Welcome to the Humane Society of Nelson County
2391 New Haven Rd., Bardstown, KY 40004
502-349-2082

HOURS
We have clinic one or two days each week, but days vary.  Please call 502-349-2082, leave message, and we will return your call in 24-48 hours.

Board and General Membership Meetings
All meetings are held in the County Animal Shelter (formerly Humane Society Building) at 6pm and are about one hour in length.  Everyone is welcome!
Feb. 1, 2024, May 2, 2024, Aug. 1, 2024, Nov. 7, 2024

WHO WE ARE

The Humane Society of Nelson County is a non-profit 501(c)3 corporation which was formed in 1994. In 1996, in collaboration with county government, we completed construction of the original structure at the back of the Fairgrounds.  We built and opened our surgery clinic in 2005, added the dog adoption kennel in 2007, and totally remodeled the original shelter which became the adoption/volunteer center in 2008.  Until March, 2022, when Fiscal Court officially took over all management and funding of shelter, we were an integral part of daily operations of the county shelter.

Now, the Humane Society functions as an essential “Friend of the Shelter” organization, assisting with donated funds, supplies, and volunteer efforts to provide services which are beyond the scope of a rural Kentucky county shelter.  Our most important contributions are: (1) providing veterinary care for sick, injured, or very young animals, plus foster homes for recovery or special care, (2) funding for transportation to distant rescue organizations (cost of vehicle, driver, and other travel expenses); and, (3) providing low-cost spay/neuter and other veterinary services for adopted shelter pets before release to new homes.

Nearly all animal adoptions in Nelson County are now handled by our shelter partner, Nelson County Animal Shelter, and their available pets can be seen by clicking here to their Petfinder page.

The Humane Society occasionally has pets, mainly cats and kittens, housed in foster homes.  When these become available, they can be viewed by clicking on this link which will take you to our Petfinder page where you can learn more about the pet and fill out an application.

As always, the Humane Society continues to offer Humane Education and Pet Therapy visits to schools, community organizations, and assisted living facilities.  We also continue to offer financial assistance to qualifying owners who cannot afford emergent or urgent treatment for their pets’ serious illnesses or injuries.

Yard Sale — Virtual and Ongoing

Transportation to Northern Rescue Organizations

Since 2018, many dogs and puppies from the Nelson County Animal Shelter have found new homes through a program which requires that they be transported to rescue organizations in the Northeast United States and in Canada. With the help of this program, the live release rate for canines in this rural county shelter has increased to as much as 85% in some years. A “no kill” shelter is defined as 90% of animals saved.

Although the shelter is now managed by our county government, the Humane Society of Nelson County, as a friend of the shelter, is still committed to paying for the cost of transportation by providing a vehicle, auto insurance, driver wages, and other expenses. The Humane Society of Nelson County must contribute over $10,000 each year to cover this life-saving program.

Please help us help dogs and puppies, many of which would be facing euthanasia without placement through this program. Northern organizations often take dogs that are older, hard-to-place because of breed or behavior, pregnant and nursing mothers, and others with special needs. Over 200 dogs and pups found new homes through this program in 2022.

Our goal is $10,000. We are accepting tax deductible donations at the Humane Society and online through our GoFundMe page.

Donate today and Save a Life!! >> 

Beat the Heat!
SPAY & NEUTER
YOUR CATS NOW!

Kitten season is just around the corner.
Our low-cost clinic offers help to low income owners and caretakers. We fix barn cats, neighborhood cats, rescued strays and feral (wild) cats. FVCRP and rabies immunizations given at time of surgery as well as flea treatment.

Males: $55
Females: $75 

Special rates available (for Nelson County residents only)
for owners and caretakers with multiple cats.

Call for an appointment 502-349-2082

 

TIPS FOR SENIORS ADOPTING PETS

If you’re a senior considering adopting a pet in Bardstown, Kentucky, there are certain things you can do to make the transition easier for both you and your newfound best friend.

READ MORE

Nelson County Animal Control and Protection is an agency of county government that serves our community by enforcing our local ordinance, responding to animal-related complaints, protecting the public from animals running at large, and picking up stray/lost companion animals. 502-348-1865.

Nelson County Animal Control Hours:
Open 8am-4pm weekdays
For after hours emergencies call
Nelson County Dispatch at 502-348-3211.

Animal Shelter Adoption Office
Hours of Operation

  Open to Public
Monday through Friday: Noon – 3pm

Saturday, by appointment only

Phone: 348-1885 Email: shelterdirector1@nelsoncountyky.gov

KROGER REWARDS CARD
Humane Society Of Nelson County

Want an EASY and FREE way to help the Humane Society of Nelson County? Link your Kroger Rewards Card to the Community Rewards Program by clicking here >> Once registered, please enter our NPO number: BM191 to start earning rewards for the Humane Society! Please share with your friends and get the word out!

Supporting Sponsors