Saving Lives, Building Families
Bedford Humane Society
Bedford, Virginia
Saving Lives, Building Families.
The Bedford Humane Society has been improving the lives of cats, dogs, and people for 25 years. Established as a non-profit in 1994, we are volunteer based and rely on the support of generous donors to continue our important work. We are currently raising funds to build a brand new facility that will enable us to care for more animals on site.
WHO WE ARE
OUR MISSION is the elimination of pet overpopulation and suffering in the town and county of Bedford through education, spay/neuter programs, and pet adoptions. Additionally, our goal is to prevent animal cruelty and neglect through advocacy and humane education.
OUR VISION is to build a caring community where no companion animal is born unwanted, where they are all happy, healthy, and well fed.
All the animals with BHS are in foster homes, so not only are they getting the care they need to get back on their feet, they are also getting the attention and training they need to become a wonderful family member. Each animal has their own story that requires a personalized approach. Whether pure bred or mixed, every animal that comes to us gets a fresh start, a new beginning, and a whole new lease on life.
For more information about our community programs
visit our Programs page.
Our History
Bedford Humane Society drafted Articles of Incorporation and By-Laws with the stated purpose of"The Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, the Relief of Suffering Animals, and the Extension of HumaneEducation". Bedford Humane Society received Virginia State Incorporation in November 1993 andbecame an IRS charitable, tax-exempt 501c3 organization in December 1994. Beginning early 1996,BHS representatives began implementing programs for the benefits of companion animals includinglow cost spay/neuter programs, foster programs, and educational programs.
Mission Goals
Our first step toward our mission goal was establish in 2002, a low cost spay neuter service through
participating local veterinary clinics. BHS subsidizes the cost to qualifying low income Bedford
County residents through grants, public donations, and revenues from the sale of spay neuter VA
license plates. High volume spay neuter is essential to reducing the numbers of animals entering
shelters and pounds each year. Every spay neuter will prevent the births of four or more animals
over the next few years.
Our second step was to form alliances with many animal rescue groups and individuals. This has
increased our adoptions and transfers of animals and reduced euthanasia at the local Animal Shelters
(pounds). The foster homes have increased our capacity greatly and provided one on one care for
animals in need.
Our most recent step has been to open our Adoption Center in the 2026. The Adoption Center is a
wonderful place designed to be safe and pleasant for the animals and for the people who come to the
Adoption Center to adopt, volunteer and work. Our high visibility location on a major highway
demonstrates our idea to market our adoptable pets as just as valuable as any pet store puppy or
kitten.
Being a foster based rescue for 30 years we have inserted a chart below listing the last five year totals
of our adopted animals. Are you looking to add to your life doing something to help make a
difference? Bedford Humane Society is looking for caring responsible individuals to get involved
with our organization! As of now our facility is foster-based. Meaning all animals in our care are
housed in foster homes. Go to our volunteer page and submit an application.
