Humane Society

I was wondering, are humane societies typically kill or non kill shelters?

I adopted a kitten from one months ago, but can't stop thinking of one of the kittens I left behind that was super shy. I'm sure he's not there any longer, one way or the other, but I just can't stop thinking about him. They didn't have "days left" tags on the enclosures like they did at a definite kill shelter I visited once, so does anyone have any idea if there is a standard for humane societies or is it based off of each one individually?

Every rescue organisation called a "humane society" that I have dealt with is indeed a kill shelter, but that's only my experience with about 6-7 organisations.

The only humane society I am involved with is no-kill.

In my experience with the Humane Societys I've read about/dealt with, they are non-profit, no-kill shelters.

The ones I have dealt with/seen, are no-kill, except for animals that are deemed unadoptable (that rescues won't take) or if they are suffering.

obviously each one decides for itself.
in case you didn't know & for others who don't.
local humane societies are independant entities that are in no way affiliated w/ the humane society of the united states which is an AR nut organization that does not operate a single shelter anywhere in the country.
i have volunteered time at SPCAs & HSs that had policies agreeable to my convictions. so i would love to see all the money the HSUS taking in going to local organizations.

Hmm didnt know that.. although I wouldn't know that, I'm in Canada lol

This ^^

In Thurston and Pima counties, the humane societies both were kill shelters. But, once an animal hit the adoption line they got to stay there until adopted. There was no time limit. Of course, that meant incoming animals had to be euthed if there was no slot on the adoption line for them.

The county shelters were different though, in Tucson it was a high kill low funding place. Sad. They were who the local rescues worked with. They got the neediest cases as the county shelter didn't charge for surrenders, but the HS did.

That makes sense that they'd each decide that on their own. I'm hoping it wasn't a kill shelter, and one of these days I'll get up the nerve to just call and ask them. I felt bad enough getting a kitten instead of an adult cat, but to top it off I got about the most friendly personable kitten they had there. I lucked out that his first adoption bailed on him last minute just as I was about to leave. The other one I had looked at was the saddest kitten you'd have ever seen. He was so shy he didn't want to be held and just wanted to hide when I took him in the playroom to meet with him. I got him out of his shell a little bit after spending an hour with him, but I just knew he'd end up traumatized by my dogs so I ended up not taking him home. I just hope someone found it in their heart to give the little guy a chance

Jess, our local humane society is a kill shelter.

I know a few of the shelters in your area, if you want to PM me the name of the HS I might know if it's kill or no-kill.

And, of course, you could check their website. They would probably list there if they are no-kill, or if not, they'd probably list their euthanasia rate.

The local humane society here is no-kill for dogs, but does euthanize cats.

Unfortunately cat overpopulation is so rampant that IMO you'll be hard pressed to find many shelters that don't euthanize them. Partly this is due to people not spaying cats as much as dogs (it's as if they just can't be bothered! ) and partly due to the fertility of cats . . . Unlike dogs they don't come into heat every six months, but potentially every few WEEKS.

That, and the fact that cats adapt to a feral life very quickly, as opposed to dogs who don't form enormous colonies in just a couple of years.

Our humane society is the highest kill shelter in the area.

Our local shelter is a definate kill shelter. It is also, unfortunatly, very filthy and disgusting. They don't clean there, and its full of distemper, parvo, you name it. They are overrun in the inside runs and cages and a bunch live together in a fenced dirt lot outside. Dogs always seem to be escaping also. I can't blame them. My mom calls it the "inhumane society". She told me on the phone when she and dad stopped and got two terriers off the side of the road close to the "inhumane society". She said they are probably "escapees"!