Admissions FAQ
Admissions Frequently Asked Questions
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?
- Do you provide private euthanasia of owned pets?
Rescue
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 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.
Do you put animals to sleep?
Yes – KHS humanely euthanizes by lethal injection pets who are too dangerous or ill to be rehomed. We are committed to saving every healthy, behaviorally sound pet we accept, and we will not euthanize because of overcrowding.
We also euthanize privately owned pets who have become seriously ill or injured at the owners’ request.
Can you guarantee my pet won’t be put to sleep?
At KHS, we do not euthanize pets simply because of overcrowding. We will only euthanize surrendered pets who are unadoptable because of severe behavior problems or illness. Owners or finders may opt to receive a phone call if their surrendered pet is ever deemed unadoptable, and they have the option to pick up their pet.
Can I call and check on an animal that I’ve surrendered?
We only release information on a surrendered animal if their owner signed up for the STAR 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 behavior reasons.
How many pets do you take in each year?
We admit approximately 8,000 dogs and cats each year.
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.
How many pets are at your facility?
Our Main Campus shelter has the capacity to hold approximately 300 animals, and our other locations can hold an additional 100 pets.
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.
What happens to stray animals surrendered to KHS?
As all other Jefferson County animal shelters, KHS is mandated by law to hold all stray dogs for five days. Stray cats with identifiable signs of ownership, such as a microchip or collar or those who are declawed, are held for five days as well. After that time frame, our trained staff perform health and behavior evaluations to determine if the stray pet can be placed up for adoption.
If you have lost a pet, please check our "Lost & Found" page.
Do you provide private euthanasia of owned pets?
Yes. At their owners' request, we can euthanize privately owned pets who have become seriously ill or injured. Prices range from $25-$100, depending on the size of the pet. Cremation services are also available. Please call for more information, (502) 366-3355.
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.
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.