Capital Humane Society
Resources

Frequently Asked Questions

Following are some of the questions that the Capital Humane Society is frequently asked. Please click on the question to view the answer. If you have a question that is not answered in this section, please call us at 402-441-4488.

  • Are you different from Animal Control?
    YES. Although both organizations are committed to animal welfare, we have different missions. Animal Control receives funds from the city of Lincoln to provide animal control services within the city limits. The Capital Humane Society houses the city's lost and stray animals until their owners can come and claim them.

    CHS receives animals that are being voluntarily surrendered by their owners because they are no longer "wanted".

    The Capital Humane Society is a private, non-profit organization supported by private donations. We receive no United Way funds unless designated by an individual or governmental monies, except service contracts from Lincoln's Animal Control and Lancaster County for the purpose of accepting their stray and lost animals. Nor do we receive any tax dollars from the city of Lincoln.

  • What kinds of animals can I adopt from the Capital Humane Society?
    We adopt out dogs and cats of all ages, sizes and breeds. At any given time we have approximately 30 furry friends available for adoption. Also, from time to time we have available for adoption smaller "pocket" pets such as rabbits, guinea pigs, gerbils, hamsters, mice, birds, lizards, etc.

  • How do I adopt an animal from the Capital Humane Society?
    Prospective new pet guardians can view the cats, dogs and other animals in our adoption areas. After completing a consultation form, customers have an opportunity to spend time with a potential animal companion in our visitation rooms. If you decide to adopt an animal, there is an application process to complete that can take 30-60 minutes.

    Prospective adoptors who rent must have landlord approval, which we will verify. Those who have existing pets must be able to show proof of rabies vaccination and city license.

  • If I adopt an animal from the Capital Humane Society does it have to be spayed or neutered?
    YES! Every cat, dog and rabbit adopted from CHS is spayed or neutered prior to being placed into the adoption program in an effort to combat the serious pet over-population problem. Early neutering (an animal can now be safely neutered or spayed at the age of 8 weeks instead of the previously accepted 6-8 months) in an internationally endorsed and accepted practice, implemented at the Capital Humane Society in March, 1998.

  • Is there a time limit for an animal to be adopted?
    No. All animals placed in the adoption program can be kept as long as it takes to find a home, provided the animal remains healthy and of sound temperament and behavior.

  • When is the Capital Humane Society open?
    The Capital Humane Society is open to the public during the following times:

    Monday - Noon to 6:00 pm
    Tuesday - 8:30 am to 6:00 pm
    Wednesday - 9:30 am to 7:00 pm
    Thursday - 9:30 am to 7:00 pm
    Friday - 8:30 am to 6:00 pm
    Saturday - 8:30 am to 3:00 pm
    Sunday - 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm

    Please note that adoption applications end one-half hour prior to the stated closing time in order to finish processing the paperwork.


  • Where does the Capital Humane Society get their animals?
    The Capital Humane Society accepts animals from people who, for various reasons, can no longer assume responsibility for the animals. We often receive entire litters of unwanted puppies and kittens. Our kennels often contain a number of purebred animals available for adoption.

    Also, lost and stray animals that are brought to CHS through the city's Animal Control program can be made available for the adoption program if their owners/guardians do not come forward and claim their animals within the time frame for reclaiming.

    CHS also accepts lost and homeless animals from within the county and surrounding area.

  • Why do people surrender their animals? Is there something wrong with them?
    Most of the time, there is nothing wrong with the animal, be they purebred or mixed breed. Often their owners simply no longer want to be responsible for their cat, dog or other animal. Frequently their failure to spay or neuter their pet results in unwanted litters, which are then brought to the shelter.

  • Will the Capital Humane Society accept stray animals?
    The Capital Humane Society houses the stray and lost animals brought to the shelter by the city's Animal Control staff and from within Lancaster County. Owners/guardians have the chance to find their lost pets while being held at the shelter. We also accept lost and homeless animals that are found by the public and brought to the shelter. On occasion, the shelter will care for animals from outside of the county.

  • Does the Capital Humane Society euthanize animals because of lack of space?
    Unfortunately, because of the pet over-population problem, there are not enough good homes for all of the animals that come through the shelter doors. This is why we stress spaying and neutering, and accordingly all of our animals are sterilized prior to placement in our adoption program.

    We are an "open admission" shelter - we do not turn away any animal that is brought to our facility even if it is considered unadoptable, and we never tell someone we do not have any available space. Some animals brought to the shelter are not considered adoptable because of the following reasons:
    -Animals for whom euthanasia is the most humane alternative due to disease or injury.
    -Vicious animals, the placement of whom would constitute a danger to the public.
    -Animals who pose a public health hazard.
    -Age

    If you are thinking about adopting a new pet companion, please consider adopting one of our wonderful shelter pets!

  • Does the Capital Humane Society euthanize animals that are sick or old at the request of owners?
    Yes. CHS does provide this service to pet owners/guardians. We also provide a crematory service at the owner's request.

  • What can I do about a barking dog problem?
    This situation is handled by Lincoln's Animal Control office and their phone number is 402-441-7900.

  • Where do I report suspected animal cruelty or abuse?
    Within Lincoln city limits, this is handled by the city's Animal Control office and their phone number is 402-441-7900. If the situation is in Lancaster County, call the sheriff's office at 402-441-6500. Outside of Lancaster County, please contact your local county sheriff.

  • Can I pay my city animal license fee at the Capital Humane Society?
    At this time, you can pay your license fee at the shelter. Please be able to show proof of current rabies vaccination.

  • Can I contribute in honor or memory of a special pet, relative or friend?
    Absolutely! Your gift will be acknowledged to the pet or family you designate. What a wonderful way to commemorate a treasured pet or loved one! Please go to the HOW TO GIVE section of our website for more information.

  • Are my contributions tax deductible?
    YES. The Capital Humane Society is a private, non-profit organization and qualified as a 501(c)(3) under the IRS code. Your contributions are deductible for the year in which they are made, to the extent of the law.

  • Where are you located and how do I get there?
    The Capital Humane Society is located at 2320 Park Blvd.

    DIRECTIONS FROM SOUTH STREET GOING WEST
    Follow South Street west past 9th Street and follow the curve in the road that veers south. The shelter is about 2 blocks further south, just past the school bus barn. The Capital Humane Society is the red brick building on the east or left hand side of the road. There is parking directly in front of the building.
Capital Humane Society
2320 Park Boulevard
Lincoln, NE 68502
 Phone: (402) 441-4488
Fax: (402) 438-6182