Who We Are

Founded in 1889 by J. William Sayre, the Lexington Humane Society (LHS) is a 501(c)3 organization solely dependent on private donations, grants and community support. We receive no operating support from the government or national animal welfare groups, including HSUS or the ASPCA.

Among other things, LHS is the largest pet adoption agency in Central Kentucky, we educate the community on responsible pet care and the compassionate treatment of all animals, and we spay/neuter the pets of qualifying families at a low cost.

Simply stated, we Give Love, Teach Love, and Adopt Love.

We host four main fundraising events throughout the year to benefit the animals and they are a great way for you to get involved! Our signature events include Tails & Ales (a beer-tasting event), Mutt Strut (1-mile walk), Doggie Paddle (Lexington's largest swimming event just for dogs) and Beastie Ball (black-tie gala). Check out the LHS event calendar to stay up-to-date on all events that benefit the animals! Click here to view annual reporting and stats.

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Our Mission Statement

To advocate the compassionate treatment of animals; educate the community on responsible, lifelong pet ownership; and promote adoption as the best option when searching for a new pet.

Vision for the Future:

We envision a time when every companion animal is treated with respect, care, and compassion as a valued, lifelong member of the family. A time when there are no more homeless animals resulting from irresponsible or noncommittal pet ownership.

Core Values:

  • Teamwork, built on knowledge, respect, and appreciation, to achieve our mission
  • Kindness and common sense to guide and accomplish shared goals
  • High level of care and compassion provided to all of our animals
  • Respectful, unbiased customer service provided internally and externally
  • Embracement of diversity, equity, and inclusion in all areas of operation
  • Ethical, accountable, and transparent practices and activities
  • Financial accountability worthy of our donors’ trust

While remaining true to these core values, LHS commits to evolve and grow and will work hard every day to make it a great day for the animals and each other.

Our Partnership

LHS* chooses to contract with Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government to provide the city's mandated animal control services through Lexington-Fayette Animal Care & Control, LLC (LFACC). As a result of this relationship, Fayette County's animal control save rate is estimated to be twice the national average for animal control facilities. For more information on LFACC services, click here.

*No LHS donor funds are used to support LFACC operations.

Business Statement

We encourage responsible pet ownership and work to end pet homelessness through pet adoption, spay/neuter, education, and community outreach programs that are accessible, high-quality, efficient, transparent, and fiscally accountable.

Our Programs

Learn about our numerous programs.

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Recognition:

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We are proud to receive a 4-star rating for 8 consecutive years from Charity Navigator - Something only 5% of charities evaluated by them have received. Click here to view our Charity Navigator Certificate!

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We are proud to receive GuideStar’s Platinum Level rating.