The Kentucky Humane Society, founded in 1884, is the state's oldest animal welfare group and its largest pet adoption agency. It runs adoption centers across Louisville, the S.N.I.P. low-cost spay and neuter clinic, and the Willow Hope Farm horse rescue. It does not euthanize for space. Here is how adoption, surrender, the clinic, and the equine program work.
Yes. The Kentucky Humane Society is limited-admission and states it will never euthanize a pet for lack of space, with a goal of saving every healthy, behaviorally sound animal. In 2025 it reported a 96 percent live release rate, with euthanasia at 2 percent and reserved for medical or behavioral cases.
Because it is limited-admission, it takes owned animals by appointment rather than open intake, and it is not the city pound. Stray animals in Louisville go to Louisville Metro Animal Services, the municipal shelter responsible for stray pickup. The two organizations work alongside each other but are separate.
Adoption fees vary by animal rather than a flat price, so each pet's fee is listed on its profile. A few add-on costs apply at adoption: a $10.50 Jefferson County license fee for residents, $10 for a leash and collar on dogs five months and older, and $5 for a cat carrier.
Adoption starts with an online interest form that stays valid for six months but does not place a hold or guarantee a match. Walk-ins are welcome at the Sam Swope Pet TLC center, while the cat cafe and the Willow Hope Farm horse program run by reservation or appointment.
The S.N.I.P. clinic on Preston Highway is a low-cost public spay and neuter clinic that has performed more than 175,000 surgeries since 2007 and is recognized as an ASPCA Spay/Neuter Alliance model clinic. Prices include tax: $90 for a female cat and $80 for a male, $120 for a female dog and $100 for a male, and $30 for pit bull terriers thanks to a subsidy. A deposit is required.
Owner surrender is by appointment for owned animals only, with a fee of $40 for dogs and cats and no required fee for puppies or kittens. Before surrender, the Pet Helpline can help with food, vet costs, behavior questions, and landlord issues, and runs a Safe Haven program for survivors of domestic violence.
Willow Hope Farm in Simpsonville is the society's equine program. The 42-acre, nationally accredited farm moves horses out of crisis and into safe homes or partner rescues, and runs a Horse Help Line for owners in trouble.
Adult volunteers must be 18 or older and, for hands-on animal roles, commit to about two hours every two weeks over six months. Fostering is open to people who work full time and have other pets; the society provides all supplies, and assignments average about two weeks.
The wish list includes canned dog food, unscented clay cat litter, kitten formula, durable dog toys, and horse-care items such as halters and hoof picks. The Kentucky Humane Society holds a four-star rating from Charity Navigator, and its EIN is 61-0463938.
Dogs, cats, and horses across Louisville adoption centers and a cat cafe.
Low-cost public spay/neuter; 175,000-plus surgeries since 2007.
A 42-acre accredited horse rescue and rehoming program in Simpsonville.
Food, vet-cost, and behavior help to keep pets in their homes.
A mobile clinic that served more than 5,000 pets in 2025.
Short-term homes with all supplies provided by the society.
Sources: Kentucky Humane Society (kyhumane.org) adoption, surrender, S.N.I.P., and equine pages, including 2025 outcome figures; Charity Navigator (EIN 61-0463938). Retrieved June 2026. We are not affiliated with Kentucky Humane Society and receive no compensation for this listing. Spotted an error? [email protected]
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