Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Does Ashe Humane Society receive government funds for support?
A: No. The Ashe Humane Society is totally funded through donations, fundraisers and competitive non-governmental grants. We begin each year with no guarantees of any revenue. We are deeply grateful for each and every contribution we receive, and contributions are tax-deductible.
Q: Is Ashe Humane Society affiliated with the national Humane Society?
A: No. We are a separate and independent 501(c)(3) charitable organization. We do not receive any funding from the national society. We are not the Ashe County Government shelter, we do not receive funding from the Ashe County government and by law can not take in strays.
Q: How many employees do you have?
A: We do not have any paid employees and are an all-volunteer run rescue.
Q: Do you house animals at a shelter or facility?
A: As of May 1, 2023 we became a foster-based rescue and no longer have a facility to house cats. Our cats are being fostered in private homes with foster parents. We believe strongly in the foster-home program. Housing a pet in a loving temporary home is infinitely better than having it live in a crate or cage until it is adopted. We always need loving foster homes and if you are interested in becoming a foster family, please let us know.
Q: Who pays the bills for animals that are in foster care?
A: Ashe Humane Society pays for all medical expenses, including vaccinations and spay/neuter, and also provides food, crates, litter boxes, etc. while the pet is in our foster program. The foster family incurs no expense for the pet.
Q: Do you still have the low-cost spay and neuter voucher program?
A. No, our voucher program has been discontinued since there is only one veterinarian available that accept the voucher in the area, and those available spay and neuter voucher appointments are months in the future. We do have the Ashe County Community Spay and Neuter Transport Program that happens approximately once a month. click here for information!
Q: Should I call Ashe Humane if I see a case of animal neglect?
A: No. You should call Animal Control at 336-982-4060. We have no authority to act in abuse or neglect situations. Animal Control is equipped to investigate and remedy these situations.
Q: Can you help capture feral cats?
A: No. The feral cat population is a big problem and one of the reasons that we strongly urge people to have their cats spayed or neutered. Please call Animal Control at 336-982-4060 for advice regarding ferals on your personal property.
Q: Do you euthanize animals?
A: No. The only animals that are in our direct care are in care at our foster homes and remain in a there until they are adopted.
Q: Do you ever turn anyone down who wants to adopt a pet?
A: Yes. We do have a screening process, and we try very hard to place the pet in a home that meets its needs – one that has the time, space and resources to properly care for the animal. For animals that are in our foster program, we require vet reference prior to adoption. We also reserve the right to re-claim a pet that we have placed if we find it is not getting adequate care.
Q: Can I still adopt an animal from you if I don’t want to spay or neuter it?
A: No. The biggest reason there is an over-population of pets is because some people do not spay or neuter their pets. The Humane Society works hard to educate people on this and also provides as much help as possible to people wanting this done. It goes against our policy to adopt an animal to someone who refuses to comply with this and who will end up contributing to the problem of pet over-population.
Q: Do you ship animals to people who adopt?
A: No. We do not ship animals anywhere to anyone, because we feel this places too much stress on an animal and we would have no idea the type of situation the animal would be going to. If an adoption out of the area is approved, occasionally one of our volunteers drives the animal to its new home or meets the new adopters halfway.
Q: Can I adopt an animal from you if I live out of the area/state?
A: Yes. While we would encourage you to adopt from a local animal shelter or rescue group, we realize that maybe we have the exact animal you have been looking for. We would require you fill out the appropriate application via email or mail. We also require a positive reference from your veterinarian. This would ensure us that the animal will receive vaccinations, be spayed or neutered and receive veterinary care when needed.