Our Mission
We are dedicated to ensuring the highest quality of life for animals in Henderson County and our neighboring communities through adoption, outreach, and education.
Our Vision
We envision a community that embraces the protection, compassionate care, and highest quality of life for animals.
Our Work
At our Adoption Center, we assess behavior and treat conditions as necessary with all animals under our care. Prior to adoption, each animal is provided with all the appropriate vaccinations, a microchip, dewormed, and are spayed or neutered. In addition, each pet goes home with a 30-day free health insurance plan. We are committed to finding lifelong homes for every pet. Screening and counseling of potential families contribute to our successful adoptions.
The Blue Ridge Humane Society works closely with Henderson County Animal Services, the only open-admission facility in our County. As an “open admission” facility, Henderson County Animal Services is responsible for all admissions including strays, owner surrenders, and confiscated animals. Since the County Shelter is unable to refuse intakes due to lack of kennel space and the overwhelming homeless pet population, they are forced to euthanize for space. To try to alleviate space concerns, we receive the majority of our animals from Henderson County Animal Services as well as from other open admission animal shelters in surrounding counties.
Beyond Adoptions
- Spay/Neuter Incentive Program (SNIP): Provides low-cost spay/neuter services through a collaborative agreement with the ASPCA Spay/Neuter Alliance in Asheville, NC. Surgeries cost $10 for all Henderson County residents no matter their income and include a rabies vaccination.
- Foster Program: Involves individuals who are approved to be foster parents to provide temporary housing for one or more of our animals. BRHS covers food and medical costs for the animal until it is adopted out.
- Pet Food Assistance: We partner with local human food banks by supplying litter, pet food or treats to their clients. By making pet food more accessible, it is our hope that members of our community will no longer have to worry about feeding their furry family members.
- Meals on Wheels Pet Pals: Council on Aging of Henderson County currently serves 115 pet owners through their Meals on Wheels program. Many of those individuals own more than one pet, making the total number of pets among their clients close to 184. Although 47 clients receive food each day from Meals on Wheels, some still lack basic pet care. Through our Meals on Wheels Pet Pals program, we wish to provide basic socialization, hygiene, and medical care to the pets living with Meals on Wheels recipients. Through this service, we will not only improve the quality of life for pets but also keep them in loving homes.
- Vaccine and Routine Wellness Resources: Blue Ridge Humane Society strives to bridge the gap to provide access to preventable healthcare for pets. Preventative care like vaccines and flea/tick medication is important to your pet’s health pets and decreases the chances of expensive veterinary bills. Though we are not currently providing low-cost wellness clinics, please check back for future vaccine clinic dates.
- Re-Homing Listing: Life has its ups and its downs and sometimes things just don’t work out. A relationship ends, a new family member comes along, money gets tight… any number of things could happen that leave an otherwise wonderful family pet looking for a new home. To help these pet owners, we provide a courtesy re-homing listing for those who would like to find a loving home for a pet without surrendering them to an animal shelter.
- Training Classes: Classes are offered throughout the year to the public and at a discount to adopters. All fees collected go directly to the Blue Ridge Humane Society animal medical funds.
- Pet Helpline: Whether it be litter box problems, housing issues, dog training tips, stray neighborhood cats, vet assistance, suspected abuse/neglect, or concerns about keeping your pet, call (828) 393-5832 and we will have you covered.
- Education Programs: Humane education lessons with the schools and community organizations include the ABC’s of animal sheltering, understanding your pet’s needs, pet communication, and much more. When you schedule your visit, we will work with you to meet the learning needs of your students.
- Emergency Vet Assistance: Though we are not able to assist with existing medical bills, BRHS offers Emergency Veterinary Assistance in times of economic distress. We provide medical vouchers to assist with emergency veterinary visits prior to your visit.
- Housing Assistance: Blue Ridge Humane Society offers housing assistance programs designed to help Henderson County residents keep their companion animals through difficult times. A pet owner who is temporarily unable to keep an animal due to relocation or other emergency circumstances may qualify for assistance with temporary boarding costs or the program can help with a one-time pet deposit for a rental unit.
- Lost & Found: Whether you lost a pet, found a pet, or are curious about a stray, we are here to help. 14% of dogs and 15% of cats will go missing during a 5-year period in the US. Cats only have a 2-4% return to owner rate if they end up in a shelter. Blue Ridge Humane Society is here to provide you with tips, resources, and advice on what to do if you find yourself in a Lost and Found pet situation. Text (883) 786-0730 to immediately start receiving text messages to help find your lost pet!
