The Humane Society of Fremont County is an independent, private, and non-profit organization dedicated to providing essential animal services to the cities of Cañon City and Florence, the towns of Coal Creek, Westcliffe, and Silver Cliff and to Custer County, Colorado. Our open-admission animal shelter welcomes all animals in need, regardless of their background, breed or medical condition, and our mission is to provide them with the best possible care, compassion, and love.
As an independent and private organization, we operate separately from the Fremont County government or the city of Cañon City. We are not affiliated with the National Humane Society of the United States and do not receive any funding from them. We are an IRS-recognized 501(c)(3) corporation governed by a dedicated board of directors. This means that we are a non-profit organization, and all donations are tax-deductible.
Our independence allows us to provide specialized and tailored care for our animals in a compassionate and loving environment. We are committed to providing the best possible care for the animals in our shelter and to serving our community in a transparent, honest, and accountable way.
Open-Admission Animal Shelter
As an open-admission animal shelter, we are dedicated to helping every animal in need. We never turn away an animal, and we work tirelessly to provide them with a safe and loving home until they find their forever home. We believe that every animal deserves a chance at happiness, and we are committed to making a difference in their lives.
Our dedicated board of directors provides us with leadership and guidance, ensuring that we remain true to our mission and values. We are committed to transparency and accountability, and we welcome feedback from our community to improve our services and operations.
We take great pride in being an independent, private, and non-profit organization. It allows us to put the welfare of our animals first and to provide them with the care, compassion, and love they deserve. It also allows us to remain true to our mission and values, and to make a meaningful difference in the lives of the animals and our community.
A Little History
Since 1950
Incorporated on December 26, 1950 by Cañon City businessman and animal advocate, Ralph J. Wann, his wife Hazel, and close friend Grace Green, the Humane Society of Fremont County (aka Cañon City Humane Society) was established as an independent, nonprofit organization with a mission to "provide refuge for the hurt and homeless, to prevent neglect and cruelty, to promote humane education and, by doing so, to enrich our own lives."
Thanks to the generous support provided by Mr. Wann during his lifetime, and later through the Ralph J. Wann Foundation, the Humane Society of Fremont County has been able to provide shelter and care to thousands of homeless and stray animals since 1950.
The shelter was founded in memory of Mr. Wann's dog, Tippy, who lived to be 21. Tippy became depressed and refused to eat during a trip Mr. Wann took to Europe. Distressed, Mr. Wann cut short his trip and returned home. The idea to build an animal shelter took root during that time frame.
Adoption Policy
We require all adopters to be at least 18 years of age, have a valid ID with current address, and be able to provide proof of pet-friendly housing (if applicable).
In addition to the basic requirements, we also require adopters to have a stable source of income and be willing to provide for the pet's basic needs, including food, water, shelter, and veterinary care. We encourage all potential adopters to carefully consider the time, effort, and financial commitment required to care for a pet before submitting an application.
For adopters who already have pets at home, we also require a meet-and-greet with the new pet to ensure compatibility and safety for all animals involved. We may also require a home visit to ensure the pet will have a safe and comfortable living environment.
It is important to note that we reserve the right to deny any adoption application if we feel that the adopter cannot provide a suitable home for the pet, or if we believe the adoption is not in the best interest of the pet. Our top priority is always the well-being of the animals in our care.
Our adoption fees vary depending on the type of animal and their age, but they typically range from $75 to $150. This fee helps cover the cost of vaccinations, spaying/neutering, and other medical care for the animal.
In addition to the adoption fee, we also require a $10 fee for a new collar and ID tag for your new pet. We accept cash, credit cards, and personal checks as payment for adoption fees and other costs.
We understand that adopting a pet is a big decision and financial commitment, which is why we encourage potential adopters to carefully consider their ability to provide for the animal before making the decision to adopt. We also offer a sponsorship program for those who may not be able to afford the full adoption fee.
Please note that adoption fees and policies are subject to change and may vary depending on the animal's individual needs or circumstances. We strive to make our adoption process as accessible and affordable as possible while ensuring that our animals go to loving and responsible homes.
How much time does the adoption process take?
Adopting a pet is an exciting and important decision, and we want to ensure that each adoption is a good fit for both the animal and the adopter. The length of the adoption process can vary depending on a number of factors, such as the availability of staff and the number of people visiting the shelter at the time.
On average, we recommend setting aside at least 45 minutes to an hour on a weekday to complete the adoption process. During this time, you will have the opportunity to meet and interact with the animal you are interested in, fill out an application, and have a brief interview with one of our staff members.
On weekends, when the shelter tends to be busier, the adoption process may take longer. We recommend allowing up to two hours to ensure that you have enough time to find the perfect pet for your family and complete the necessary paperwork.
While the adoption process may take some time, it is important to remember that finding the right pet is worth the effort. Our staff is dedicated to helping you make a successful match, and we are always available to answer any questions you may have about the process.
https://www.fremonthumane.com/pet-adoption/
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