Our Purpose
We exist because we believe animals need human advocates both in and out of the shelter. By advocating for them, we can help our community experience the connection, companionship, and love that comes with pet ownership.
Our Mission
Capital Humane Society serves and unites our community by providing resources and support for pet owners, caring for displaced animals, and connecting homeless pets with families through adoption.
Our Core Values
Communication:
We are committed to a culture of open dialogue and transparency. We speak honestly and respectfully. We ask questions and collaborate to find solutions. We foster connection by consistently and efficiently sharing information, expectations, and successes.
Compassion:
We work to alleviate distress through judgment free access to care and resources. We recognize emotional intelligence is essential to effectively care for ourselves and others. We give ourselves and others the grace to make mistakes and the opportunity to learn from them.
Teamwork:
We take initiative and help where help is needed. We are considerate of how our behavior and actions impact others. We believe our success as a whole is a result of the contributions of each individual.
Respect:
We talk to each other, not about each other. We acknowledge that each person and animal have different experiences that shape them into unique individuals. Although we may not always agree with the outcome, we trust decisions are made with the best information available at the time.
Accountability:
We approach our work with a proactive mindset, taking pride in completing each task to the best of our abilities. We have confidence in our knowledge and skills. We embrace full responsibility for our decisions, errors, and achievements. We believe mistakes provide opportunities for personal ownership & professional development.
Our History
What is known today as the Capital Humane Society began in 1902 as the Lancaster County Humane Society. The first shelter was located in a shed near the West 'O' Street viaduct. The Society's mission focused on the prevention of cruelty to children and horses. Around 1907 the services expanded to include a variety of animals.
In September, 1924 the Society acquired a three acre tract of land at Park Boulevard and Hatch Street, a gift in the Sawyer-Snell Estate. The current shelter is the third to sit at this location and was erected in 1966. A renovation was completed at the facility in 1997.
In the Spring of 2004, renovation was completed on the new Spay/Neuter Vet clinic at the shelter. We are now able to spay and neuter all cats, dogs and rabbits going into the adoption program.
On July 2nd, 2013 the Pieloch Pet Adoption Center opened it's doors at 6500 S. 70th Street. The center handles adoptions and humane education at this beautiful facility at 70th and Hwy 2. Our original location on Park Boulevard is still in operation and now functions as our Admissions & Assessment Center.
Today, Capital Humane Society serves the community by sheltering homeless pets, advocating for animal welfare, and educating the public about responsible pet care.
