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Wednesday 11am - 5pm Thursday 11am - 5pm Friday 11am - 5pm Saturday 11am - 5pm Sunday 1pm - 5pm

Foothills Humane Society

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Columbus, NC
Foothills Humane Society

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FHS began in 1957 as the volunteer-operated, Polk County Animal Protection Society, with no facility.
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Foothills Humane Society (FHS) is a private non-profit, 501c3 animal welfare organization located in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains of Polk County, North Carolina. Eleven acres was generously donated to Foothills in the 1980’s and the facility we currently use today was built in 1989. Thanks to the support of our community, Foothills now employs a dedicated staff to manage the facility and its residents. The Board of Directors voted to become a no-kill shelter in 2010. In addition to our successful adoptions and rescue programs, we offer many volunteer opportunities, public training classes, training and behavior assistance for our shelter dogs and boast an average 94% live-release rate, meaning that approximately 97% of our animals are adopted into loving homes or transferred to reputable rescue organizations.

10/30/2026

YOU are the lifesaving answer we need TODAY. FHS goes above and beyond for every animal in our care but we have run out of the space and resources we need to keep up with the current demand of homeless animals entering our facility. We HAVE to have fosters. We HAVE to have adoptions. We don’t want to consider the alternatives. YOUR help is necessary and so very appreciated.

We are at 989 Little Mountain Rd. Columbus,NC 28722
11am- 5 pm but we can stay later for pick ups.
Open tomorrow 11 am- 5 pm.

YOU are essential to us and most importantly…to them.

10/29/2026

Our food costs are astronomical. We could really use some help offsetting our cost.

No donation is too small and every one means the world to us and our animals!

Wishlists are in the comments for easy ordering.

THANK YOU! 😸

10/29/2026

🎃🐾 Welcome to the Foothills Humane Society Pumpkin Patch!

Pick out your favorite, take them home, and let the love and companionship begin! Whether you're picking a pumpkin furever (adoption) or just for the season (fostering), we appreciate your support.

We have all these wonderful pumpkins available for you to pick, plus many more! Not quite sure what you're looking for, or even if you're ready? Just come see who's here and get to know them a little! 🧡

It's cozy season, and we've got the perfect short-term or furever cuddle buddies, adventure partners, and best friends waiting for you!

Come visit our pumpkin patch!

🐾 Wednesday–Saturday: 11 AM–5 PM
🐾 Sunday: 1 PM–5 PM
🐾 Monday & Tuesday: By appointment

Your perfect pumpkin might just be waiting for you! 🎃

10/28/2026

FOUND PET: Found on Howard Gap Rd. in Tryon

This pet will be on stray hold for 72 hours (expires 10/31/2026)
If this pet is not reclaimed within 72 hours, Foothills Humane Society will take ownership.

If you believe this pet is yours, please provide proof of ownership by:
- Emailing [email protected] OR
- Messaging us on Facebook OR
- Calling us at (828) 863-4444

Proof of ownership includes:
- Microchip number, AND/OR
- Several photos of the pet over time, AND/OR
- Veterinarian records with the pet's name, description, owner's name and address, and vaccination history, AND/OR
- Specific details about the pet (e.g., name, breed, size/weight, unique markings, s*x, spay/neuter status)

To reclaim your pet, proof of current rabies vaccination is required (per NCGS 130a-185):
- A rabies certificate with a valid date, OR
- Veterinarian records showing vaccination history with a valid date
*Note: A rabies tag alone is NOT proof of vaccination.

If your pet is NOT up to date on rabies, we can administer the vaccine here for $15 and you will be able to reclaim.

10/28/2026

We are at a point where something has to give. We desperately need space in our kennels.

Every single one is full. And we are having to turn animals away.

If you have the ability to foster a pet short-term, we could really use your help right now. We have so many wonderful dogs and cats that would love to hang out with you in your home for a little while!

By opening your home to a foster pet, even for a short time, you’re truly making a tremendous difference. You’re not only giving one animal a break from shelter life, but also freeing up valuable space so we can help more animals in need.

If you're able to help, please do. We appreciate our community's support so much! ❤️

10/25/2026

Show us the costumes your pets are rocking (or reluctantly tolerating)! 🎃

Drop your photos in the comments and the photo with the most reactions when we tally the votes on Halloween wins a prize basket from us! 🐾🎁

Keep an eye on the comments and help us choose the best dressed!

10/25/2026

🐕 Mutt Strutt 2026

We had so much fun strutting our mutts and pups with you!

Patrick was named the new Polk County Dog Commissioner! 🏅
2025 Commissioner Murphy joined the march, we saw several familiar faces (former FHS residents!), O'Darby was adopted, and a great time was had by all!

A huge thank you to Iron Key Brewing Company for hosting the Mutt Strutt After-Pawty!

Much appreciation to our event sponsors: Purrrfect Bark and Susie Q Boarding!

We loved having Big Head Barkery, Laughing Dog Creations By Tom, Purrrfect Bark, Art by Cara Nelsen, as well as authors Mary Lutz Alexander (who is also our wonderful volunteer photographer 📸) and Bethany Snipes join us. You all helped make this event special! ❤

And we are so, so grateful to our wonderful, dedicated volunteers who make what we do possible. You give your time, energy, and talents to our mission and your efforts do not go unnoticed!

Between the creative costumes, friendly competition, and time spent with our wonderful community, we couldn't have asked for a better day supporting local animals in need! 🐾

10/23/2026

The votes have been tallied, and WE HAVE A WINNER!! 🎉🐾 The 2026–2027 Polk County Dog Commissioner will be revealed tomorrow in downtown Columbus as they lead the Mutt Strutt Parade to the after-pawty at Iron Key Brewing Company!

Join us for a fun parade with your canine friends (and ours)!

🐶 Costumes are encouraged but totally optional!
🏆 Contests for Best Costume, Dog & Owner Look Alike, and more!
🛍️ Vendors
🍔 Yummy food and drinks available for purchase from Iron Key
🎟️ Raffles
🐕Adoptable dogs

📝Register today for $25 or tomorrow at check in for $35.
All proceeds benefit Foothills Humane Society!

Participants should arrive at Stearns Park for check in at 1:00 PM. The parade starts at 2:00 PM!

A huge thank you to our Mutt Strutt sponsors, Purrrfect Bark and Susie Q Boarding! 🧡

10/23/2026

FOUND PET: Found on Landrum Rd
This pet will be on stray hold for 72 hours (expires 10/26/2026)
If this pet is not reclaimed within 72 hours, Foothills Humane Society will take ownership.
If you believe this pet is yours, please provide proof of ownership by:
- Emailing [email protected] OR
- Messaging us on Facebook OR
- Calling us at (828) 863-4444
Proof of ownership includes:
- Microchip number, AND/OR
- Several photos of the pet over time, AND/OR
- Veterinarian records with the pet's name, description, owner's name and address, and vaccination history, AND/OR
- Specific details about the pet (e.g., name, breed, size/weight, unique markings, s*x, spay/neuter status)
To reclaim your pet, proof of current rabies vaccination is required (per NCGS 130a-185):
- A rabies certificate with a valid date, OR
- Veterinarian records showing vaccination history with a valid date
*Note: A rabies tag alone is NOT proof of vaccination.
If your pet is NOT up to date on rabies, we can administer the vaccine here for $15 and you will be able to reclaim.

Address

989 Little Mountain Road
Columbus, NC
28722

Opening Hours

Wednesday	11am - 5pm
Thursday	11am - 5pm
Friday	11am - 5pm
Saturday	11am - 5pm
Sunday	1pm - 5pm

Telephone

+18288634444

Website

http://foothillshumanesociety.org/

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