Humane Society of Catawba County needs your help! We provide vital services to animals in need in Catawba County and surrounding communities. We appreciate any help we can get, and thank you for supporting our mission to give these animals a second chance at life. Here is a list of ways people can help us:
Please Read Before Booking Your Appointment
To keep our clinics running smoothly and fairly for every pet owner in Catawba County, we ask that you review the following scheduling policies before booking a spay/neuter, wellness, or feral cat appointment.
Cancellation & No-Show Policy
A $25.00 fee is charged for all no-call / no-shows and for cancellations or rescheduling requests made with less than 24 hours' notice.
No-Call / No-ShowA $25.00 fee is charged and is not eligible for a client credit.
Less Than 24 Hours' NoticeThe $25.00 fee is applied to your account and may be applied toward the rescheduled appointment.
At Least 24 Hours' NoticeNo fee is charged, and your...
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Owner Surrender, Strays & Emergency Situations
The Humane Society of Catawba County accepts owned pets from Catawba County residents and surrounding areas as space allows. Please review the following policies before requesting a surrender or reporting a stray.
Owner Surrender
Relinquishment FeeA relinquishment fee of $50.00 is collected at intake and goes directly toward the animal's care until adoption.
Appointment OnlyOwner surrenders are by appointment only. A staff member will contact you within 72 hours of your request with further instructions.
Behavioral Assessment (Dogs)All dogs undergo a behavioral assessment at the shelter before we commit to accepting them.
Friendly Cats OnlyCats and kittens must be friendly to be surrendered. We do...
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Requirements for Our Income-Based Programs
The Humane Society of Catawba County offers several income-based assistance programs — including our Pet Food Pantry and spay/neuter grant programs — to help ensure cost never stands between a pet and the care they need. The following eligibility requirements apply across these programs.
General Eligibility Requirements
Owned Pets OnlyAll financial assistance programs are for owned pets only — not rescues or feral cats.
Proof of Need RequiredApplicants must provide their own proof of eligibility at the time of request. Assistance cannot be granted without documentation.
As-Needed ServicesSome additional services covered under our grant programs (such as bloodwork, flea treatment, or wound care) are...
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Privacy & Data Protection
The Humane Society of Catawba County ("HSCC," "we," "our," or "us") is committed to protecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, and safeguard your information when you visit our website (catawbahumane.org) or interact with our services.
We understand the trust you place in us when sharing your personal information, whether you're looking to adopt a pet, make a donation, or support our mission. This policy outlines our practices for handling that information responsibly.
Information We Collect
We collect various types of information to provide and improve our services. This information helps us process adoptions, maintain accurate records, and better...
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Trap-Neuter-Return Requirements for Community Cats
Our feral cat program provides safe, standardized Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) services while ensuring proper identification of cats that have been sterilized.
A feral cat is an unsocialized outdoor cat that fears humans. A community cat in a TNR (Trap-Neuter-Return) program is an umbrella term for any unowned outdoor cat, whether friendly or feral.
Under Catawba County law, feeding an animal for more than three days may make you its legal owner.
The Feral Cat Package Includes
Spay or neuter surgery
Rabies vaccination
Ear tipping
Ear tipping is required for all feral (TNR) cats. The ear tip serves as permanent visual identification that the cat has been sterilized through...
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Safe Containment for Cats Visiting Our Clinic
To ensure the safety of cats, clients, and staff, all cats must be presented in an appropriate, secure, and humane form of containment.
Proper Cat Carriers
Cats must be transported in a secure, appropriately sized cat carrier designed for cat transportation.
Soft-sided carriers are discouraged due to the increased risk of escape, collapse, or difficulty safely handling the cat during transport and veterinary care. A sturdy, hard-sided carrier is strongly recommended.
The carrier must be large enough for the cat to comfortably stand, turn around, and lie down.
The carrier must be secure and in good working condition, with doors and latches that properly close...
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Leash & Safe Handling Requirements for Dogs
To ensure the safety of all animals, clients, and staff, all dogs entering the facility must be properly secured and under control.
Leash Requirement
All dogs must arrive at the facility on a secure, properly fitted leash.
Dogs must remain on a leash from the time they enter the property until they are safely secured in an area designated by staff.
Leashes must be securely attached to the dog's collar or harness.
Retractable leashes should be locked at a short length while inside the facility and in areas where close control is necessary.
Dogs should not be allowed to roam freely, even if they are friendly...
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