In 1996, in collaboration with county government, we completed construction of the original structure at the back of the Fairgrounds. We built and opened our surgery clinic in 2005, added the dog adoption kennel in 2007, and totally remodeled the original shelter which became the adoption/volunteer center in 2008. Until March, 2022, when Fiscal Court officially took over all management and funding of shelter, we were an integral part of daily operations of the county shelter. Now, the Humane Society functions as an essential “Friend of the Shelter” organization, assisting with donated funds, supplies, and volunteer efforts to provide services which are beyond the scope of a rural Kentucky county shelter. Our most important contributions are: (1) providing veterinary care for sick, injured, or very young animals, plus foster homes for recovery or special care, (2) funding for transportation to distant rescue organizations (cost of vehicle, driver, and other travel expenses); and, (3) providing low-cost spay/neuter and other veterinary services for adopted shelter pets before release to new homes. Nearly all animal adoptions in Nelson County are now handled by our shelter partner, Nelson County Animal Shelter, and their available pets can be seen by clicking this link (https://www.petfinder.com/search/pets-for-adoption/?shelter_id%5B0%5D=KY560&sort%5B0%5D=recently_added) to their Petfinder page. The Humane Society occasionally has pets, mainly cats and kittens, housed in foster homes. When these become available, they can be viewed by clicking on this link (https://www.petfinder.com/search/cats-for-adoption/us/ky/40004/?distance=Anywhere&shelter_id%5B0%5D=KY33) which will take you to our Petfinder page where you can learn more about the pet and fill out an application. As always, the Humane Society continues to offer Humane Education and Pet Therapy visits to schools, community organizations, and assisted living facilities. We also continue to offer financial assistance to qualifying owners who cannot afford emergent or urgent treatment for their pets’ serious illnesses or injuries.
