Washington Humane Society

Protecting animals in DC since 1870 from cruelty and harm; WHS enforces DC animal cruelty laws, prosecutes abuse cases, operates two shelters, offering adoption, low-cost spay/neuter and humane education programs.

How do you help people in my community?

The Washington Humane Society is dedicated to serving all residents of the District of Columbia. We respond to each and every call – 24 hours a day, 365 days a year --about any animal who needs our help. In addition, because of the high quality of our animal care and the equally high standards for adoption, residents from throughout the entire Washington metropolitan area have come to us to find the next furry or feathered addition to their family.

Why do you need my support?

In 2000, private contributions accounted for 62% of our entire revenue base. Without private contributions from people who care about animals, regardless of the amount, the WHS would not be able to continue its 130-year legacy of quality and effective animal protection, and the thousands of helpless animals we serve each year would suffer. In 2001, for the first time in five years, WHS is now fully paid for animal control services we provide to the city that we’ve had to subsidize to the tune of $2.75 million. That means every dollar given today and tomorrow will have even greater impact on our own independent, proactive animal welfare programs and services.

How can I be sure that you will use my money wisely and won't waste it?

WHS’ resources are dedicated to the protection and service of animals, not fancy offices or disproportionate salaries. Our administrative and program systems are designed to make every dollar and every hour count. WHS also relies heavily upon the dedicated support of its volunteers. For example, our adoptions program relies on the help of about 300 volunteers who show animals at the shelters, run the web site, host adoption days, do pre-adoption home visits, and foster hard-to-place animals.

Can I Volunteer? How?

Volunteers are part of the very core of the Washington Humane Society. In addition to on-site services like caretaking, administrative and clerical support, adoption showings, data entry and kennel maintenance, volunteers open their homes to homeless animals and foster them until they’ve found a suitable permanent home. Volunteers also staff adoption events at community sites like libraries and animal-related specialty shops.

For information on volunteering, contact us at (202) 576-7429 or (202) 723-5730.