Huntington has “A Heritage of Caring”

Heritage Days 2025, June 11 through June 15, will celebrate the people of Huntington and how they care for one another with the theme, “A Heritage of Caring.” Over the years many individuals, businesses and organizations have united the community in caring for one another. Each week the Huntington County Chamber of Commerce will highlight one of these entities in this column.

The Huntington County Humane Society cares for animals by protecting them and providing shelter, and encourages the humane treatment of all animals in Huntington County. Over 1,500 homeless pets are cared for each year according to their records.

The generosity of the Huntington community helps fund the Humane Society’s care of animals, which provides shelter, food, medical care, medical procedures and vaccinations while permanent homes are searched for. Their programs and fees are relied on for support also.

Cats and dogs are the majority of the animals cared for at the Humane Society. Temporary care for farm animals and other small pets that have been treated cruelly or have been neglected is provided.

Jenna Strick serves as the executive director of the Humane Society while Ashley Cox is the registered veterinarian tech. Amanda Holley is the current Animal Control Officer. Several other caring individuals serve as animal specialists, and volunteers are welcome. Individuals and groups can become a member of the Huntington County Humane Society and help to fund the necessary services.

There are opportunities for volunteers to serve the animals in several capacities for anyone 18 years and older with a properly filled out volunteer form. An adult signature on the volunteer form is required for someone 15 to 17 years old. Those under age 15 must be accompanied by an adult at all times with an adult signature on the volunteer form.

Pet adoption can be made by those 18 years or older. The Humane Society reserves the right to review all applications before adoption is approved. Animals are adopted on a first come, first served basis, and may occur the same day an application is submitted in person, and the individual is a match for the animal. The cost to adopt an adult dog over six months is $130, and puppies under six months old, $200. A current photo ID and method of payment are required. Cash, checks, debit and credit cards are accepted. Spay/neuter, microchip, up-to-date vaccinations, de-worming treatment and flea and tick prevention given while at the shelter are included in the fee.

Temporary care for cats, kittens, dogs and puppies is provided through the Foster Parents Program. Some animals need two weeks of care while others may need much more. Those interested in fostering an animal in their home can fill out a Foster Care Agreement found on the Humane Society’s website.

The Humane Society holds special events throughout the year, helping to raise the funds needed to care for the animals. A Mega Sale Fundraiser will be held Saturday, April 26, a.m. to 3 p.m., and Sunday, April 27, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., at the Huntington University Auxiliary Gym. Thousands of brand-new items from major retailers will be sold 40 to 75 percent off. Every dollar raised from the sale helps the animals. For information see their Facebook page.

Low-cost vaccination clinics will be held Saturday, May 10, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Saturday, August 9, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Saturday, October 25, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., at the American Legion Post #85, 1410 S. Jefferson Street. Services for pets in your care include: DA2PP vaccine for dogs, FVRCP vaccine for cats, microchipping, deworming and monthly flea and tick prevention. Some items are free and others are at a low-cost. Registration in advance is preferred to guarantee an appointment, however, walk in’s will be accepted on a first come, first served basis. To register click here.

Spaying and neutering services are available through the Humane Society. For those owners in need of food for their animal, it can be found at the Humane Society during regular business hours.

Those interested in caring for animals by adopting at the Huntington County Humane Society, can see the available animals for adoption on the website at huntingtonhumane.org/ The Humane Society has been caring for animals in need since 1972. The shelter is located at 390 Thurman Poe Way, Huntington. The mailing address is P.O. Box 366, Huntington, Indiana 46750. Email the shelter at: info@huntingtonhumane.org or the society at: societyinfo@huntingtonhumane.org. The shelter phone number is (260) 356-0355.