Oswego County Humane Society Highlights Critical Community Role at Oswego Rotary Meeting

Katrina Drumm, Executive Director of the Oswego County Humane Society, recently addressed the Oswego Rotary Club, providing an overview of the organization’s impactful work throughout Oswego County and the growing need for community support.
During her presentation, Drumm introduced three young kittens – Penelope, Claude, and Antonia – who are currently being cared for by one of the Humane Society’s dedicated foster families. The kittens served as a heartwarming example of the organization’s reliance on foster caregivers to nurture animals while permanent homes are found.
Drumm shared updates on the Humane Society’s facility at 171 Mitchell Street in Oswego. Thanks to recently secured funding, the organization has finalized plans and is near the start of renovating the building. The space currently houses administrative offices and provides a welcoming environment where prospective adopters can meet animals. However, it is not yet equipped for overnight care, making foster families essential to daily operations until renovations are completed.
“The foster network is truly the backbone of our organization right now,” Drumm explained. “Fosters not only provide care, but they also get to know each animal’s personality, which helps ensure the best possible match with a forever family.”
In addition to caring for surrendered and abandoned animals, the Oswego County Humane Society offers a pet food pantry designed to help families keep their pets during times of financial hardship. By reducing barriers such as the cost of pet food, the organization works to prevent unnecessary surrenders and keep animals in loving homes.
The Oswego County Humane Society also plays a vital educational role in the community. Drumm highlighted programs that teach children how to safely and respectfully interact with animals, including proper approaches to dogs and cats. These efforts aim to foster lifelong compassionate relationships between people and pets.
A pressing concern discussed during the presentation is the ongoing need for spay and neuter services in the region. Expanding access to these clinics is essential to controlling the local pet population and reducing the number of animals entering shelters.
Drumm also noted the organization’s recent involvement in a large-scale rescue effort, underscoring the Humane Society’s commitment to responding when animals are in crisis. Every animal that comes into their care receives necessary veterinary services, including vaccinations, treatments such as deworming, grooming, and other medical care often required for neglected or abandoned pets.
In closing, Drumm encouraged community members to consider fostering as an entry point into pet ownership. “Fostering is a wonderful way for families to learn what type of pet fits best into their home and lifestyle, while also making a meaningful difference in an animal’s life,” she said.
The Oswego Humane Society continues to rely on the generosity and involvement of the community to support its mission of improving the lives of animals across Oswego County.
For more information about fostering, adopting, or supporting the Oswego Humane Society, please check out their website www.oswegohumane.org. For information about the Oswego Rotary Club go to their Facebook page or email [email protected].

Pictured are Katrina Drumm, Executive Director of the Oswego County Humane Society, Randy Ziegler, Rotarian, and Sabine Ingerson, President Oswego Rotary Club