Mission Statement
It is the Mission of the Humane Society of Charles County (HSCC) to provide shelter and care for the homeless, injured and neglected animals through adoption, fostering, community partnerships, education and affordable spay-neuter and vaccine programs.
In 1975, a small group of community volunteers realized that the existing county animal shelter was not able to save those animals most in need and so conceived of an organization committed to the protection of the injured, neglected and abused animals that might otherwise perish without intervention. These selfless volunteers became The Humane Society of Charles County and set up shop in a garage. Incorporated as a 501(C)3 nonprofit organization in August 1978, the Humane Society of Charles County was created based on a deep respect for all life, animal and human.
From the beginning, we have held a deep commitment to care for animals and serve the community by offering love, support and safety to the animals and respect for all. Each year we provide compassionate shelter and care to more than 3,200 homeless animals, inspire more than 18,000 children, nursing home residents and community members through our humane education, Paws to read programs; provide low-to-no cost veterinary services for more than 3,000 pets in need; find homes for more than 1,600 animals; and save nearly 200 "bottle babies from certain death through our kitten and puppy fostering program. In 2016 we launched our Forever Friends Community Outreach program and provided over 3000 community cats and their caregivers with free spay/neuter and pet food pantry services.
As an open admission shelter, the HSCC continues to pride itself on our commitment to accepting animals brought to us regardless of their health or temperament, and we hold tight to our commitment of creating a community where animals are cherished and no longer need us for protection and shelter.