Blue Ridge Humane Society is a nonprofit 501 c3 animal welfare organization and limited admission shelter dedicated to ensuring the highest quality of life for animals in Henderson County and our neighboring communities through adoption, outreach, and education. We envision a community that embraces the protection, compassionate care, and highest quality of life for animals.
Our History
The Henderson County Humane Society was first incorporated in 1952 and built an animal shelter in 1966 on property donated by the county. The Society was briefly inactive during the late 1960’s when responsibility for managing the shelter was assumed by the county. County officials and animal welfare advocates continued to dialogue regarding issues related to animal welfare and overpopulation. The Society was reactivated in 1972 and began to operate both an independent, limited admission shelter and a thrift store. In 2003, the society’s name was officially changed to Blue Ridge Humane Society to better reflect the differences between our county shelter and our organizations operations.
In 1984, eight acres of land were purchased in Henderson County in Edneyville and the Animal Shelter was built and opened in April, 1989. The animal shelter is a 5,000 square foot building with a capacity of approximately 88 animals. A major animal shelter renovation was completed in 2013.
At our Adoption Center we assess behavior and treats 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 spayed or neutered. Screening and counseling of potential families contribute to our successful adoptions.
We are committed to finding lifelong homes for every pet.
Our 2018 Impact |
| Adoption Center |
| Adoptions: 1,397 |
| Transfer: 32 |
| Return to Owner: 4 |
| Total Intake: 1,435 |
| Henderson County Animal Services Rescued: 965 |
| Animals Spayed/Neutered before Adoption: 760 |
| Average Length of Stay: 9.4 days |
| Community Programs |
| Low Cost Vaccinations: 324 |
| Education/Outreach Programs: 164 |
| Vet Assistance: $10,332.65 |
| Food Assistance: 19,920 pounds of food |
| SNIP Surgeries: 1,677 |
| Rabies Vaccinations given Through SNIP: 1,229 |
| Public Training Class Participants: 29 |
| Volunteers |
| Active Volunteers: 356 |
| Volunteer Hours: 20,111 |
| FTE Volunteer Hour Comparison: $160,941 |
| Fosters |
| Families: 64 |
| Animals Fostered: 462 |
