It was a big year for Humane Colorado. After 115 years as the Dumb Friends League, we rebranded with a name that encompasses more of the work we do beyond sheltering and animal adoptions. More animal welfare organizations have evolved to provide education, wellness, temporary pet housing, and animal protection to their communities – including us! This Animal Shelter Appreciation Week, we’re showing YOU some appreciation while highlighting the wonderful work our team has done this year to keep pets safe and with the people who love them. We know from experience (and research!) that animals offer more than companionship to their humans. We also know that the barriers to pet ownership are higher than ever, with increased costs in food and veterinary care. In our animal centers In our 2025 fiscal year, we welcomed over 17,000 pets and 91 equines into our care, providing safe nights, medical care, and full bellies. Your donations provide the necessary medical treatments for all animals, from routine spay/neuter surgeries and URI treatment to advanced dentals, enucleations, and amputations. Over 4,000 animals received behavioral support from our team of pet behavior experts. This incredible team works with pets while they are in our care to manage fear, overstimulation, and other common behaviors. Additionally, they provide support to our community through the Pet Behavior Helplines for cats and dogs. In our community Thanks to your support, our community veterinary services, offered through the Humane Colorado Veterinary Hospital at CSU Spur, helped over 28,000 owned pets with preventative, urgent care, and dental care needs. Pet Assist is another program we offer to the community, providing temporary shelter and veterinary care to pets whose people are experiencing hardships. In fiscal year 2025, we provided 7,553 days of care to over 260 animals through this program – ensuring pets stay with the people who love them. Meanwhile, over 2,000 pets were returned to their humans through Lost and Found. Animal protection and advocacy Your contributions help us build a more humane Colorado for all companion animals. Our animal protection team assisted local law enforcement throughout Colorado in 480 animal cruelty and neglect cases. Your donations helped rehabilitate over 600 impounded animals while allowing us to expand our impact by providing over 28 training courses to law enforcement agencies, educating them on animal cruelty and neglect. In addition to the amazing work in the field to protect animals across Colorado, we advocated for 12 bills while collaborating with community members, CVMA, and other organizations to revise and pass Prop 129. Learn more about our advocacy work and how you can get involved here. Whether you’re adopting, volunteering your time, or donating, we are grateful for your continued support. Without you, over 40,000 animals would not have received the love, attention, and medical care they need to live long, happy lives. With you by our side, we know our next fiscal year will be even more impactful for pets and the people who love them. National Animal Shelter Appreciation Week is November 2-8, 2025. Animal Shelter Appreciation Week highlights our commitment to displaced animals and the critical work animal shelters provide to their communities across the country. Interested in joining us on our mission to end pet homelessness and animal suffering? Donate today! Become a volunteer Explore career opportunities with Humane Colorado Share Facebook TikTok Instagram