All donations benefit the extraordinary care of the animals at the Humane Society of Charlotte (HSC) where we believe in working to improve our community by creating new, loving families, and building a world where there are no more homeless and unwanted animals. This is an ongoing process — for every animal we can connect with a new family, another animal in need comes to HSC’s shelter. As a private, 501(c)(3) nonprofit*, HSC relies on the generous support of animal lovers, grants, bequests, and fees for service.

This vision guides our five focus pillars:  

1. Prevention: Building a future where fewer animals enter shelters through spaying/neutering programs, education on responsible pet ownership, and promoting adoptions.  

2. Retention: Supporting pet owners with resources like our Pet Help Center, Pet Food Bank, dog training programs, and financial assistance vouchers to strengthen lifelong human-animal bonds. 

3. Sheltering and Placement: Following the tenets of socially conscious sheltering to treat each animal as an individual with appropriate behavior support, low-stress handling techniques, and enrichment opportunities. Evaluating their mental and physical well-being to ensure they are healthy and safe enough for placement.

4. Collaboration: Partnering with shelters in Mecklenburg and the surrounding counties to transfer animals into our adoption program. Collaborating with local, state, and national organizations and other community partners to achieve the best possible outcomes for these animals.

5. Education: Encouraging both children and adults to make informed and empathetic decisions about animals with the hope that they themselves become animal advocates.  

*HSC is not affiliated with any other animal welfare organizations and we do not receive government funding.