This article was featured in WYDaily on 5/26/23.

The Heritage Humane Society now offers the newest venue in town to host children’s birthday parties. The birthday goers can celebrate with pals and pets and themed activities offered at Greater Williamsburg’s largest shelter for homeless animals.

Turnkey parties delight children, keep it easy for parents

Having a birthday party at The Heritage Humane Society is a fun way for children to celebrate their special day and even inspires community involvement at an early age. Every party includes a behind-the-scenes tour of the shelter, a visit with an adoptable pet, and the birthday child receives a goody bag with a stuffed animal and an adoption certificate.

Every party also includes two hours in the shelter’s multipurpose room. Tables and chairs are provided along with tablecloths, party hats, plates, cups, utensils and a themed birthday banner. Parties are available for up to 15 children and there is an added charge for each additional attendee. Children under 3 and parents are welcome and are free.

Guests can select from three party package options, each at a different price. Every party includes the above noted experiences, room rental and supplies.
• Paw-some Birthday Party.
• Su-Paw-Star Birthday Party. In addition, this themed party also includes a naming opportunity for the birthday child for one of the shelter’s incoming shelter animals, a craft activity for kids to make and take home or an enrichment activity for the animals, and downloadable invitations and thank you cards.
• Meow-gical & Bark-tastic Birthday Party. In addition to the items included in the Su-Paw-Star Birthday Party, the birthday child receives a large stuffed animal in their goodie bag, and each child will have the opportunity to create a pet. They will be able to choose a pet, stuff, adopt and take it home with them along with an adoption certificate.

Parties provide their own food and non-alcoholic beverages. The shelter’s multipurpose room includes a sink area and refrigerator for added convenience.

Now accepting party reservations

Birthday parties are now available for booking online. Select Saturdays in June through September have slots for 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. and 3 to 5 p.m. Families of the birthday child will work with Kendell Thomas, the shelter’s Humane Education & Activities Manager, affectionately known as the Manager of Fun. Thomas’ years of experience working with animals at zoos and adventure parks along with her popularity with children in teaching them the joys of the animal kingdom make for a natural party hostess.

“I am excited to help kids celebrate their birthdays here at The Heritage Humane Society! An animal-themed party with adoptable pets would have been my dream as a kid,” shares Kendell Thomas, Humane Education & Activities Manager at The Heritage Humane Society. “Whatever party package the birthday child and their family chooses, we will make sure they have a great time with their family, friends and our lovable shelter pets.”

Adopt a furry, or not so furry, friend to join the fun

The Heritage Humane Society has more than 215 dogs, cats and small pets currently in their care. Adoptable pets are available to meet during The Heritage Humane Society’s visiting and adopting hours from 12 to 4:30 p.m., Tues. through Sun.

To learn more, visit HeritageHumane.org, call 757-221-0150, or visit The Heritage Humane Society located at 430 Waller Mill Rd, Williamsburg, VA 23185.

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