For nearly 150 years the Connecticut Humane Society has been a place of second chances. From rescuing abandoned animals to helping families keep beloved pets during difficult times, the organization has evolved into one of the state's most important animal welfare resources while staying true to its founding mission of compassion.
The Connecticut Humane Society traces its roots to 1881, when Hartford teenager Gertrude O. Lewis founded the organization with a vision of preventing cruelty to both animals and people. In its early years, the society even provided protective services for children, serving as Connecticut's only statewide agency for child protection until the state established its own system. Over time, its focus shifted primarily to companion animals, laying the groundwork for the organization that exists today.
Today, the Connecticut Humane Society operates facilities in Newington, Waterford and Fairfield County, serving thousands of pets and their owners each year. Its headquarters on Russell Road in Newington has been home to the organization since 1958 and underwent a major transformation with the opening of its state-of-the-art shelter and Fox Memorial Clinic in 1999.
While many people know the Humane Society as a place to adopt a dog or cat, its work extends far beyond adoptions. The nonprofit's mission is to enrich the lives of families and communities through animal adoption, veterinary care, education and the prevention of cruelty.
Its reduced-cost veterinary services help pet owners facing financial hardship obtain vaccinations, wellness care, spay and neuter surgeries and emergency medical treatment that might otherwise be out of reach. Pet food pantries and community outreach programs provide support to families struggling to feed their animals, helping prevent unnecessary pet surrenders.
The organization's philosophy has evolved alongside changing attitudes about animal welfare. Rather than simply finding homes for homeless pets, the Connecticut Humane Society increasingly works to keep animals with the families who already love them by addressing temporary financial or medical challenges.
Education also plays a central role in the organization's mission. Humane education programs teach children and adults about responsible pet ownership, animal care and the importance of treating all living creatures with kindness and respect. Community events and volunteer opportunities allow residents to support the cause while building connections with fellow animal lovers.
In recent years, the Humane Society has continued to expand its services to meet growing community needs. New resource centers and mobile wellness clinics bring veterinary care and support services directly into underserved communities across Connecticut.
The organization also plays an important role in broader public safety efforts. State officials have partnered with the Connecticut Humane Society to highlight the well-documented connection between animal cruelty and domestic violence, child abuse and elder abuse, recognizing that protecting vulnerable animals often helps protect vulnerable people as well.
Despite challenges facing animal shelters nationwide, including rising veterinary costs and longer shelter stays for adoptable pets, the Connecticut Humane Society remains committed to its mission.
Today, the Connecticut Humane Society operates facilities in Newington, Waterford and Fairfield County, serving thousands of pets.