FAQ - Admissions & Rescue

Admissions 

Why do you charge an admission fee?
Do you put animals to sleep?
Can you guarantee my pet won’t be put to sleep?
Can I call and check on an animal that I’ve surrendered?
How many pets do you take in each year?
What types of animals do you take in?
How many pets are at your facility?
What happens to stray animals surrendered to KHS?

Rescue

How do I report animal abuse?
Who should I call if I see a stray animal?

Admissions

Why do you charge an admission fee?

Because the Kentucky Humane Society (KHS) is a private, non-profit organization, we rely on support from people like you. We do not receive any state or federal government funding. The $25-per-pet admission fee is funneled back to our mission programs, helping us combat pet overpopulation and provide food, shelter and care for thousands of homeless pets each year.  

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Do you put animals to sleep?

We also euthanize privately owned pets who have become seriously ill or injured at the owners’ request. Prices range from $25 - $100, depending on the size of your pet, and appointments are available seven days a week. Call (502) 366-3355 for more information or to schedule an appointment. 

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Can you guarantee my pet won’t be put to sleep?

At KHS, we make every effort to place all animals that are surrendered to us through our adoption program, partnering with rescue groups and transport programs. However, the only way we can guarantee that your pet will be placed for adoption is if s/he is accepted into our Guaranteed Attempt to Place (GAP) Program. Learn more about the GAP Program. 

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Can I call and check on an animal that I’ve surrendered?

We only release information on a surrendered animal if they are placed in our GAP program. You can, however, ask at the time of surrender to be notified by KHS in the event the animal becomes unadoptable due to health or temperament reasons. Learn more about the GAP Program.

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How many pets do you take in each year?

We admit approximately 8,000 dogs and cats each year.

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What types of animals do you take in?

KHS chooses to accept all felines and canines in need, regardless of health, disposition or background. We are happy to provide resources and referrals for animals other than cats and dogs. 

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How many pets are at your facility?

However, we also use foster care volunteers, who open their homes and hearts temporarily to special needs animals for a few days, weeks or months. Foster care parents help us throughout the year by fostering kittens, puppies, nursing mother cats and dogs, animals recuperating from injuries, and adoptable pets during times of overcrowding. Learn more about becoming a foster volunteer.

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What happens to stray animals surrendered to KHS?

As all other Jefferson County animal shelters, KHS is mandated by law to hold all stray cats and dogs for five days. After that timeframe, our trained staff perform health and behavior evaluations to determine if the stray pet can be placed up for adoption. At KHS, approximately 98% of strays are placed for adoption at one of our nine adoption sites.

KHS does offer a "Lost & Found" service to help reunite pets with their families. Learn more about the Lost & Found service.

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Rescue

How do I report animal abuse?

KHS does not have the legal jurisdiction to handle animal cruelty/neglect investigations or ordinance enforcement within Metro Louisville. Please contact the city government’s Metro Animal Services at (502) 363-6609 to report animal cruelty or neglect within Jefferson County, as they are mandated by law to handle such cases.

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Who should I call if I see a stray animal?

In Metro Louisville, please call Metro Animal Services at (502) 363-6609. They are responsible for stray pick-ups and animal neglect investigations in the Metro Louisville area.

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