelty.
2021
July 10, 2021
In response to COVID-19 restrictions, WECHS holds its first Drive-Through Microchip Clinic.
2025
2025
WECHS earns mobile veterinary accreditation, marking a new era of community outreach and accessible veterinary care for underserved populations.