Hardin County Animal Shelter - Elizabethtown, Kentucky

07/30/2026

🐾 A Few Hours Can Change Everything. 🐾

Just look at these happy faces from our Dog Day Out program! ❤️ For a few precious hours, these dogs get to leave the shelter behind and experience what it's like to simply be loved, explore new places, feel the grass beneath their paws, and enjoy the attention they deserve.

While they always come back to the shelter at the end of the day, they return happier, more relaxed, and with a little more hope. Every outing reminds them that the world is bigger than their kennel and that kind people are still out there waiting to love them.

Could you be the one to give a shelter dog their best day of the week? It only takes a few hours to make a lifetime of memories for them.

Sign up at the link below and help give one of our deserving dogs a day they'll never forget. 🐶💙
[email protected]/s/87APq4RR6UegKo4OTJn3mA2?ismsaljsauthenabled" rel="ugc" target="_blank">https://outlook.office.com/book/[email protected]/s/87APq4RR6UegKo4OTJn3mA2?ismsaljsauthenabled

07/29/2026

Mongo is having an absolute blast on his Dog Day Out adventure!
Mongo's volunteer had nothing but amazing things to say about him—he is AWESOME! ❤️
This big, lovable lug loves everyone he meets. He's a little clumsy, takes life at his own slow-and-steady pace, and is a total leaner who just wants to be close to his people. If you're looking for a gentle giant with a goofy personality and a heart of gold, Mongo might just be your perfect match.

Dog Day Out gives our shelter dogs the chance to show who they really are outside the kennel, and Mongo certainly didn't disappoint. We can't wait for him to find the loving forever home he deserves! 🐶💕

Would you like to give one of our shelter pups a much-needed break from the shelter? Sign up for a Dog Day Out and make a shelter dog's day unforgettable! [email protected]/s/87APq4RR6UegKo4OTJn3mA2?ismsaljsauthenabled" rel="ugc" target="_blank">https://outlook.office.com/book/[email protected]/s/87APq4RR6UegKo4OTJn3mA2?ismsaljsauthenabled

07/29/2026

Did somebody say kittens ?

Come see us from 12-4 !

07/28/2026

✨ Meet Smiley! ✨

True to her name, this 2-year-old Pit Bull mix is one of the happiest dogs at our shelter! Smiley has a contagious zest for life and never misses an opportunity to brighten someone's day.

She loves everyone she meets and gets along well with the other shelter dogs. Whether she's out on a walk, playing with her favorite toys, or soaking up cuddle time, Smiley is always full of joy. She has plenty of energy for adventures but is just as happy curling up next to you for some love.

Smiley also rides great in the car and has done well with children, making her a wonderful companion for an active family looking for a loyal best friend.

If you're looking for a dog who will greet you with a wagging tail and a smile every single day, come meet Smiley. She can't wait to find the loving home she deserves! ❤️🐾

07/24/2026

🎉 Foster Update: Butch! 🐾❤️

We are beyond excited to share that Butch has officially gone to a foster home! This sweet boy has been waiting for his chance, and we're so happy he's getting the opportunity to relax, decompress, and experience life outside the shelter.

Our biggest hope is that this foster stay turns into his forever home. 🏡💕 We know once people get to know the real Butch, it's hard not to fall in love with him.

Thank you to his amazing foster family for opening their hearts and home. Please help us wish Butch the very best as he starts this exciting new chapter! ❤️

07/24/2026

💙 Waylon is still waiting... and we can't understand why. 💙

What can we say about Waylon that hasn't already been said? He's an amazing dog who has now spent 2 months at the shelter, and we would love nothing more than to see him finally find the loving home he deserves.

Waylon is incredibly sweet and affectionate. He loves to cuddle, is very smart, knows his basic commands, and is highly treat-motivated, making him a joy to work with. He does have plenty of energy, so he'll thrive with an active family that will enjoy playing, walking, and making memories with him.

We've also noticed that Waylon may not do well in a home with cats, so a cat-free home would likely be the best fit for him.

Whether you're looking to adopt or foster, Waylon is ready to fill your home with love, laughter, and endless tail wags.

Please help us find Waylon the happy ending he's been waiting for by sharing this post or stopping by the shelter to meet this handsome boy. ❤️🐾

07/24/2026

🎉 We're Honored to Be Recognized! 🎉

We are incredibly proud to share that Hardin County Animal Care & Control was mentioned in a recent article by Best Friends Animal Society discussing what no-kill looks like and the innovative programs helping save more lives.

Being recognized by a national organization like Best Friends is an honor, and it's a testament to how far we've come as a shelter and as a community.

Our Dog Day Out program has become one of our favorite lifesaving initiatives. It gives our shelter dogs a much-needed break from the kennel, helps them show their true personalities, and has even led to adoptions—including dogs finding their forever homes after spending just one day out with a volunteer!

This recognition belongs to everyone who has supported our mission—our staff, volunteers, fosters, adopters, donors, community partners, and everyone who has taken a shelter dog on a Dog Day Out adventure. You are the reason these programs succeed and why more animals are getting a second chance.

We invite you to read the article and see how communities like ours are making a difference. Thank you for believing in our shelter and helping us continue to grow and save lives, one pet at a time. ❤️🐾

Meet some of the dogs and people behind the movement Americans overwhelmingly support.

07/22/2026

🐾 Butch had another amazing Dog Day Out today! 🐾

His Dog Day Out handler had nothing but wonderful things to say about him! ❤️

The truth is, Butch is a completely different dog once he's out of the shelter. Outside of his kennel, he's sweet, well-mannered, and an absolute joy to be around. Unfortunately, the stress of shelter life causes him to shut down and act differently when he's in his kennel.

We know the real Butch—the loving, loyal boy who just needs someone to give him a chance. We're hoping the right person will look past the kennel and see the incredible dog he truly is.

Could you be the one to change Butch's life? Come meet him and see for yourself why everyone who spends time with him falls in love. ❤️🐶

Please share to help Butch find the forever home he deserves!

07/22/2026

🐾 Libby is having the best Dog Day Out! 🐾

Just look at that happy face! 💕 A few hours away from the shelter can make a world of difference for our dogs, giving them a chance to relax, explore, and simply enjoy being a dog.

Would you like to give one of our shelter pups a much-needed break from the shelter? Sign up for a Dog Day Out and make a shelter dog's day unforgettable!

Reserve your spot here: [email protected]/s/87APq4RR6UegKo4OTJn3mA2?ismsaljsauthenabled" rel="ugc" target="_blank">https://outlook.office365.com/book/[email protected]/s/87APq4RR6UegKo4OTJn3mA2?ismsaljsauthenabled

07/22/2026

🐾 Meet Spaz! 🐾

Spaz is a 1-year-old spayed female with a big personality and plenty of sass! She enjoys attention—but on her terms. When she's had enough pets, she'll let you know with a little nibble and a hiss, making her a cat who appreciates her personal space.

Because of her independent nature, we think Spaz would thrive as a barn or shop cat, where she can have a safe place to call home while still enjoying human companionship when she chooses.

If you're looking for a hardworking mouser with lots of character, Spaz may be the perfect addition to your barn, workshop, or stable. Stop by the shelter 12 to 4pm Monday through Saturday to meet this unique girl and see if she's the right fit for you!