Foothills Humane Society (FHS)

Foothills Humane Society, a private 401(c) 3 non-profit no-kill animal welfare organization has been a cornerstone of our community since 1957. What sets us apart is our commitment to accepting all stray dogs and cats picked up by Animal Control Officers in Polk County and surrounding areas despite being a private organization. In a rural community where unneutered animals roam freely, our shelter experiences a constant influx of animals requiring medical care, vaccinations, spaying/neutering, and basic training to find loving homes. Annually our intake is around 1200 1600 dogs and cats including those seized due to neglect and abuse. Ninety-four percent of those intakes are adopted into homes. Additionally, Foothills Human Society offers the important community service of returning lost animals to their owners. These owners are often residents but can include tourists and equestrians who visit our area with their pets and are misplaced through no fault of their own. We also address the responsibilities and benefits of spaying or neutering pets through education and awareness and by providing low-cost options. Through a generous donation, we now have on-site equipment for our own spay/neuter clinic. We intend to have the support of local veterinarians to provide this surgery pro bono to the shelter. This is an exciting prospect for the many dogs and cats who have adopters but cannot leave the facility until they are neutered. Foothills Human Society is run by a volunteer Board of Directors, a paid Executive Director, and her small staff who takes its mission seriously. All other positions are filled by volunteers requiring up to 4500 volunteer hours per month. With only 17.6% of the annual expenditures covered by Polk County, Foothills Humane Society depends upon grants, donations, and in-kind contributions to fund its mission. The Foothills Humane Society remains committed to serving the dogs and cats of Tryon, Columbus, Mill Spring, Saluda, and parts of Rutherfordton, NC that are withinPolk County - and as space allows, Landrum, Campobello, and Gowensville, SC, for this and many years to come.