Our Favorite Feel-Good Story of the Month

Adoption updates make our day! There’s nothing better than seeing our former shelter pets like Marlin living their best lives. 

"On Saturday, June 28th, we adopted Marlin and I just wanted to share an update and a few photos about how well he is doing since I know he was a long-time resident with GMHS.

His name is now Marlin Jack or, as we also like to call him, “MJ”. He is absolutely loving the life as the center of attention at Just Plumbing. He is adored by every single office person and plumber who all enjoy showering him with affection, treats, and toys. He has discovered so many fun places in which he loves to nap, and even has 5 beds that he likes to move around and position and he sees fit! Marlin has been a wonderful addition to our environment. His happiness and comfort level is obvious to us all, so overall, I think it is safe to say we are very grateful for each other!

If there is anything Just Plumbing can ever help you with, please feel free to give us, and Marlin Jack, a call!"

August Adoptions

August was an incredible month at GMHS thanks to Clear the Shelters! With your support, 134 pets were adopted into loving homes and 52 pets were transferred to our amazing rescue partners, giving them the second chance they deserve. Each wagging tail and happy purr is a testament to the power of community, compassion, and teamwork. We are so grateful to everyone who opened their hearts and homes, making this life-saving success possible!

August Shelter Snapshot

The generous support of staff, volunteers, and donors enables GMHS to provide daily care, cover special medical needs, foster animals in homes as needed, and arrange transportation to adoption-guaranteed partners.

New shirts have arrived at the Rescue Rack, and they’re purrfect for showing off your love for animals! Every shirt you buy helps provide food, medical care, and comfort for homeless pets at GMHS.

 Shop. Support. Save lives. 

Upcoming Events

Gloucester-Mathews Humane Society and Fixin' to Save Spay & Neuter Clinic are teaming up to host a FREE rabies vaccination and microchip clinic thanks to the generous support of the Mathews Community Foundation!

• Saturday, September 20, 2025
• Fixin’ to Save Clinic – White Marsh Shopping Center, Hayes
• By appointment ONLY for friendly cats and dogs
• Rabies vaccines are required by law and help keep both pets and families safe.
• Microchips give lost pets the best chance of being reunited with their families.



Appointments are required. Reserve your spot by clicking here!

Let’s work together for a healthier, safer community for pets and people!

Compassionate Community

A huge thank you to Mikayla, age 11, who makes and sells bracelets and sugar scrubs to raise money for our shelter pets! Thanks to her kindness and hard work, she is able to purchase much-needed supplies for the animals in our care. You’re making a big difference, Mikayla!

A big thank you to our friends at BayPort Credit Union for spending the day volunteering with us! Your helping hands made a big difference for our team and our pets. We’re so grateful for your time, energy, and support!

Madison, Alaina, and Ben held a lemonade stand to raise funds for the homeless pets of GMHS! They’re pictured here with Duncan Campbell, our Cat Lead, and Tuna, an adorable foster kitty! Thank you, Madison, Alaina, and Ben, for your kindness and support — you’re making a difference, one sweet sip at a time!

Amelia, Eloise, Vanessa, and Wilder (not pictured) recently put their creativity and compassion to work for the pets of GMHS. They made cat and dog toys and baked goods to sell, raising $53 for our shelter!



They also brought in a donation of toys for our furry friends. Thank you for being true champions for homeless pets!

We are so grateful to Girl Scout Troop 170 for spending time with us volunteering and for donating much-needed supplies for our pets. Your kindness, energy, and generosity make such a difference for the animals in our care.

A huge thank you to Diane and Peter Perina of Eastfields Farms in Mathews for their incredible support of the homeless pets at GMHS!

This summer, Eastfields Farms collected donations and hosted their pick-your-own blueberry fundraiser, raising an amazing $3,412 for the animals in our care.

Diane shared, “So many donated beyond our expectations and deserve recognition for their generosity and compassion about helping GMHS. Our community continues to thrive by having amazing people that care and support organizations like yours.”

We couldn’t agree more! Thank you to Diane, Peter, and everyone who donated—you’re making a life-saving difference for pets in need!

Support GMHS and Save Lives

A stray pregnant cat was brought into our care, and we knew the best course of action was to get the kitty we named Starr into a foster home where she could safely have and nurture her kittens until they could be placed up for adoption. Starr gave birth to five healthy and happy kittens, and she has proven to be a great Mama!  

Starr’s foster family noticed a strange bump on her shoulder, so they brought her into the shelter for an exam. Dr. Tagliente found and removed an old piece of buckshot pellet that had started to work its way up towards the surface of Starr’s skin!  

No one knows when this kitty was shot, but you know it had to have caused her a lot of pain. Amazingly, despite being shot and having to fend for herself, Starr still likes and trusts people! We are so happy there is a happy ending to this story: Starr’s foster family is planning to adopt her and two of her kittens!

GMHS has made a promise to keep animals that come into our care safe, fed, and healthy until the day they can find the loving homes they deserve. Your support helps us keep that promise and help mend broken bodies and spirits!

Donations to support the pets of GMHS can be made online, over the phone (804-693-5520), and mail (P.O. Box 385, Gloucester, VA 23061). 

GMHS is neither affiliated with any national animal welfare organizations nor receives funding from the ASPCA or the Humane Society of the United States. GMHS is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization. Our tax ID# is 51-0206238. All gifts are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.

Shelter Pet Spotlight - Koda

Meet Koda, the four-legged bundle of joy who’s always ready to turn any day into an adventure! This playful, people-loving pup has a heart as big as his zoomies and a tail that never stops wagging.

Koda is super friendly with humans—whether you're a new face or a familiar friend, he’s always happy to greet you with a big smile and maybe a few happy hops. He’s also shown signs of being dog-friendly, so he could be a great match if you’ve got a pup looking for a new pal!

Active and energetic, Koda is all about fun. Long walks? Yes, please. Playtime in the yard? Absolutely. A basket full of toys? Don’t mind if he does!

If you're searching for a furry best friend who’s equal parts sweet and spirited, Koda might just be your perfect match. Come meet him today—he’s ready to play his way into your heart!

A HOMELESS PET IS ONE STEP CLOSER

TO FINDING A HOME

EVERY TIME YOU FOLLOW US

ON SOCIAL MEDIA!