A New Chapter: 5 Urgent Ways Humane Society Waterville Area Is Rebuilding After 2024 Crisis
As of December 23, 2025, the Humane Society Waterville Area (HSWA) is charting a crucial new course, focused on stability and renewed community engagement following a challenging period in 2024. The shelter, located at 100 Webb Road in Waterville, Maine, is known for its open-admission, no-kill philosophy, meaning it accepts all animals regardless of health or temperament and does not euthanize for lack of space.
This commitment was severely tested when the facility faced a temporary closure and significant health outbreaks among its animals, coupled with a leadership transition. Today, under new executive leadership, the HSWA is aggressively working to stabilize operations, replenish resources, and ensure the long-term health and welfare of the dogs, cats, and "pocket pets" in its care.
Meet the New Leadership: Josh Forester, Executive Director
The Humane Society Waterville Area's (HSWA) recent push for stability began with the appointment of a new leader in the summer of 2024. The organization brought in an experienced professional to guide the shelter through its recovery and into a sustainable future.
- Name: Josh Forester
- Age: 48 (at the time of appointment)
- Hometown/Residence: Cornville, Maine
- Role: Executive Director, Humane Society Waterville Area (HSWA)
- Appointment Date: June 2024
- Key Background: Forester was hired with a professional background that includes owning a dog training business, a crucial skill set for managing animal behavior and welfare within a shelter environment.
- Context of Hiring: His appointment came after a period of operational instability, which included the departure of the previous executive director and several board members following the animal health crisis.
The 2024 Crisis: Navigating Health Outbreaks and Operational Shifts
The middle of 2024 proved to be a critical period for the Waterville animal shelter, which serves the greater Central Maine region. The facility was forced to temporarily close its doors to the public and adoptions due to severe health challenges among its residents.
A Contagious Fungal and Viral Battle
The shelter faced multiple, concurrent outbreaks of contagious animal illnesses. The most publicized issues involved a fungal disease, such as ringworm, and a viral outbreak that specifically affected the cat wing, necessitating a complete closure of that section.
These illnesses are highly contagious and require intensive treatment, isolation, and deep cleaning protocols, which strained the shelter's resources, staff, and facilities. The closure was a necessary step to quarantine the affected animals, prevent further spread, and allow the staff to focus entirely on treatment and sanitation.
Leadership and Board Transitions
In the wake of the health crisis and operational difficulties, the shelter experienced a significant turnover in leadership. The previous executive director departed, and the board of directors saw the exit of four members. This period of flux underscored the immediate need for a strong, stable leader like Josh Forester to restore community trust and operational efficiency. The current focus is on rebuilding the foundation of the organization while maintaining its core mission.
5 Urgent Ways the Humane Society Waterville Area Needs Community Support Now
Despite the challenges, the Humane Society Waterville Area has reopened its doors for adoptions and continues its vital work. As an open-admission shelter, the need for community support is constant, especially as they recover from the recent crisis. Here are five immediate and impactful ways you can help the HSWA today:
1. Prioritize Adoption and Fostering
The most direct way to help is to open your home. The shelter is a high-adoption facility, and every successful adoption creates space for another animal in need. Adopting a dog, cat, or one of the "pocket pets" (like rabbits or guinea pigs) reduces kennel stress and frees up critical resources for animals undergoing medical treatment or behavioral rehabilitation. The HSWA adoption process is designed to find the perfect match, often requiring all family members and existing dogs to meet the potential new pet.
2. Donate Essential Supplies from the Wish List
The daily care of hundreds of animals requires a huge volume of supplies. Following the health outbreaks, the need for sanitation and medical supplies is particularly acute. You can shop their official online wish lists (such as the Chewy Wish List) or drop off physical donations at the 100 Webb Road facility.
High-Priority Wish List Items:
- Canned and dry food for puppies, kittens, dogs, and cats
- Newspapers, blankets, and towels (used items are often accepted, but check for current needs)
- Cleaning supplies (bleach, paper towels, hand sanitizer)
- Cat litter and puppy pads
- Durable dog toys and enrichment items
3. Support Spay/Neuter and Wellness Programs
A core part of the HSWA mission is community education and responsible pet ownership, which includes advocating for the humane treatment of all animals. Financial donations are crucial for funding the shelter's spay and neuter programs, which are vital for controlling the pet population in the Waterville, Maine, and Kennebec Valley areas. These funds also cover the cost of veterinary care for sick and injured animals, a necessity highlighted by the recent outbreaks.
4. Volunteer Your Time and Skills
Volunteers are the backbone of any humane society. The HSWA relies on dedicated community members to assist with a variety of tasks, from direct animal care to administrative support. Opportunities include:
- Walking dogs and socializing cats
- Cleaning kennels and facilities
- Assisting with activities and programs at the Community Center
- Helping with fundraising events, such as the recent "Paw-tio" fundraiser
5. Financial Contributions for Operational Stability
As a nonprofit organization, the Humane Society Waterville Area depends on the generosity of the public to maintain its open-admission status and continue its life-saving work. General financial donations provide the flexibility to address the most pressing needs—whether it's emergency veterinary care, facility repairs, or staffing. The shelter operates year-round at 100 Webb Road and is a valued partner of organizations like Best Friends Animal Society, underscoring its commitment to high standards of animal welfare.
Supporting the HSWA is an investment in the health and compassion of the Central Maine community, ensuring that every abandoned or neglected animal receives the love and care they deserve.
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