Our Philosophies

What we are

While it is easy to think of Rita B. Huff Humane Society (RB Huff) as an “animal pound”, we do not fit that generic description. RB Huff is a nonprofit, privately owned, No-Kill animal shelter.

 What’s the difference?

Municipal animal shelters (“pounds”) are government-run, taxpayer funded, primarily focused on community safety and operating budgets. Typically, are Open Intake meaning they must accept all animals brought to them. The adoption process may be quick and simple as avoiding shelter overcrowding is critical. When the shelter reaches capacity, euthanasia may become a means of making room.

Private shelters (RBHuff) are profit or nonprofit organizations funded by donations and primarily focused on rescue, rehabilitation and adoption – or simply stated “finding forever homes”. The adoption process may be more rigorous because finding a proper fit between pet and owner is critical. Most operate as “No-Kill”. When this type of shelter reaches capacity, in-take is interrupted until adoptions or fosters make room. It can be more frustrating for the adopter but results in a safer outcome for the pet.

Rita B Huff Humane Society

RBH shelters dogs and cats. We believe dogs are pack animals by nature and desire to belong to a family in a safe and protected environment. We do not allow our dogs to be “outdoor” dogs with unlimited space to roam. For the pet’s safety, we require the owner to have a fenced area as well as indoor shelter available for their pet.

Similarly, we believe cats desire to be companions belonging in a family. Thus, our cats are required to be “indoor” cats. Feral cats are another issue as they are difficult to domesticate and are territorial. RBHuff does not work with feral cats as we do not have the staff nor equipment needed for neuter/spay.