Vision Statement
To create sustainable animal welfare for companion animals in Haywood County.
Mission Statement
The Friends of Haywood County Animal Shelter champions the humane treatment and adoption of companion animals by promoting animal welfare through quality care, education and advocacy.
Our Adoption Impact
The impact of animal adoptions at the shelter far outreaches the basic family/pet relationship. By finding forever homes for the animals, we are also supporting the need to keep strays off the streets, local veterinarians and pet food stores, and more.
Adoption Photos
Some of the animals we’ve recently helped through your generosity.
"The Friends of the Haywood County Animal Shelter originated in 2013, fueled by the passion of people wanting to upgrade the quality of care and to extend the lives of the orphaned, lost, abandoned, and/or abused animals sheltered by Haywood County Animal Services. Our partnership with the Haywood County Commissioners led to the construction of the new Haywood County Animal Services facility and to a dramatic improvement in the lives of our county’s sheltered animals. The facility now is one of the top shelters in the state and is a “no-kill” shelter which means that 90% or more of our animals find homes.
The Friends of the Haywood County Animal Shelter now focus their efforts to promote adoptions, provide medical support, and educate the community about animal care and animal issues."
Kristen Hammett, DVM
Founder of Friends of the Haywood County Animal Shelter
Our Five Freedoms
Leading into tomorrow, our focus stays true to our commitment of our established Five Freedoms:
Freedom from hunger and thirst
Freedom from discomfort
Freedom from pain or disease
Freedom to express normal behavior
Freedom from fear and distress
"With the help of Friends of Haywood County Animal Shelter, we were able to pursue the best treatment for our foster (not forever) dog Sadie. While the options were limited due to her physical disabilities, we hoped that the use of orthopedic braces might help her to be able to use her front legs better.
Eventually, we hoped she would be able to use a wheelchair. The support of the community and Friends of Haywood County Animal Shelter was amazing! Sadie would not have been able to pursue the leg braces without the funds being so quickly raised."
Foster Mom turned Adoptive Mom
Our People
Our Board of Directors and community members meet regularly to review the needs of the shelter and further develop plans for its continued success.