Who we are
As the only open-intake animal shelter in Buncombe County, we're always here for the animals in our community.
We love pets, and people.
Since 1984, we’ve dedicated ourselves to ensuring every animal has the quality of life they deserve – a life worth living. Now, we go beyond our walls to help create a more humane community for pets and the people who love them.
Asheville Humane Society is a local, independent nonprofit not affiliated with the Humane Society of the United States.
Learn what makes us, us.
WHAT WE DO
Asheville Humane Society is dedicated to promoting the compassionate treatment of animals in our community through education, sheltering and adoption.
HOW WE ACCOMPLISH OUR MISSION
COMPASSION
We have a deep, genuine regard for the experience, needs, and welfare of every animal and person.
COMMITMENT
We have an unwavering dedication to a life worth living for the animals and people of our community.
INTEGRITY
We are ethical and fair in every action we take, and we communicate with honesty and transparency.
See how we take financial responsibility.
CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT
We always strive for excellence through innovation and science-based initiatives to achieve best practices and to stay on the leading edge of animal welfare.
PROFESSIONALISM
We hold ourselves to a high standard of respect, competence, and skill in dealing with animals, people, and each other.
COMMUNITY
We engage our community proactively and respectfully to ensure that pets and their people live and thrive together.
THE FIVE FREEDOMS
We are deeply committed to the compassionate treatment of every animal in our community. Our core ideology is expressed in a widely-adopted set of animal welfare principles entitled, “The Five Freedoms.” Every animal should have:
- Freedom from hunger or thirst
- Freedom from discomfort
- Freedom from pain, injury, or disease
- Freedom to express (most) normal behavior
- Freedom from fear and distress
What makes us different
We’re more than an animal shelter, we're a lifeline. Our programs take a holistic approach to lead the way toward a more compassionate world.
Buncombe County Animal Shelter
Located next door to the Adoption Center, the shelter serves as a point of entry for all unsafe or unhealthy stray animals, animals brought in through Animal Services, and animals being surrendered by their owners by appointment.
Adoption Center
All animals in our Adoption Center come from the Buncombe County Animal Shelter. Our Adoption Center has two goals: to save pets' lives and strengthen the human-animal bond. Last year we helped 3,576 animals of 23 different species find a loving home.
Community Solutions
We help local pet owners care for and keep their beloved pets by increasing access to pet services.
Behavior Support
Our dedicated experts apply innovative strategies to address complex challenges that could prevent an animal's adoption, working with them for weeks or even months so they can thrive.
Relocation
The Relocation Program sends shelter animals to partner organizations across the country, which allows us to keep our doors open to help more animals in need.
Our Impact
Through supporters like you, we have accomplished more than we ever imagined possible. See how we have grown and evolved to meet the needs of our community.