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, 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 an animal shelter. Our commitment to this mission is apparent in everything we do.
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 building a supportive community that positively impacts pets and people.
HOW WE ACCOMPLISH OUR MISSION
COMPASSION
We have a deep, genuine regard for the experience, needs, and welfare of every animal and person.
PROFESSIONAL INTEGRITY
We hold ourselves to a high standard of respect, competence, and skill in working with animals, community members, and each other. We are ethical and fair in every action we take, and we communicate with honesty and transparency.
See how we take financial responsibility.
SOLUTION ORIENTED
We strive to learn and seek solutions to achieve the best practices and to stay on the leading edge of animal welfare.
COMMUNITY CONNECTION
We engage our community proactively and respectfully to ensure that pets and their people thrive together.
INCLUSIVITY
We value thoughts, collaborations, and collective care for the animals and people in our community. We listen to and seek to understand the needs of each person and animal and be responsive to those needs.
THE FIVE DOMAINS
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 Domains.” Every animal should have:
- Good Nutrition – animals should have access to the right quality of fresh water and food to suit their needs and keep them happy
- Good Environment – animals should have a suitable place to rest and get shelter, and which is not stressful or gives them a negative emotional experience
- Good Health – Disease and injury should be prevented, and if it does happen, it should be treated quickly and as stress free as possible
- Appropriate Behavior – animals should have enough space, proper facilities, company of their own kind, and opportunities to make their own decisions
- Positive Mental Experiences – negative emotional experiences should be eliminated or reduced and animals should be provided positive emotional experiences
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.