Since 1950, we have been dedicated to ensuring a safe environment for homeless, injured, and abused domestic animals awaiting adoption.
The Henderson County Humane Society was first incorporated in 1950 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.
BRHS assesses behavior, bathes, grooms 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 are spayed or neutered. In addition, each pet goes home with a 30-day free health insurance plan. We are committed to finding lifelong homes for every pet. Screening and counseling of potential families contribute to our successful adoptions.
When our shelter is at capacity we are unable to take in any found animals or owner surrenders. Since we do not euthanize for space, we have to limit our admissions of animals until space becomes available through adoptions. Therefore we are known as a “limited admission” shelter. Other rescue organizations with similar practices may prefer the term “no kill.”
The Blue Ridge Humane Society works closely with Henderson County Animal Services the only open admission facility in our county. As an “open admission” facility, Henderson County Animal Services are responsible for all admissions including strays, owner surrenders, and confiscated animals. Since the County Shelter is unable to refuse intakes due to lack of kennel space and the overwhelming homeless pet population, they are forced to euthanize for space. To try to alleviate space concerns, we receive the majority of our animals from Henderson County Animal Services as well as from other open admission animal shelters in surrounding counties.
