I love Foothills Humane Society. They have always done exceptional work in the community and now we have the bonus of a new Director and a lot of new staff members that are working a lot of times 24 /7 to get things on track. The Director Kat Hamilton goes above and beyond anyone I have ever seen dedicated to the well-being of every animal in her care. She works tremendously well with the staff and volunteers. I feel like she does not get the credit. She deserves she gets overlooked because she’s always doing things behind the scenes and hates to take credit. The pets at the Humane Society are given the best care and love and attention that the staff can provide.They have excellent volunteers, donors, fosters, and staff. It’s hard to run a shelter on a very limited budget with over 200 animals at foothills but she stretches every dime to get whatever the pets need. She’s been a blessing to the Humane Society.
I would like to thank the Foothill’s Humane Society and their amazing, knowledgeable staff. Last week I called to see if I could foster a dog for 5 days while my 12 year old granddaughter was visiting with me. I wanted to teach my granddaughter a few lessons and with the help of the staff at Foothill’s it worked out amazing. They showed us several puppies and dogs that would match up well with our needs. My granddaughter chose Pamela an 8 month old Labrador mix. Beautiful girl, gentle, house trained, no barking, great with children and other dogs. ( I really wish we could have kept her!) I was able to use the puppy to teach my granddaughter lessons that she could apply to her life but in a fun way. Example of one of the lessons: She wanted the puppy to go into the doggie crate to sleep for the night ( crate was supplied by the Foothill’s Humane Society, plus food, blanket, collar, leash and toys). She was frustrated because the puppy wanted to stay outside of the cage with her and she wanted to put the puppy to bed for the night and be safe in the crate. Lesson #1 I told her that is how her parents feel when they are trying to keep her safe and doing what is best for her and that she should appreciate that she is so loved and cared for ( and shouldn’t talk back to her parents). I asked her how she could solve this problem and she said “ I’m going into the crate with her” so she did and the puppy happily followed. After the puppy relaxed in the crate my granddaughter crawled out. She felt good that she had solved the problem and hopefully learned something too! It was a wonderful 5 day’s with the dog and we are so thankful for the Humane Society to allow us this opportunity. The puppy, Pamela, had a great time ( tail was always wagging! We called her wiggle butt) and my granddaughter loved the experience! I would truly recommend that people foster a dog for any amount of time that they can it will bless your own heart and the dog as well Thank you so much Foothill’s ! You are Fabulous!! ❤️
Transparency is lacking and good luck getting a donation receipt. The staff seems caring but is lacking in knowledge and customer service.
I was a volunteer for FHS for over 1 year supporting the shelter in many ways: fostering, walking dogs, training dogs with trainer Dina Ziphiris, donating $ and treats for the animals, and calling adopters to check in. I loved my association with the shelter and weekly looked forward to my donated time. As of 2 1/2 months ago I was "fired" as a volunteer by the person the Board of Directors now calls the COO. I could pretty much figure I was terminated when I was blocked from the FHS Volunteer pages and weeks after that when the COO sent me a letter telling me my services were no longer needed. My termination was because I, on social media, voiced my anger at HOW the Board terminated the Executive Director, as well as how I had been blocked from the FB Volunteer page. In the past 2 1/2 months Kat Hamilton was terminated, 3 board members resigned, 2 Managers resigned, 1 manager was terminated, 1 kennel staff member resigned, and the best dog trainer I've ever worked with resigned . As a non-profit organization FHS does not have to give a reason for termination, and they have left our community hanging by saying NOTHING. There is no transparency with FHS, and I think that is wrong. They haven't told the public that 3 board members have resigned, nor IF they have new replacement members (or their names). Gossip and accusations fly around the shelter, a lot generated by personnel that work there. This is supposed to be an organization about the ANIMALS, not about politics, backstabbing, gossip, or ladder climbing. It's my understanding that FHS has a policy that says that if a person quits or is terminated, they may not return to FHS as a volunteer or re-hire for 1 year. If this is so, then why was the new COO re-hired after she quit only weeks prior. I asked how she got re-hired and was told the Board instructed the hiring. HMMMmm...who's job is it to hire, re-hire or terminate? I would think that is just one of the responsibilities of the ExDirector. Yet the Board made the decision. And why, after the previous trainer was terminated, why was she brought back? I question where politics plays into this. They also brought back a kennel employee that was terminated for leaving the job, without notification, twice. Why and how does this happen??? It is my personal belief that FHS is in turmoil and it's also my opinion that there needs to be a clean sweep of the Board of Directors as well as a few of the front office staff members. Politics have no place at the shelter. The animals need to be taken out and walked, daily, twice a day. 23 hours locked up makes for unruly dogs. More volunteers are needed...volunteers who can walk dogs, mostly who pull, because they don't get out enough and have no training. Volunteers need better training on how to deal with a dog that is shy,pulls, is scared or maybe reactive. The shelter needs a Director (COO) that has previous experience managing a shelter,
treats people equally, always puts the animals first, respects others opinions, has listening skills, knows how to budget, is honest & transparent. I thought this was Kat Hamilton, who made amazing changes in her employment at the shelter. I loved volunteering at FHS and am saddened I can no longer do my part to help the dogs, other volunteers or adopters. I hope & pray from the bottom of my heart that things will change at the shelter, for the better, but I wonder, with who's in charge at this time. It should always be about the animals FIRST and not about power. This is my opinion only, to which I am entitled. I hope that those people who are volunteers or donors continue their commitments, if you feel it's what you should do. I will volunteer elsewhere and help other animals and will, always, from a distance, pray for a better run shelter who puts the animals first and eliminates politics all together.
Review from Guidestar
We adopted Johnson from Foothills. They were honest about his problems and very supportive as we fostered him first to see if he would adjust to our home.. they did a great job with him in teaching him basic commands and loving on him. We could not be happier that we found Johnson!!! Thank you so much!!
I have been involved with animal shelters, in some capacity, for over 20 years. Never have I seen a more caring, professional, empathetic group of people than those at Foothills Humane Society. Everyone, from the director to the kennel staff go above and beyond to see that these animals are treated with respect and love, until they can find permanent homes. I look forward to the days when I volunteer, and I know that I am appreciated.
Foothills Humane Society is a very caring organization who vets potential adopters very thoroughly, trains only via positive reinforcement, very well organized. I thoroughly enjoy working with them and trust them completely.
We recently adopted a wonderful dog who had been left abandoned with a horrific leg wound. Foothills rescued this dog, paid for him to have multiple surgeries to fix his leg, which fully recovered. Due to his sad past, they spent hours upon hours giving him love and training to save him and prepare him for his forever home. I can’t even fathom the resources spent to save this dog. But save him they did.
Unfortunately this amazing dog did not fit in to our home situation, but they have prepared him for a perfect family with never ending love and attention. I have never heard of a shelter going to these lengths for an individual dog.
Thank you for all you did for him, and I know you will find him the absolutely perfect forever home. You gave him all he deserved and more.
When we returned him he almost pulled us in to the building! He was so happy to be back with the people who had given him a new life. Foothills to him, was a very happy and safe place. Kudos to you.
This is one of the best shelters you will ever encounter in your lifetime! We adopted 2 American staffordshire terriers from them. The first one has been with them for over a year and they invested so much in training him and loving that he is the most awesome dog you can ask for!.
Our second dog arrived as a stray and he was with them for a few months and he learned how to behave in a crate and the potty training in only a few months.
They offer continuos training and activities for the adopted alumni, keep a network of support post adoption, give food away to the people who have adopted and have no means under this Covid times, and they provide all the love and care any animal in this world deserves. For all those reasons and for giving joy and happiness to everyone who adopts from them, they are the best!
Foothills Humane Society is a great animal shelter where the animals are treated with love and respect. We have adopted 3 wonderful cats from this organization over the past 20+ years , the last being over 2 years ago, and recently adopted a wonderful dog. I fostered the dog for a bit first and he seconds how great the place is because every time I took him back over for anything during the foster period, he was always happy and excited to see the staff and had no hesitation about going back in so I know that means he remembers being treated well there. The staff and volunteers are very caring people and they are able to share information about each animal they are caring for to help aid humans find a good fit for their homes. They even remember the personality of our cat we adopted over 2 years ago. They have a great social media presence and created a special Facebook page for the humans who adopted from Foothills Humane Society to share the ongoing special stories of the animals formerly under their care. I respect their dedication and love so much that I also donate to them monthly to make up for the fact that I don't have enough room to adopt 10 more fur babies. After living in the county they serve for over 10 years, I can say without a shadow of a doubt that FHS is the the best run organization of any kind (animal services, human services, non-profit, for profit, local government, anything) in this area.
My daughter and I started volunteering at Foothills Humane Society in 2015. She was ten. For the next 4 1/2 years we walked dogs and socialize cats each week, until we had to stop due to COVID-19. During that time we thoroughly enjoyed working with the animals and the dedicated staff. We also adopted two wonderful new family members- a cat named Charlotte and a dog named Josie. Charlotte now rules the household, and Josie is my constant companion and hiking partner. My daughter and I look forward to being able to return to FHS to volunteer again.
Jane Oakes
We adopted Shaggy, a medium-sized kitten 3 years ago. Rascal is now a seasoned traveler in our RV or just as content to keep us company at home.
Adoption process was easy. Staff was very helpful with the adoption!
We’ve since tried to help financially and with some food and kitten bowls for the “baby shower” fund raiser before the quarantine began.
I have contributed to the Foothills Humane Society for years. They run an efficient, well-cared-for facility and take exceptional care of the animals. Their staff and volunteers are kind, well-informed, and very helpful. Last December, I adopted a cat from them and he is a joy. He was 8 months old when I got him, but he had been at the shelter for his whole life. He was very well socialized, a tribute to the care of the staff. This is a great place.
My teenage daughter and I have been volunteering occasionally here for about 2 years. This facility is one of the best I’ve ever seen. The animals are beautiful and well cared for, the staff and other volunteers are friendly and welcoming. The trails for dog walking are amazing! Love this place!
I came to Foothills to look for a new family member. I had characteristics I was looking for more than breed, size, etc...They chose a dog to meet I would not have actually noticed. And we have fallen head over heels. Foothills trainers helped us adjust during the adjusting time (We needed training; she was following our lead!). This ongoing support made the difference and got us on a great track. The entire staff from adoption reps to vets and vet techs have been fantastic, with ongoing support for heart worm treatment. Doing a great job, esp considering that I am sure they could use a bigger budget, they are truly worthy of checking out and support.
I fostered recently a cat that was ready to give birth for Foothills Humane Society. There were complications and one kitten didn't do well. I was very happy with the support that I got and the immediate response by the vet tech. During the time of fostering the mom and three kittens, I was provided with food and all the meds that I needed for their well being. We kept one kitten (foster failure ) and the mom and two kittens found wonderful homes.
Our wonderful baby girl arrived at Foothills Humane Society after being caught in a trap by animal control. A feral dog, she was terrified of people. Thank God she arrived at the one place that would give her a chance. Kill shelters would have immediately put her down as non-adoptable, and most other no-kills would have rejected her. But FHS took her in and worked with her, helping her become the wonderful dog she is. We adopted her 13 months later, and have been so blessed to have her as part of our family. Now this sweet girl lives each day to be petted, cuddled, and loved on, and gives so much love and care back to us in return. She is the best dog anyone could ask for and I cannot imagine life without her. I cannot thank Foothills enough for what they did to make our family complete.
Foothills Humane Society has long been one of the most caring, organized, and responsive animal shelters. They try their best to save every creature and find loving homes for them. Please, support them and their hard work.
Foothills Humane Society has helped me find a best friend! They went out of their way to help me by fostering my dog until my move was complete and I could bring him home. During his time as a foster he needed emergency surgery for an intestinal blockage. They didn't have to keep me updated throughout the surgery as I hadn't completed the adoption yet, but they did every step of the way. Foothills gave me a piece of my heart I didn't know was missing and I will be forever grateful!
My son is autistic and he had expressed interest in wanting a dog. We were recommended to Foothills by a friend. We were wanting a smaller dog but after speaking with Samantha, she suggested a bigger (but more calm) dog. She brought Thor out and he and my son hit it off! I would recommend Foothills to anyone looking to adopt! Thor is now named Dutch and he and my son make quite a pair.
I was at Foothills to look for a cat to adopt. I have a young male cat and wanted to get him a playmate. The cats there were the friendliest cats I've ever been around. Clear that they have been acclimated to other cats and people in a most wonderful way. All so friendly it was really hard to choose just one! We finally decided on Milkshake!
We came from Tennessee to get our sweet Ella Grace who you know as Spice August 11 2018 your staff was helpful & friendly we love her she is so sweet & loving we are fortunate she is a part of our family
Foothills Humane Society cares! We fostered then adopted a 3 year old pitbull and could not be happier with him. They go the extra mile and have trainers work with some of the dogs to be sure they are ready for adoption. Lots of wonderful people work/volunteer here. So grateful for what they do. Thank you FHS!
We adopted our Maggie (Casey) from Foothills Humane Society two years ago. Maggie took much effort for this group to catch. She was fearful of all people and one of the staff eventually fostered here at home for a month as Maggie was too frightened at the shelter to trust people. She was adopted once and got loose on the ride home and the agency staff traveled an hour and spent 6 hours to trap her to take her back to their shelter. Our sweet Maggie is now a playful, loving, beloved member of our family. She helped heal my heart from our loss of our Gracie who went to pet heaven 6 weeks before Maggie became a member of our family. Without the amazing, kind efforts of the Foothills Humane Society, Maggie could still be a homeless, heart worm positive dog scrounging for food and receiving no love. This agency deserves recognition for their dedication and love they provide to all animals. Maggie is a delightful, loved dog due to their months long efforts. We are so lucky to have our sweet Maggie in our lives and she is now a happy, healthy puppy!
We were surprised with a stray mama cat and her 4 kittens this summer. We didn’t know what to do as far as catching them and getting them fixed. The kittens were around 6weeks old and eating dry food.
Shortly after trying to figure out the 5 new cats, our neighbor told us about an abandoned 1 week old kitten. We contacted several sources with no success to take the 1 week old kitten (we named Opal). We then tried Foothills Humane Society, but they did not have an available foster at the time we called.
A few days later we visited Foothills Humane Society to get vouchers for the mama and her strays to get fixed. While there, we talked about the 1 week old kitten, Opal, a little more. Later that day, we received a call from FHHS letting us know they have a foster mom who needed a litter mate for another very young kitten (Paris).
We surrendered Opal to the foster mom. We let FHHS know that we intended to adopt Opal and that we would adopt Paris when both were ready for their forever home.
A few months later we visited FHHS and picked up both kittens to take home. We changed Pars’ name to Topaz. Both kittens are so much like sisters even though they had different mamas.
The stray cats Dandylion, Bear, Scarlet and Buttercup have all been fixed as well as our feral cat, Cheeseball. Unfortunately one of the kittens, Oscar, was hit and killed by a car on the main road. All the others stay away from the road and reside in our large outbuilding.
Opal and Topaz live inside our home with our other cats, Miles, Rosco and Annabelle. Opal and Topaz have made friends with all their new brothers and sister.
Foothills Humane Society was so good with helping us get through the influx of cats that decided to choose us. We purchased low cost vouchers to get all the cats fixed at our local veterinary clinic. We made additional donations both financial and food through Amazon. All the people we talked with were so kind and caring for all the animals they take care of. We are so lucky to have such a wonderful organization nearby.
Pictures Dandylion with Bear & Scarlet; Topaz & Opal; Cheeseball.
I have two pets adopted from Foothills, Mia, a tabby cat, now 13 years old; Noah, a mixed basset/beagle, 6 years old. Both have been great, healthy pets, that pretty much rule the household. Mia was a routine adoption. Noah (shelter name, Chalupa) was more of a challenge. I first saw Chalupa on the Foothills website and filled out an on-line application for his adoption. Before I could even visit Foothills, i received a call telling me Chalupa had already been adopted. A little disappointed, I accepted it wasn't meant to be. A couple days later, Foothills called to say that Chalupa had been returned and was again available for adoption. My wife and I met Chalupa the next day and decided to adopt him. He is our beloved cartoon dog. All the markings are beagle, but all the parts are to long or too big for a beagle. He is just an adorable, high spirited, bed snuggling companion that goes everywhere with us, weather permitting.
Foothills does amazing work and I proudly support them. Looking for a pet? They are a sure bet!
All of my fur babies have been rescues. Mostly from here. The staff is amazing and always so patient and will do whatever they have to to get you with the perfect pet. They keep it so clean and always take especially great care of all the animals in their care. They do so much with the community and events too. FHS cant be beat.
I went with my rescue dog to find her a friend. We had lost our other dog to cancer and she was so depressed. We took her for walks, swimming and boating and it was not pulling her out of her depression.
I was going to look at a specific dog and they were so nice to let Sugar (my dog) meet and interact with this specific dog.
In the play yard she gave no regard to this dog and no interest in meeting her.
The handler said, hold on, I think I know a dog that may work.
They brought out Jackson and it was immediate interaction and they got along splendidly.
Jackson is now an integral part of the family and everyone loves Jackson.
He is such a happy dog and even the cats snuggle up to him.
Thank you thank you thank you Foothills for the perfect match to our family.
Foothills Humane Society is a beautiful and wonderful facility. They are located in the beautiful mountains of Columbus, NC. They are a no-kill shelter that has helped to save the lives of thousands of animals every year! Some of the animals show up to them severely sick or abused. Foothills works to help rehabilitate the animals while also helping them to find their forever homes. Each of the animals here share a unique story on how they ended up here. Volunteer, Adopt, donate, or sponsor to help foothills save more animals. ❤️
I have volunteered and adopted from many local shelters and I can honestly say this is the best one I have ever been to! The ladies in the office always greet everyone walking in with respect and cheerfulness and the people who handle the animals have so much compassion and love for their job you can clearly see it! They answer any and all questions with the utmost knowledge and clarity and make you feel like a superstar for coming in to adopt or even to volunteer! I have adopted 2 dogs from here and they still answer any silly questions I have and inquire about them every time I go in! They work hard to secure funding and to throw events for adoptions, and the facility is always clean and well maintained which is important to me as an adopter!