What Local Humane Groups Say About HSUS

The Humane Society of the United States does not run a single pet shelter and is not affiliated with local shelters that share the “humane society” name. Most of the public doesn’t know this, according to polling, and local shelters have a tough time being heard because HSUS spends $40 million a year on fundraising that perpetuates confusion with the public. But local shelters are speaking out—and they do need your help, whether it’s time, supplies, or money.

“[An HSUS calendar stated] ‘Our…spay/neuter and adoption campaigns, combined with our intensive collaboration with local shelters and other partners around the county, have led to a dramatic 80% decrease in euthanasia of healthy, treatable animals.” There is no such HSUS campaign in this community, nor is there any offer of collaboration, “intensive” or otherwise, with the Peninsula Humane Society & SPCA” —Ken White, Peninsula Humane Society & SPCA president, in the Huffington Post

“For many years when Klamath Humane Society has asked for donations, people tell us they have already donated to HSUS (Humane Society of the United States). Due to the misleading advertisements HSUS does, people think we get money from HSUS. This is completely false. Klamath Humane Society has never received one penny from HSUS or any other national animal organization.” —Debby Fowler, Klamath Humane Society, in the Herald and News

“Do you know how much funding the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) and the American SPCA (ASPCA) provide the Yavapai Humane Society (YHS) animals each year? The two national organizations combined? If you said $0, you’re right.” –Yavapai Humane Society, in the YHS Volunteer Handbook

“One of the biggest problems HHS faces, as a local private non-profit organization, is public misperception about where donations made to large national groups actually go. It is difficult to compete with multimillion-dollar organizations that have the financial means to solicit money through television, newsprint, radio and Internet advertising worldwide.” —Michelle Pari, Halifax Humane Society, in the Finance2Busines

“I would like to clarify a common misconception. A recent national study reveals that 7 of 10 Americans believe that the Humane Society of the United States is an “umbrella group” for local humane societies. This is not the case and seems to be the belief of many people in our region. The Joplin Humane Society is in no way affiliated with the Humane Society of the United States or any other national organization. The Joplin Humane Society receives no funding or support from HSUS and we are an independent entity from a funding, oversight and philosophical perspective.” –Karen Aquino, Joplin Humane Society, in the Joplin Globe

“Idaho Humane Society receives no funding from these or other national groups, nor are we governed by or affiliated with Humane Society of the United States or ASPCA or any other national animal welfare group…The only way to help local homeless, unwanted, abandoned and abused pets (as well as local sick, injured and orphaned wildlife) is by making a donation directly to the Idaho Humane Society or other local animal welfare and rescue organizations.” —Idaho Humane Society

“Without question, the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) and the American SPCA (ASPCA) have highly polished, heart-wrenching television commercials. Many viewers here in our county assume that donations to these organizations trickle down PHS/SPCA. Yet, the two organizations, combined, gave $0 to PHS/SPCA for this community’s animals.” —Peninsula Humane Society & SPCA

“Because there are so many humane organizations with similar names, it is not uncommon for supporters of a local humane society to mistakenly believe monies they send to HSUS or ASPCA will automatically filter down to their local humane society. The Jacksonville Humane Society receives no funding from either of these organizations.” —Jacksonville Humane Society

“Nevada Humane Society is an independent non-profit organization with no affiliation with HSUS or any other humane society. HSUS does not dictate or influence polices at NHS, nor do they provide any funding to NHS. We are different organizations with different approaches to accomplishing our respective missions.” –Nevada Humane Society, in InDeed.com

“Humane confusion is widespread in America. Despite the words “humane society” in its name, the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) is not formally affiliated with any humane societies that operate at a city, county or regional level. HSUS does not run a single pet shelter…The best way to help the animals here in Medina County and in Ohio is to bypass the TV ads and visit your local shelter.” —Medina County SPCA

“Each Humane Society is independent and not affiliated with each other. It is very confusing because so many share similar names. The HSUS and AHA are national organizations that work to protect all animals. They do not operate any shelters that adopt out dogs or cats.” —Humane Society of Broward County

“Did you know that animal welfare organizations across the United States receive only 2% of the money given to nonprofits? The Humane Society of Greater Kansas City receives no funding from any state, city, or federal government organizations or from any national animal welfare organizations.” —The Humane Society of Greater Kansas City

“Despite having ‘Humane Society’ in our name, we are not a branch or subsidiary of either the Humane Society of the United States or the American Humane Society. We do not receive funding from either group.” —Winona Humane Society

“Claire informed me that the Humane Society of Chittenden County is in no way affiliated with the Humane Society of the United States. I was shocked to hear that HSCC is not a government organization and receives no funding from animal organizations or the government.” –Humane Society of Chittenden County, in Localvore Today

“Funding the organization’s work can be challenging, especially because the community confuses the Humane Society of the United States with the local group, which is not affiliated with the national organization.” –Humane Society of San Bernardino Valley, in the Press-Enterprise

“We are totally dependent on adoption and service fees, fundraising activities, donations from the community and grants for all of our operating expenses.  The HSEP[Humane Society of El Paso] is NOT affiliated with any national organization such as the Humane Society of the United States.” —Humane Society of El Paso

“Did you know that SMVHS is not affiliated with the Humane Society of the United States nor the ASPCA? Many people misunderstand and tell us they sent our donations to “headquarters.” Please know that our only location is here in Santa Maria and donations sent straight to us help animals right here in your community.” —Santa Maria Valley Humane Society

The Siskiyou Humane Society Adoption Center in Mt. Shasta “receives no funding from government agencies or national humane organizations. Most of the funding comes from private donations and the sales at the Society’s two thrift stores.” —Siskiyou Humane Society

“JC Humane is a private organization that receives no funding form the HSUS or any other animal welfare association. We are funded locally through donations and a contract with the City of Seymour.” —Humane Society of Jackson County

“The Humane Society of Lebanon receives no funding from the state of Pennsylvania, or from national organizations such as the Humane Society of the United States or the ASPCA.” —Humane Society of Lebanon County

“Athens Area Humane Society…receives no funding from, and is not affiliated with, any national humane organizations, such as the ASPCA or the Humane Society of the United States.” —Athens Area Humane Society

“The Beltrami Humane Society receives no funding from the city or county to do our work.  We receive no funding from the Humane Society of the United States or other welfare organization except in the case of grant requests.  We depend on community support to continue to do our work.” –Beltrami Humane Society, in GiveMN.org

“Bond County Humane Society is an independent entity not financially affiliated with nor financially backed by Humane Society of the United States. We need your direct local support to continue our efforts in helping the animals of Bond County.” —Bond County Humane Society

“Because the Kansas Humane Society receives no funding from the Humane Society of the United States, United Way or tax dollars, we rely on contributions like yours to fulfill our mission.” —Kansas Humane Society

“As an independent, local, non-profit organization, KHS receives no funding from other animal welfare organizations such as the Humane Society of the United States or the ASPCA.” —Kauai Humane Society

“The San Antonio Humane Society is a locally raised and locally relevant non-profit organization. We are not affiliated with the Humane Society of the United States.” —San Antonio Humane Society

“Donations are especially important as [Humane Society of York County] receives no funding from the city, county or state and is not affiliated with or supported by the Humane Society of the United States, the ASPCA or any other animal welfare organization.” –Humane Society of York County, in Lennar Charlotte’s website

“Stafford Animal Shelter, the Humane Society of Park County, has no affiliation with the national Humane Society and, like all other Humane Societies around the country, receives no funding from them.” —Stafford Animal Shelter