About

The La Plata County Humane Society (LPCHS) is a Durango-based, 501(c)(3) nonprofit open-admission shelter founded in 1971 to protect, rescue, and rehome vulnerable animals. Serving Southwest Colorado, they provide adoption, low-cost vaccines, microchipping, spay & neuter services, and animal protection to over 3,000 animals annually.

Mission: To protect, return, and rehome vulnerable pets while enhancing the quality of life in the community through humane education.

Open-Admission: As a no-kill shelter (rehoming >90% of pets), they accept all animals in La Plata County regardless of health or temperament.

Animal Protection: Officers respond to animal welfare calls, neglect, and abuse cases in the county.

Services: Offer adoption, lost & found, TNR (trap-neuter-release) for community cats, and low-cost vaccinations.

Support: Operates with ~50 staff and over 300 volunteers. Supported by donations and a thrift store that contributes significantly to operating costs.