What started as an outdoor event during the pandemic for the Cambridge and District Humane Society has transformed into an annual celebration in support of the animals in its care.
Howl-o-ween returns for its fourth year in the Galt Curling Club parking lot on Dunbar Road on Oct. 28 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Local vendors, Heaton Up the Grill Food Truck, a costume contest and games will all be set up for the community to enjoy.
More importantly, the day provides the humane society with an opportunity to raise awareness and funds for critical services as the shelter fills up.
"We're still at capacity with cats," Michelle Gellatly, executive director at the Cambridge Humane Society says.
"Even dogs are at capacity more than I've seen in a while."
The problem doesn't end with the sheer number of animals being brought in. The average amount of time they're in the humane society's care before being adopted out has also been longer than normal.
Length of stay increases create a number of problems, Gellatly says. Despite their best efforts to socialize and create healthy habits, the longer a cat or dog is being housed, the greater chance there is for stress-induced illnesses to develop.
The other issue is the longer an animal stays, the more it costs.
Gellatly estimates medical expenses alone range from $10,000 to $15,000 per month. When she took over the position five years ago, the yearly average was $110,000 but has only gone up since.
As a not-for-profit, her team relies heavily on donations and public support.
"Every animal that comes in gets a full assessment and everything it needs," Gellatly says.
"Funds raised go directly into medical and animal care."
Being able to meet with supporters, mingle and give thanks outside of a normal work setting is not something Gellatly takes for granted.
"We love to see people come out and see the animals dressed up," she says.
"We have a small shelter and waiting room so we don't get to see that many people together all at once. It's going to be a wonderful time together."
To learn more about this year's Howl-o-ween event visit cambridgehumanesociety.org.
