Asheville, NC (September 2, 2026) ─ Asheville Humane Society (AHS) is asking the community for immediate help as its dog kennels have reached and exceeded capacity. With more medium and large dogs in the shelters’ care than available space, now is the time to consider adopting.
“More dogs are coming through our doors than we have space for,” said Tracy Elliott, executive director of Asheville Humane Society. “Every adoption opens a kennel to another one. Every dog that finds a new home means one more life we can save. We need our community’s support, and we need it now.”
Currently, AHS has over 63 dogs available for adoption; the standard capacity for the AHS Adoption Center is 24 medium and large dogs. As a result, more than 40 dogs are currently being housed in overflow areas.
Contributing factors to the increase of shelter population include rising cost of living and veterinary care, increased number of owner surrenders, stray intakes, and animal control cases. When shelters operate over capacity for extended periods, it increases stress on the animals in their care, strains staff and volunteer resources, and can ultimately limit the shelter’s ability to provide the high level of care that the animals deserve.
To address the crisis, Asheville Humane Society is asking the community to:
- Adopt. Every dog adopted opens a kennel for another animal in need. Adoption fees are currently waived through September 6 thanks to Biltmore Championship Asheville.
- Foster. Short-term and long-term foster homes for medium and large dogs are always needed, especially for dogs who struggle in a shelter environment or prefer to be the only pet in a home.
- Donate. Financial support helps cover the cost of food, medical care, and enrichment for animals waiting for homes. Every donation in the month of September is matched up to $50,000 thanks to a generous donor.
- Spread the word. Sharing adoptable dogs on social media and with friends and family helps them find homes faster.
Prospective adopters can view available dogs at www.ashevillehumane.org or visit the shelter in person Monday-Saturday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and on Sundays 12-4 p.m. at 14 Forever Friend Lane Asheville, NC 28806. Walk-ins are welcome, and staff are available to help match adopters with the right dog for their home and lifestyle.
About Asheville Humane Society
Since 1984, Asheville Humane Society has dedicated itself 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.
We’re more than an animal shelter, we’re a lifeline. Through personalized adoptions, education opportunities, volunteering, fostering, emergency resources, and cutting-edge care innovations, we are working to go above and beyond animal sheltering.
