For over seventy years, the Lynchburg Humane Society has operated as a private, non-profit organization, caring for lost and homeless pets. Last year, our Lynchburg Center for Pets helped 13,034 pets and 13,233 people. We are a 501(c)(3), as well as a no-kill Humane Society, where we firmly believe that no healthy or treatable pet should be euthanized. By operating the public shelter for the City of Lynchburg, we accept lost or unwanted pets surrendered to us, as well as provide shelter and care for pets that have been victims of neglect, abandonment, or abuse brought in by the city’s animal control officers. We help pets who are at risk for euthanasia at other shelters by transferring them into our care. We accept those that are easily adoptable as pets, as well as those that require special care due to experiences of abuse or neglect. In addition to our Center for Pets, we also operate a regional spay/neuter clinic, which performs approximately 8,000 spay/neuter surgeries annually. It is the help of the community that makes our life-saving programs possible.
Mission: Leading the way in providing a compassionate, safe community for animals and people through progressive life-saving programs, services, resources, and education.
Vision: A community free of homeless and neglected pets

Long Range Plan
- Grow regional programs
- Strengthen community awareness
- Maintain Lifesaving (no kill) status
- Grow intervention programs
Core Values for the Lynchburg Humane Society
Smile, say yes: We are building a culture of finding ways to say yes to each other and to customers/clients. Be generous with care, respect, share your talents, and time.
See it, fix it, do it, own it: We shouldn’t ignore problems or complain – we should fix it. Talk is cheap, the solution is in the action, and so just do it! Be responsible and own it. Go above and beyond.
Speak: Speak for those that can’t speak for themselves; they depend on us to represent them. Speak if you have a suggestion that can impact lives. Speak and communicate with each other and the community with respect and courtesy. As an organization, we will Speak with honesty and strive to be authentic and transparent.
Play: An unexercised dog is cranky and poorly behaved. All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. Enjoy what you do! Work can be a fun place to be.
Glitter: Glitter? What? Well, it is extraordinary, makes an impact, and sticks around. It sparkles.
Have goals and smash them: As an organization, we have goals, and we will work together to smash those goals. As individuals, we have goals, both personal and professional. We would like to hear about our staff goals so we can help them smash their goals as well.
Assume the best: Trust one another and assume that most people are good and care as much as you do. Start with an open mind. If you have doubts, ask and find out the answers, but always try to go to a place of trust and assume the best first.
Be worthy of high esteem: This community has given us a gift; be worthy of that gift.