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About Us History
History
Our Organization
The Humane Society of Greater Dayton – a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization – has been serving the Greater Dayton community since 1902, when a handful of public-spirited Daytonians banded together to launch the
city's first humane society. The purpose of the society was to promote the principles of humane treatment to all creatures. It was off
to a forceful start, thanks to the organizational ability of such leaders as John H. Patterson, Mrs. George Shaw Greene, Grace A. Greene and R.G. Corwin. Since its inception the Humane Society of Greater Dayton's respect for animals has been unconditional – the abused animal's right to medical assistance or, if necessary, a dignified, humane death.
The Humane Society of Greater Dayton has grown and flourished. We are the oldest, most established animal-advocate center in the area. We now serve a population of over 574,000 in a 462-square-mile area. Our services include:
- Pet adoption (both on- and offsite)
- Cruelty prevention and investigations
- Humane education
- Information referral
- Lost-and-found pet directory
- Pet therapy
- Sale of dog licenses
Our Facility
The Humane Society of Greater Dayton held a pet parade in 1924, to celebrate the opening of a new animal shelter. The 1924 facility was in operation until the '50s, when the building pictured above was erected on Danner Avenue. In 1994, the Caryl D. Philips Animal Care Center was constructed. This new facility was totally funded through grants and gifts from individuals, businesses and corporations. The facility greatly improved Humane Society of Greater Dayton operations, by providing optimum animal care. At full capacity we can house 160 cats and 36 dogs. The building includes:
A dog kennel, with indoor and outdoor access- Five cat rooms, including:
- An intake room
- A testing/vaccination room
- An isolation room, in which we treat sick animals
- A cageless adoption room with
cat trees - A second adoption room
- A "rabbitat," dedicated to housing bunnies awaiting new homes
- Two visiting rooms, providing adopters and their potential new family members with a quiet place to bond
- Space for birds and other small animals
- A veterinary/surgical suite
Our Policies
On some days we take in as many as 50 unwanted cats and kittens. Unfortunately not all of these animals can be saved; however, those who are healthy receive a general physical examination and their first vaccinations. Our cats are also screened for feline leukemia/FIV, and dogs are tested for heartworm. Customers are charged a release fee, which helps cover the cost of vet bills and pay for the daily upkeep of the animals in our care.
The Humane Society of Greater Dayton places only healthy animals with good dispositions. All animals are spayed or neutered before entering our adoption program. Adopted animals must be taken to a vet within seven days of adoption. In addition we require that new owners maintain the proper facilities and standards of care for their animals. We screen potential adopters, to ensure that our animals find permanent homes.