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About Us

Welcome to Ashe Humane Society!

Thank you for wanting to learn more about Ashe Humane Society (AHS)!

Founded in 2004, AHS works to enhance the welfare of companion animals in the community through programs and strategies that promote responsible pet ownership and reduce the population of unwanted animals in Ashe County. AHS is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that is run entirely by volunteers and funded solely by donations and non-governmental grants. We receive no funding from Ashe County Government.

To support our community, AHS has adopted a three-pronged approach that includes:

A strong foster-based organization that ensures all animals fostered by AHS are cared for in private homes by experienced fosters who ensure each animal receives excellent medical care, healthy food, love and socialization to prepare them for transition to their permanent homes. All costs of fostering are covered by AHS.
A Citizen’s Benevolence Program, through which we coordinate a large monthly spay/neuter transport for pets in Ashe County. Additionally, we subsidize the cost of surgery and treatment for citizens who demonstrate a financial need.
A robust Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) program focused on reducing the number of feral cats in Ashe County. Most months of the year, AHS volunteers capture and transport ferals for spay or neuter and vaccinations before releasing them back to their colony.

In 2025 alone, AHS was instrumental in the spay or neuter of more than 500 pets and community animals.

Learn more about who we are and what we do in the links below.

Get involved with AHS

AHS is an all-volunteer nonprofit operated by people who are passionate about animal welfare. You can help us help the dogs and cats of Ashe County by volunteering in any number of ways. Your support, resources and involvement enable us to rescue, rehabilitate and rehome more animals in need. For more information on how you can make a difference, keep reading below!

Volunteer

Regardless of your abilities or areas of interest, AHS can use your help!

Here are just a few of the many roles our volunteers fill:

transporting animals to spay/neuter clinics,
staffing our volunteer events,
helping us with publicity, social media, day-to-day operations,
helping rescue animals at risk, and getting them into foster care,
trapping feral cats and providing food and shelter to outdoor animals,
delivering supplies to Ashe citizens and their pets in need

Join us in creating a positive impact on the lives of homeless animals. Your dedication and time can change their world for the better. To volunteer, simply complete our volunteer application by clicking below.

Learn more!

Foster

We believe that every animal deserves a chance at a loving home and a better life. Ashe County Animal Control can't keep an adoptable pet long-term, so if a dog or cat isn't adopted quickly, our fosters provide the only solution to euthanasia. The rewards (and challenges) of fostering are immense but know that AHS covers all foster costs and offers guided, hands-on advice and assistance. All you have to provide is a safe and loving environment for your temporary guest. Our foster volunteer coordinator will teach you the ropes and will be on hand to help and check in.

Apply now!

Adopt

A successful adoption gives a lovable pet a second chance to be happy and healthy. The benefits of owning a forever friend are immense, but adoption is a long-term commitment that shouldn't be undertaken lightly. That's why we provide ongoing support and resources to ensure a smooth transition for both you and your new family member. Click below to learn more about our adoption guidelines.

Learn more!

Animal Services

AHS offers a number of programs designed to support the Ashe County Animal Shelter and Ashe County citizens with the care of their pets and the control of feral cat colonies in the county.

Ashe County Spay and Neuter Program

In partnership with the Humane Society of Catawba County, Ashe Humane Society works to reduce the overpopulation of homeless dogs and cats. AHS organizes transportation for Ashe County animals needing to be spayed or neutered to the Catawba Humane Society/Foothills Spay and Neuter Clinic in Hickory, NC. Spay and neuter services are also available at Bristol Humane Society Spay and Neuter program. Due to winter weather conditions, the program runs from February to November. Spay and neuter applications are currently being accepted for 2026. Learn more here.

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Feral Cat TNR Program

Ashe Humane Society works with local Ashe County Citizens to help control the numbers of cats and kittens in feral cat colonies by offering its TNR (Trap-Neuter-Return) program. Cats in identified colonies are humanely trapped (with box traps), brought to a veterinarian to be spayed or neutered, vaccinated, ear tipped (the universal sign that a community cat has been neutered and vaccinated), and then returned to their outdoor home.

The TNR application process begins January 7, 2026, However, if you wish to transport a feral cat to the Catawba Humane Society, you can learn more here: https://catawbahumane.org/services/community-cats/

AHS will reimburse your $50 cost per cat with proof of spay/neuter. (your invoice). Note: we will also pay the additional fee for pregnancy or cryptorchid.

Twin Oaks Veterinary Hospital in Sparta performs feral male cat neuters for current clients. AHS will reimburse up to $50 for neuter and rabies vaccine with proof of surgery (vet office receipt).

Lean more here

Financial Assistance & Low-cost Services

AHS works with the county's low-income citizens to help mitigate the costs of emergency veterinary services for companion dogs and cats. Low-cost rabies and vaccine clinics are scheduled periodically at central locations in Ashe and surrounding counties by various organizations throughout the year. Follow us on Facebook to see posts on upcoming clinics, or contact Ashehumanesocietync@gmail.com.

AHS's veterinary partners include Catawba Humane Society, in Hickory, Twin Oaks Veterinary Hospital, in Sparta, Pet Care Clinic of the High Country in Boone, and Animal Emergency Clinic of the High Country, in Boone.