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Iowa

Dubuque Regional Humane Society

David Adams

June 25, 2024

Dog Rescues & Shelters

Dubuque Regional Humane Society

#100 in United States, #4 in Iowa

4242 Chavenelle Rd, Dubuque, IA 52002, USA

http://dbqhumane.org

info@dbqhumane.org

Service areas:

Dubuque, IA

The Dubuque Regional Humane Society is committed to building bonds between people and animals through adoptions, community outreach, humane education and cruelty prevention. History "Dubuque needs a society of this kind very badly…for the protection of the dumb brutes and the punishment of the human brutes!" an article read in the Dubuque Daily Herald on February 24, 1882. On April 11, 1901, The Dubuque Benevolent and Humane Society was founded to protect the rights of animals, primarily horses, as well as children. An office was set up in what is now known as the Fischer Building and money was raised through annual dues of $1 - $10, with a lifetime membership costing $25. From its earliest days, public education was a key element of the Humane Society's work. The city even designated a member of the police force to act as the humane officer, enforcing anti-cruelty laws. In 1904, the Humane Society joined with the local board of education to hire and pay the first full-time employee – a combined truant and humane officer. The humane officer became the alternative to the city dogcatcher and calls quickly began to increase. This lead to the establishment of a small animal shelter located at 2228 Jackson Street. This arrangement lasted until the mid-1930s, when long time humane officer Charles Arendt retired and the Humane Society moved to seven acres of land outside the city limits in Center Grove Township. By the 1950s, after several years of continued improvements, the Humane Society had developed the shelter into what was considered at the time to be a state-of-the-art humane facility. Volunteers Barb Ellsworth, John Perrenoud, Dale Repass and Dr. James Stark organized the recruitment of a wide variety of community members to form a new and more active board of directors. The board determined that a coordinator was needed to oversee the shelter and its expansion and hired Jane McCall as the first executive director. She immediately began developing ideas and long-range plans for the shelter. The board realized these plans could never be accomplished at the current facility. In October 1992, the Humane Society moved to 175 North Crescent Ridge where a new facility, almost triple the size of the old, was built to accommodate anticipated growth. In 1997, the Humane Society was chosen as one of the top six humane operations in the country. After many years in the making, the Dubuque Regional Humane Society (DRHS) moved into Kinsey’s Campus on October 24, 2013, named in memory of a wonderful, talented and loving Golden Retriever. Thanks to the vision of the staff and the Board of Directors, today's Humane Society is more regional and national in its scope than at any time in its history. A dedicated staff of 25 individuals operate the shelter, open to the public 6 days a week, and provide a myriad of services. Through regular community outreach programs, including regular spots on local radio and TV, the adoption program is running at record levels while annual fundraisers like "Strut Your Mutt," "In the Doghouse," and the "Tails at Twilight" fall gala have created positive awareness to the Humane Society's mission. Though the times changed, the human-animal bond will always remain, and as long as there are animals in need, the Dubuque Regional Humane Society will be there.

Mission and Vision

The Dubuque Regional Humane Society (DRHS) is so much more than an animal shelter. It is an animal resource center that delivers upon the mission of protecting and promoting the well-being of companion animals by building lifelong bonds between pets and people through adoption, humane education, community outreach, and the prevention of cruelty. Operating as a 501(c)3 non-profit, open admission, no-kill shelter the DRHS provides critical medical and behavioral interventions and compassionate care for over 2,900 animals annually that are lost, abandoned, surrendered by owners, or rescued from neglect. Our commitment, in tandem with our community, which spans three counties in three states and backs our mission, creates pathways to new homes and brighter futures for 100% of the healthy, safe and treatable animals in our care.

Adoption Policy

DRHS ADOPTION PROCESS • View our current adoptable dogs, cats, and critters using the buttons above • Visit the shelter and meet your potential new best friend in person • Put a hold on an animal you're interested in adopting if you need additional time to consider (see details below*) • If you currently have dogs in your home, we recommend a dog-to-dog introduction at the shelter prior to adoption • Complete an adoption application at the DRHS • Take your new addition home! • The visitation and adoption process takes approximately 45-60 minutes to complete. All adoptions from the Dubuque Regional Humane Society include the following: • Spay or neuter surgery • Deworming and fecal exam • Flea and tick treatment • Distemper combination vaccination • Rabies vaccination • Bordetella vaccination (dogs only) • Microchip implantation • FeLV/FIV test (cats only) • Transition bag of dog or cat food courtesy of Theisen's Home Farm & Auto and Hill's Science Diet Pet Food • Litter (cats only) courtesy of World’s Best Cat Litter *DRHS Animal Hold Policy & Procedure: • The DRHS does not accept holds via email, social media message/comment, or voice message • In order to hold an animal that you may be interested in adopting, the DRHS requires you to pay a $35 non-refundable holding fee if in person, or $50 non-refundable holding fee if on the phone • If you decide to adopt the animal on which you placed a hold, the $35/$50 fee will be applied towards the adoption fee • Holds are nontransferable to other animals • A hold is only effective until 4:00pm the next business day (6:00pm on Friday) o If you are not back by 4:00pm the next business day (6pm on Friday), you lose the $35/$50 holding fee, and as stated above, it is non-refundable

https://www.dbqhumane.org/adoptable-dogs

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David Adams

June 25, 2024

Dog Rescues & Shelters

David Adams

About the author

David Adams is a man of many passions, but his love for dogs stands above all. He is not only a dog lover, but also the founder of an innovative platform called Sniffspot. This unique platform connects dog owners with private property owners who are willing to rent out their space for off-leash playtime. While the idea of Sniffspot was initially conceived by his wife, Rebecca, David has been the driving force behind its remarkable success, tirelessly overseeing its growth and development. David's dedication to providing safe and enjoyable spaces for dogs to play, explore, and socialize is evident in his unwavering commitment to Sniffspot. He strongly believes that dogs need ample space and opportunities to stretch their legs and have fun. As a result, he has worked tirelessly to build a network of private property owners across the country who share his vision and are willing to offer their space for the benefit of dogs and their owners. Despite his busy schedule, David always finds time to indulge in his passion for the great outdoors. He loves nothing more than exploring new hiking trails and embarking on thrilling outdoor adventures. Whenever he is not working on Sniffspot, he can often be found hiking or visiting multi-acre fenced sniffspots with his two beloved dogs, Soba and Toshii. He is an avid outdoorsman who enjoys the fresh air, breathtaking scenery, and the sense of freedom that comes with being in nature. David is based in Salem, MA.

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Sniffspot provides the best experiences and fun for you and your dog. Our dog parks are designed for the ultimate dog exercise. Our private spaces help you minimize distractions or triggers and maximize time with your dog. We provide off leash enrichment - exploration and activities you can't get anywhere else; wear your dog out for days. We make it easy to have playdates. Socialize your pup in a controlled, private spot - it's great exercise and it's fun for you and your dog.

Dubuque Regional Humane Society

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