About Us

Every Tail Has a Beginning
​​

• GDHS was established in 1989 as a volunteer-run, no-kill humane society serving the town of Gananoque and the surrounding area (specifically the former Front of Leeds Township, now part of Leeds & the Thousand Islands).  

 

• In 1992, GDHS became a full-service affiliate of Ontario SPCA (the provincial animal welfare organziation), affirming its commitment to animal protection under the recognized standards. ​​

​​​

• The organization is incorporated as a not-for-profit charity under Ontario law and is registered with the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) — meaning it operates legally as a charitable organization and can issue tax receipts for donations.

---

Peach's (kittens) Kiwi, Cherry, Melon, Applye & Plum

Our Board of Directors 2025–2026

​Board of Executives & Directors (GDHS)​
​

• The Board of Executives and Directors are responsible for governance and strategic oversight for GDHS, which is a volunteer-run, charitable, no-kill animal shelter. The Board helps guide the shelter’s mission, finances, policies, fundraising and long-term planning, rather than day-to-day cat care.

 

• All board members are volunteers — none are paid, and they usually have other jobs or are retired while giving their time to the organization. 

Meet our Executives

Melina Chestley

PRESIDENT

Director of Foster Programme & Community Outreach

Director of
Operations & Staffing

Kathleen Youmans

SECRETARY

​Michèle Serano

treasurer

Past President

Denise Smith

VICE PRESIDENT

Director of Volunteer Relations

---

Meet our Directors 

Paul Perrault

Director of Property

Heidi Mathers

DIRECTOR OF ADOPTIONS

This could be You! 

director OF FUNDRAISING

This could be You! ​

DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL MEDIA

Our Shelter Facility ​

Lobby

Romper

Sunshine Room

Quiet Room

Recovery

Quarantine

FACEBOOK

INSTAGRAM

Quick Links

Canada Helps! Your support makes a difference, thank you!

YOUTUBE