Washington Humane Society

Protecting animals in DC since 1870. WHS enforces animal cruelty laws under Congressional Charter, prosecutes abuse cases, operates two shelters, offering adoption, humane education programs, behavior/training classes and regional spay/neuter solutions.

Why do we exist?

Charted by Congress in 1870, WHS established the city’s first public housing facility for stray and unwanted animals.  A year later, WHS pioneered the creation of the District’s first ever animal cruelty law.  Each year our dedicated officers respond to thousands of calls of animals in distress. No call ever goes unanswered. Our Humane Law Enforcement officers are ready to spring into action 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to protect an animal’s health and safety. 

WHS also has a broad range of the city’s most comprehensive list of animal welfare programs, including humane education, adoption, and the only low-cost spay/neuter clinic accessible to every District resident. Each year we comfort and care for nearly 30,000 animals. Every call for help is answered, and no animal is ever turned away from our shelters. Supporting WHS means supporting the proactive, effective protection of the city’s homeless, abused, and neglected animals.

What have you accomplished?

In 2009, the WHS

• Fielded more than 17,000 calls for help
• Sterilized more than 6,200 dogs and cat in our low-cost regional spay/neuter clinic
• Created the new Therapy Live-in Cats program (TLC) in partnership with other non-profits in the area, enriching the lives of both animals and humans.

	How do you help people in my community?		Why do you need my support?
	How can I be sure that you will use my money wisely and won't waste it?		Can I Volunteer? How?