La Plata County Humane Society (LPCHS) has been helping animals since 1971. The Humane Society was created to provide shelter for homeless animals, rescue animals in distress, assist in the investigation and prosecution of reported cruelty and abuse, finding forever homes, and encourages kindness and responsibility toward all living things through humane education.

Based in Durango, CO and serving the four corners region, the organization enables 50 staff members and over 300 volunteers to care for around 3,000 animals per year. With the support of the community, LPCHS is able to provide life saving programs that contribute to the reduction in pet overpopulation and animals that are surrendered or unwanted. As an open-admission shelter, we accept all animals that come through our doors in La Plata County.

There are four facets that make up the organization:

1. The Animal Shelter, which can house over 60 dogs and 40 cats, provides medical and behavioral assessments, provides programs and services for all animals prior to adoption and works in partnership with many other regional animal welfare organizations. The shelter also functions as the City of Durango and La Plata County impound facility.
2. The Medical Services Department, which includes an on-staff veterinarian, provides low-cost spay/neuter, vaccinations and microchipping to the public, as well as all medical and surgical services to the animals entrusted to our care.
3. The Thrift Store, a resale outlet, functions as a primary revenue stream for the organization.
4. The Animal Protection Services (APS), functions within contracted scopes of service for both the City of Durango and La Plata County.