Asheville Humane Society

Home
Asheville Humane Society

Asheville Humane Society is building a supportive community that positively impacts pets and people. | Donations: website or Venmo

Asheville Humane Society is about hope, not heartache. As Buncombe County’s critical safety net since 1984, we are always here to save and protect every animal. We have mastered the art of saving lives within our walls and now we are going even further, helping our community’s pets and their people thrive together. We are going beyond a no-kill community to ensure that each animal has the quality of life they deserve – a life worth living.

15/03/2025

Oh Daisy, Daisy, Daisy!

Daisy is an adventure of a dog, and one well worth the journey.
Daisy is a strong-willed girl with an eccentric personality, a little bit of sass, and energy to spare.

She is one of those dogs you have to meet outside to really get to know. She LOVES to play and is a sucker for a game of tug or fetch. Stuffies are life and she carries them around proudly ready to play again and again! Water!? YES PLEASE. Turn the hose on, and its a party!

My day was a little brighter after playing with Daisy, and we hope you’ll let her brighten yours for a long, long time.

Sweet Daisy wants to be your one and only dog. Kiddos should be discussed with the adoptions counselors to make sure its a great fit!

So what are you waiting for? Come meet her! The Adoption Center is open Tuesdays-Saturday from 10-6 (with a break from 1-2 for naptime.) We can’t wait to see you!

14/03/2025

It’s Feel Good Friday!

Kuzco, endearingly referred to as “Kuzy Kuz,” came in…hot. He was riddled with anxiety, stressed to the gills, and gnawed frantically at his kennel stopping only to let out a frustrated scream.

Enter Behavior.

Our behavior team is truly one of a kind - equal parts competent and compassionate. We are so proud to know and love them - as people and as trainers.

The team took on Kuzco as a project - working diligently on skills like leash walking, basic manners, and healthy energy release. You could see them around campus, stopping every few steps to work on a new skill or redirect a maladaptive behavior.

Over the course of several months, the notes about Kuzco changed: “pushy” became “playful,” “anxious” became “excited,” and “jumpy” became “wiggly.” The work our team put in was life changing for Kuzco.

Miranda, in particular, worked tirelessly with young Kuzco. While she described him primarialy as a “crazyhead," the tone of endearment in her voice increased over time, seemingly changing its meaning. “I really did like him,” she reflected, “he put in the work and I’m proud of his progress.”

After months of hard work in our care, the day came when a lucky adopter said “that’s the one,” and Kuzco was on his way home. As the adoption process was wrapping up, Miranda came to say goodbye. It was clear to everyone in the room that she had made a lasting impact on him. He knew her. He lit up as she pet him and lovingly called him a “crazyhead” one last time.

Kuzco strolled out of the Adoption Center, in heel, to the future we wanted for him all along.

The work of our Behavior Team (and all of our teams) is not possible without your help. Donation to Asheville Humane Society fund all of our programs, our supplies, our medical procedures, our enrichment. We need your support to help dogs like Kuzco be the absolute best versions of themselves - and find home.

Please consider making a donation today at tinyurl.com/AshevilleHumaneDonate (link in bio) or by shooting us a venmo

The “crazyheads” thank you!

Thanks to for making goodbyes so much more special with our "Best Day Ever" backdrop and your support!

13/03/2025

We have a very special dog that we’d like to set you up with on the best blind date of your life.

Our sweet boy is an old soul, ambling gracefully into his senior era. He’s known for appreciation - of being outside smelling the smells, of pets and cuddles, of naps in his comfy bed. A kind volunteer took him on a hike and noted that he walked slowly, stopping frequently to request affection. The dog would lean on them, grateful for pets and attention, and then meander slowly onward.

When you pass by his kennel, he looks up from his bed calmly, hoping you’ll stop to say hi. This boy was meant to snuggle up and just be…with you.

Our team describes him as mellow and social. The groomer calls him “so sweet and gentle.” I call him “please somebody ask to meet this dog because he’s a beautiful soul and deserves the world.”

Interested? Come on into the adoption center and ask to meet Tracer. They’ll know who you mean!

I promise you won’t be disappointed.

✨The date is blind. The dog is not✨

13/03/2025

WNC’s own Turkish Towel Company has been donating towels to Asheville Humane since 2021 - regularly sending some of the comfiest towels around to wrap up puppies, line kennels, and comfort patients after surgery.

Recently, we reached a concerningly low towel level. Barren closets triggered a call to Turkish Towel Company and we were restocked the same day.

We were so grateful. Little Mr. Nibbles (pictured) was overjoyed.

Thank you to everyone who gives of themselves, their time, their money, their talent, their companies for our animals.

12/03/2025

How do we keep our animals happy, healthy, and entertained? Enrichment!

Enrichment takes many forms: It can stimulate the senses with fun tastes, smells, and textures. It can challenge problem solving skills and provide fun diversion with obstacles, puzzles, and toys. All of our animals receive enrichment regularly in different forms.

Our small animals have to move “ping pong” balls around to uncover food in their bowls, our dogs unwrap treats in paper puzzles or sniff away at fun new scents, our cats maneuver their noses around tiny felt forests for their favorite snacks. Our farm animals play with fun toys and try new foods to keep them entertained.

We are so grateful to our staff and volunteers who work so hard to keep enrichment fun, fresh, and frequent!

11/03/2025

Meet Warren!

Warren is, colloquially speaking, a hoot and a half. He is high energy, full of life, and just an overall goofy/good guy.

At just a year old, Warren’s future is unlimited. He is already a champion of campus walks and sits for treats. He is in our playgroup program and sets out into the world for hikes and walks with volunteers.

But we need your help *cue music* Warren has a case of "tongue-wont-stay-in-his-mouth." It flows behind him in the wind as he sprints and waggles around as he greets visitors at his kennel. His endearingly wacky face is plastered with excitement. We hope that you will share it with him (but maybe keep YOUR tongue in your mouth.)

Warren would like to meet your dogs at home to make sure their play styles match before going home…but most of all…he would like to meet YOU!

Come say “hi” Tuesday - Saturday from 10-6 (with the exception of naptime from 1-2!) Warren will be so hype to meet you!

11/03/2025

Have you seen these exceptional dogs!? Come on in, peruse the kennels, and meet your new best friend.

Please remember these are only a few of our many available dogs. Visit our website to see all of our available animals updated in real time!

Royce (M, 1)
Trevor (M, 3)
Gideon (M, 2)
Piper (F,

10/03/2025

Is there anything better to brighten up a dreary Monday than a good ol' fashioned pile o' puppies?

These little nuggets aren't quite ready for adoption yet, but keep checking the website for more information on each one as they become available!

08/03/2025

We often get updates on our alumni through social media (keep them coming, we love them!) but recently, we got a very special visit from a pet parent who is head over heels in love - and we couldn’t be happier for them both.

Madeline adopted Jordan, a small scruffy dog with loads of personality, just over a year ago. Since then, she has kept us apprised of their adventures, ensuring we understood just how loved he is. On his year adoptaversary, Madeline came to celebrate the occasion by bringing cookies and a letter for staff.

“He has brightened up my whole family’s life” she said “thank you for letting me adopt my sweet, sweet boy Jordan."

There is nothing better than to see one of our animals experiencing such deep love and profound connection. Thank YOU, Madeline, for loving Jordan and giving him a truly wonderful life.

07/03/2025

It’s Feel Good Friday!

A local martial arts gym became a distribution center for Asheville Humane in the wake of Helene. For months, Asheville Humane volunteers provided pet food and supplies to community members. As a result, the gym family became increasingly involved in supporting Asheville Humane’s work - through volunteering, donating, and…adopting.

Zach, the protagonist of our story, had recently gone through some tough life changes - the hardest of which was losing his cat. Amidst uncertainty, turmoil, and grief, it felt like losing an anchor.

After time had passed and wounds had started to heal, Zach decided he was ready to start again.

He found Callie - a tiny calico with big eyes and the smallest of bright pink noses through our foster program. Within minutes, the adoption process had begun.

But…he had to wait until sweet Callie had her surgery.

Every day he came into the gym and announced to a room full of people punching, kicking, and grappling eachother how many days were left. And in time, the countdown elapsed, and Callie was home.

Callie, (now Lt. Rainey) though tiny, is fierce. Zach describes her as a “violent terror” and simultaneously “perfect.” He reports that she enjoys playing in the sink, chasing anything she can, and causing injury to her dad.

Every adoption is a story. Every family is changed through the simple act of walking into our doors, and walking out with a new wagging tail or boopable nose. This story speaks to the power of connection - with family and community. This story shows that a tiny kitten can scratch up your hand while mending your heart.

We hope that you will consider leaving your own mark on an animal’s story by making a donation to Asheville Humane at tinyurl.com/AshevilleHumaneDonate (link in bio) or by sending a Venmo to

Tiny Lieutenants everywhere thank you!

As always, thank you to for making the "best day ever" for our animals even more special!

06/03/2025

Meet Mullet!

We promise scooping up this little guy will be no achy breaky big mistakey.

Mullet is a sweet pup with a bright personality and the most expressive ears around.

At a whopping 4 months old, Mullet has already stolen hearts around campus, and has proven to be quite the cuddlebug!

I found one of our surgical assistants visiting Mullet, and asked about him. He brightened up and confessed “I spend 40 hours a week caring for recovering animals, but rarely do I go back and see them once they’ve fully recovered. Mullet has me returning every single break I get.”

Interested in a puppy bound to steal your heart? Come visit! The Adoption Center is open Tuesday - Saturday from 10-6 (with a break from 1-2 for naptime).

Business in the front, party together forever.

06/03/2025

Hard week? Luna says you gotta shake it off!

Come on in to the adoption center to see the best head tilts, puppy dog eyes, and romperoos around!

The adoption center is open Tuesday-Saturday from 10am-6pm.

And don’t forget that our dog playgroup is open for observation to the (human) public this Friday from 2-4pm. Drop by and see our dogs in action! If you see a dog you love, we’ll make the introduction! Please note that this is for current Asheville Humane dogs only.

See you there!

05/03/2025

Pretty Piper picked YOU to come get her.

Miss Piper is pure sunshine. “Beautiful,” “affectionate,” “sweet, “tolerant,” and “playful” are words commonly used to describe her by staff and volunteers. Her hiking partner described her as being a happy dog with contagious joy.

Piper is a regular on our group hikes and playgroups. She is either sneaking to the closest volunteer or staff member for pets or having the time of her life with her chosen playmates.

Don’t take our word for it! A family had her over for a sleepover and provided rave reviews: "She is so, so, soooooo sweet! She was a great running buddy on the trail, walked so well on the leash, and did well in her crate while I was at work."

Piper would like to meet your pup before coming home to make sure they’re the perfect pair! Piper does her first best with older kids (think over 3ft) and teens! Questions? Ask!

So…what are you waiting for? Come meet Miss Piper at our Adoption Center open 10-6 Tuesday-Saturday (excluding naptime from 1-2)
See you soon!

05/03/2025

Are you still giving out pet food!?

YES!

We provide FREE food and litter every Thursday from 10am-2pm at 800 Fairview Rd behind suite C1.

We have limited food and litter available (self service) from 10-4 Monday-Saturday at 16 Forever Friend Lane.

Please notice that supplies are limited and we are unable to take requests for brand.
We can’t wait to see you!

04/03/2025

It’s raining dogs!

Now is the best time to come and meet your new best friend. We have every kind of wonderful you can imagine. Every single one of these sweet pups has stolen our hearts in some way - we hope you’ll come see why for yourself!

Please remember these are only a few of our many available dogs. Visit our website to see all of our available animals updated in real time!

Skid (F, 1)
Geronimo (M, 1)
Trevor (M, 3)
Millie (F, 5)
Gideon (M, 2)
Piper (F,

04/03/2025

One of the coolest things about our volunteers is that they have so much to teach us.

Sometimes it’s learning how to make surgical packs, absorbing knowledge about grooming technique, or mapping out the ins and outs of the Arboretum…and sometimes it’s just being inspired by the goodness of people.

Our volunteers give so much of themselves, that we as staff come to know and love them. We know who we can give a call for a little extra help in a pinch.

So thank you to all of our volunteers for all that you are and all that you do.

And to the volunteer who would slap me if I used her name, know that we’ll miss you. A lot.

(I still expect you to comment on every post)

03/03/2025

✨ Back by popular demand! ✨

Pro tip: Seeing the dogs in the kennel is wonderful, but seeing them OUT of the kennel can show what looks like a different dog entirely.

We want to give you the opportunity to see for yourself.

On Friday, March 7 from 2-4pm, we will open our playgroup to the (human) public (weather permitting!) Comfy, cozy, and safe behind a barrier - you’ll be able to see dozens of our dogs meet each other and do a romperoo or two!

Let us reiterate: playgroup is for shelter dogs only! We are unfortunately unable to integrate your dogs into the mix, but you’ll be able to see firsthand who might be a great playmate for your pup at home!

No registration is required, so feel free to drop in when you like.

We (and the dogs) can’t wait to meet you!

28/02/2025

Juliette, Juliette, Wherefore art though Juliette? The answer is playing. Alway playing.

Juliette is an absolute joy. Happiness is smeared across her face. The running joke on campus is that Juliette cannot keep her tongue in her mouth. It flows behind her in the wind as she sprints around the yards. She loves everyone and everything and you most of all. Also snacks.

Juliette would love to meet your dogs at home to ensure their energies match! She would do best with older kids and adults that can harness and channel her enthusiasm.

You will not regret coming to meet this sweet girl. Worst case scenario, you leave empty handed but with an abdomen sore from laughing. Best case scenario, your abdomen is sore from laughing for many many years with the sunshine of the shelter.

Address

Opening Hours

Monday	10:00 - 18:00
Tuesday	10:00 - 18:00
Wednesday	10:00 - 18:00
Thursday	10:00 - 18:00
Friday	10:00 - 18:00
Saturday	10:00 - 18:00

Telephone

+18287612001

Website

https://ashevillehumane.org/

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Asheville Humane Society posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Business

Send a message to Asheville Humane Society:

Videos

Before we continue, it’s important to first recognize the hardships folks are still facing. One death is too many. One person missing is too many. One animal displaced is too many. One business destroyed is too many. One home devastated is too many. One job lost is too many. In response to that loss, we look for the helpers. We look for the people who build you up - who build the community up. We look for the people who dig deep, especially when it’s hard, to provide for others - even those they don’t know. We look for the people who go out of their way to get to the “hard to get to spots” (looking at you mule team.) We look for the people who see humanity, who see hope, who see potential. We look for the people who believe that rebuilding is possible - or better yet, inevitable. Right now, helpers are not hard to find. The movement on the ground has been extraordinary. Organizations, people, causes, movements have moved swiftly to care for those affected at the intersection between their mission, their skill sets, their expertise and the greatest needs of the community. We are HONORED to work alongside the organizations and people doing so much good for so many people, animals, and communities. So tell us, yes PLEASE comment below, who have been your helpers? Organizations, individuals, tell it all! We’d especially love to hear stories of those helping animals. Tell us about them. And helpers, tell us about your impact. We want to celebrate with you. Thank you to our helpers, big and small. We thank you, the animals thank you.

Friendly Reminder that our FREE Pet Food Distribution Sites are still kickin’! We have dog and cat food available for anyone and everyone who needs it at one of our 4 distribution centers: 📌 Unete in Emma (call for hours) 📌 River Ridge Shopping Center (behind the C1 suite) (10am-4pm) 📌 Asheville Humane Society (14 Forever Friend Lane) (10am-4pm) 📌 Underdog Martial Arts (1156 Sweeten Creek Rd) (10am-4pm) Thank you for caring for the animals in our community and for each other. Big special thanks to @greatergoodcharities for supporting the pets of Western North Carolina!

Share. Your. Story. Petco Love, in partnership with BOBS® from Sketchers®, are asking YOU to tell your story about how your shelter animal has transformed your life for the better. It gets better. Winning Love Stories will earn grants for their shelters and rescues up to $100,000. Submissions for Petco Love Stories are open to individuals ages 18 and older, or those with parental consent. In 500 words or less, participants can share their Love Story along with photos or videos of their adopted pet. Submissions opened on August 26, 2024, and will close at 11:59 p.m. (CST) on September 30, 2024. Your Love Story can be submitted as a written story or a public-facing social media video, or by using both formats. Every adopter is asked to submit their Love Story via the submission form you can find Here: https://bit.ly/3ZBlfgT Submissions can be in written or social media video form. Tell your story. Help out Asheville Humane. Thank you for telling your story!

Which one are you? Tag your friends! 😆

These kittens are hot to go and ready to find their forever homes!

Pigapalooza 2024 Video 2

PIGAPALOOZA is just a week away! Join us on June 28th and 29th to adopt a pig and give them a deserving second chance. 🐷 Pigapalooza is happening from 12:00 PM - 6:00 PM at the Buncombe County Farm located at 61 Clover Lane in Swannanoa. Thanks to Four Seasons Plumbing, we are certain these sweet creatures will find fantastic homes.

Which cat would your bestie be bringing home? 🏡 🐈💞

Pigapalooza 2024

With over 20 pigs available for adoption, we are thrilled to bring back Pigapalooza! Join us June 28th & 29th for waived pig fees at the Buncombe County Farm. Watch the video to learn about pig adoption details & what kind of home is best! Let us know if you have any questions! 🐷❤️ This year, Pigapalooza is being sponsored by our wonderful friends at Four Seasons Plumbing

Virgo’s transformation is outstanding! Are you his forever home? Visit our Adoption Center to find out! ✨

Shortcuts

Address
Telephone
Opening Hours
Alerts
Contact The Business
Videos
Claim ownership or report listing
Want your business to be the top-listed Pet Store/pet Service?

Country:

City: