About Us

We’re excited to announce that Ashe Humane Society (AHS) and Friends of Ashe County Animal Shelter (FAAS) are merging!

Our name will remain Ashe Humane Society, but we are delighted to be combining our expertise, resources and volunteerism to provide greater foster and spay/neuter services to cats and dogs and make a more profound impact on all aspects of animal welfare in Ashe County.

Our combined mission is to provide a safe environment for animals in need, either through fostering or adoption, and offer services to help ensure responsible pet ownership and a healthy animal population. Our programs and strategies also support Ashe County Animal Control and aim at improving animal welfare within the shelter and reducing the number of animals at risk of euthanasia.

Ashe Humane Society is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization that is entirely staffed by volunteers and funded solely by donations and non-governmental grants. We do not operate a physical shelter but rely on a network of experienced fosters to help animals in our care transition to permanent homes. We receive no funding from Ashe County Government.

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 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 TVNR Program

Ashe Humane Society works with local Citizens to help control the numbers of cats and kittens in feral cat colonies by offering its TVNR (Trap, Vaccinate, Neuter, Release) 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.

TVNR applications are closed for 2025 but will open again in January 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).

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.