Winnipeg Humane Society scaling back hours

Starting on April 27, the Winnipeg Humane Society will have reduced hours partly due to rising costs.

The Winnipeg Humane Society is reducing the hours it will be open to the public next month.

Starting April 27, the society’s offices will be closed on Mondays, and open Tuesday to Friday from noon to 6:30 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 5:30 p.m.

Carly Peters, director of communications and marketing for the organization, said the changes are due to rising operating costs and lower revenue growth in recent years, as well as launching new initiatives and community programs.

“While these programs are essential to our mission, they also require additional resources to operate,” Peters said in a statement. “As a result, we are reviewing how we operate to ensure we are using our resources as effectively as possible.”

Peters said the decision to close its doors on Monday was based on examining how other animal shelters structure their hours, noting shelters in Ottawa, Regina and Saskatoon are all closed on Monday. Peters added Mondays are typically the Winnipeg Humane Society’s lowest day for adoptions, and the reduced hours will allow staff to focus time and resources on animal care.

Peters said for animal surrenders, the public needs to make appointments during regular shelter hours.