Construction is underway on a new Animal Care & Adoption Centre for the Northumberland Humane Society (NHS), marking the launch of a $4-million capital campaign to transform its Cobourg facility.
NHS held a groundbreaking ceremony Tuesday (October 6) at its 363 Theatre Road South property, where community leaders, campaign volunteers, supporters, and project partners gathered to mark the start of construction. The first phase of the project is expected to be completed in August 2027, with the second and third phases planned to follow immediately.
The capital campaign, called “Built on Second Chances — Where Animals Find Their Way Home,” will fund a phased redevelopment of the existing facility, which NHS says was built nearly 30 years ago as a municipal pound and was never designed to meet the needs of a modern animal welfare organization.
“For 60 years, the Northumberland Humane Society has been here for animals and the people who care about them,” said NHS board and campaign chair Denise O’Brien.
“Today, we are building for the next 60 years. Built on Second Chances is about creating a facility that reflects the quality of care our animals deserve and gives our staff, volunteers and community the environment and resources needed to continue this important work.”
The first phase now under construction will add 6,100 square feet and significantly expand the humane society’s animal care and adoption capacity.
Plans include three new dog pods with 12 additional adoption kennels, improved cat accommodations with new cat condos and feature rooms, dedicated meet-and-greet spaces, accessible washrooms, upgraded reception and surrender areas, a new kitchen and laundry, and improvements to ventilation and sound management.
The second phase will add dog enrichment and training areas, grooming and shower facilities, and improved intake and isolation spaces, while the third and final phase will expand veterinary and community animal welfare services.
“Every part of this project is being considered through the lens of how we can better care for animals,” said NHS director of animal care Wendy Riley.
“The new centre will provide safer, healthier, and more appropriate spaces for the animals who come through our doors, while also creating a better environment for the people who care for them and help them find their way home.”
Beyond sheltering and adoption, programs include a pet food bank, spay and neuter assistance, crisis care and emergency boarding, lost-pet and reunification services, foster care, surrender support, humane education, and community outreach.
In 2025, NHS supported more than 1,200 animals, including 619 that were adopted into new homes, 214 lost animals that were reunited with their families, 300 animals that were assisted by the pet food bank, and 80 animals supported through crisis care.
NHS receives no government operating funding and relies on donors, volunteers, businesses, foundations, and community partners to support its programs and services.
The humane society says the capital campaign builds on its own financial commitment and donations already received during an early phase of fundraising.
“This is a community project,” O’Brien said. “Every animal that finds safety here, every family that finds support and every adoption that brings an animal home is made possible because people in our community choose to care.”
The Northumberland Humane Society is now inviting individuals, families, businesses, foundations, and community organizations to support the campaign.
More information about Built on Second Chances is available at northumberlandhs.com/campaign/.
