Idaho Humane Society Inc.

The Idaho Humane Society Inc. (EIN: 82-0212536) is a nonprofit animal welfare organization based in Idaho. It is the largest and oldest animal welfare organization in the state, committed to the welfare and responsible care of animals. The organization's mission is to advocate for animal welfare, protect animals from neglect and cruelty, and promote humane education, awareness, and compassion.

History and Development

The Idaho Humane Society has a long history of improving animal care in the region. It played a pivotal role in transforming the local animal shelter into a modern facility with humane practices, including proper sanitation, nutrition, and humane euthanasia policies. Over the years, the organization has grown significantly, with major facility expansions, including the opening of a 42,000-square-foot shelter in 2019. This new facility accommodates adoption, education, and veterinary medical centers.

Programs and Services

Animal Shelter and Adoption

As an open-intake shelter, the Idaho Humane Society receives a diverse range of animals, including dogs, cats, rabbits, reptiles, and more. It is renowned for its high adoption rates and comprehensive veterinary care, often exceeding the capabilities of smaller rescue groups. The organization transfers animals to specialized groups for pets requiring unique care environments.

Rehabilitation and Foster Care

The society offers several rehabilitation programs. Notably, it operates the Inmate Dog Alliance Project of Idaho (IDAPI), which places dogs in correctional facilities for socialization and training. The Women Inmate Social Kitty Retreat (WISKR) focuses on rehabilitating cats and kittens in a women's prison. Additionally, the organization maintains an extensive network of community foster homes for animals needing recovery or socialization.

Education and Community Programs

Idaho Humane Society provides humane education programs to promote compassion and respect for animals. These programs target children and aim to create a more humane community. The organization also supports pet owners through services like the Pet Food Pantry, which assists low-income households, and offers dog training to help owners manage behavior issues.

Veterinary Medical Center

The society operates a full-service, nonprofit veterinary hospital offering low-cost spay and neuter surgeries, as well as income-based veterinary care for low-income households. This facility is one of the more comprehensive veterinary shelters in the U.S., providing high-quality medical care for both shelter and community animals.

Partnerships

Idaho Humane Society partners with various rescue groups and other organizations to maximize animal adoptions and provide specialized care. It is a partner of Best Friends Animal Society, working together to increase lifesaving efforts for dogs and cats across the country.

Governance and Volunteers

The organization is governed by an all-volunteer board of directors and relies heavily on its more than 1,000 volunteers, who are integral to all aspects of its operations. The society maintains transparency and proactive community involvement, ensuring ongoing support from the local community.

Vision

The long-term vision of the Idaho Humane Society is to create a humane Idaho where healthy, adoptable animals are no longer euthanized, and all domestic animals and wildlife are treated with compassion and respect. The society supports best practices in animal sheltering and continues to evolve its services to meet community needs.

[1] https://www.givemn.org/organization/Idaho-Humane-Society [2] https://idahohumanesociety.org/about/ihs-at-a-glance/ [3] https://www.guidestar.org/profile/82-0212536 [4] https://bestfriends.org/partners/idaho-humane-society [5] https://idahohumanesociety.org