Our shelter receives a variety of purebred and mixed breed animals
from one of three different sources.

The majority of the 3,000 animals we place for adoption every year are once-loved pets who are surrendered by their owners. For whatever unforeseen reason, the pet’s family can no longer care for them. Or, the animal may be one of hundreds that are transferred to our program from the Lucas County Dog Warden, who were not able to find homes through that adoption program. Or, one of our Cruelty Investigation Officers may have rescued the animal from a situation involving abuse or neglect.

Upon arrival, each animal will receive a health check and a temperament/ behavior evaluation. Once the animal is deemed healthy and safe, she will be spayed by our in-house veterinarian and put up for adoption.

It is our goal to help every animal at-risk for abandonment or cruelty, and to find a home for every adoptable animal. The Humane Society is the only animal welfare group in this community who will give refuge to any animal at-risk for abuse or neglect, regardless of its type, health, age or whether we have space.

The Humane Society’s outstanding efforts to prevent pet overpopulation continue as the only animal welfare group in this area to employ a veterinarian full-time to spay or neuter every animal and monitor its care before adoption.

Founded in 1884 as one of the first humane societies in the United States, our original purpose was to prevent cruelty and provide refuge for both children and animals. To this day, after more than 120 years, we continue to provide homeless, abused and abandoned animals with protection and lifelong homes.