After nearly 90 years of service and expanding its reach across the region, the Oakville & Milton Humane Society has announced a new name and refreshed identity to reflect its growing role in Halton.
The organization is now known as the Humane Society of Oakville, Milton & Halton (HSOMH), a change leaders say better represents its broader service area, expanded programs, and long-standing community impact.
Director of Community Engagement and Communications for the newly rebranded HSOMH, Calla James, says it’s all about growth and adapting to needs.
In a press release earlier this month, officials emphasized the rebrand is not simply cosmetic, but a reflection of decades of growth driven by increased demand and regional involvement.
“Over the years, our work has naturally grown beyond our walls and today our arms are open, eager to serve even more into the future,” said Executive Director Jeff Vallentin. He mentioned that families from across Halton rely on the organization for emergency sheltering and the pet food bank, while children from surrounding communities participate in education programs, camps, and empathy-building initiatives. Volunteers from across the region also support daily operations, alongside ongoing work with Ontario’s Animal Welfare Services.
From its early days operating with limited resources, the organization has expanded alongside Oakville, Milton, and neighbouring communities. As the region continues to grow, HSOMH has increased its services, including enhanced support for provincial animal welfare efforts.
“Our community has outgrown our footprint,” added Vallentin. “We want to do more. We can do more. And we’re taking real steps to make that happen.”
One of those steps includes selling its current property to the Town of Oakville and beginning planning for a new, modern shelter. The future facility is intended to increase capacity, improve services, and better support the region for years to come.
The rebrand was supported in part by the organization being named the 2025 recipient of the Humanology for Good Grant from Jan Kelley. Through the grant, more than $100,000 in pro bono marketing expertise was provided to help develop a new visual identity and website.
“They saw our potential and believed in what we’re building,” noted Vallentin. “That trust speaks volumes about the work we do and the future ahead.”
Along with the new name, HSOMH has launched a refreshed logo and website aimed at better communicating its mission of compassion, care, and community connection. Officials say the organization’s core values remain unchanged as it moves into its next chapter.
“Our growth belongs to this community,” emphasized Vallentin. “We’re proud of what we’ve built together and energized by what’s ahead.”
For more information, whether it be regarding, volunteering, donating or anything else, check out the new website here.
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