FAQs

What is the difference between Animal Control and the Capital Humane Society?

Capital Humane Society is a private, 501c(3) non-profit community-supported organization and is not affiliated with any government agency or national animal welfare organization. We are an open admission shelter accepting all animals that need assistance regardless of age, health status or temperament. Animal Control is a division of the Lincoln-Lancaster County Health Department that responds to neglect, stray, abuse, and wildlife calls in the City of Lincoln.

What should I do if my pet is picked up by Animal Control?

Capital Humane Society serves as the stray holding facility for Lincoln Animal Control and Lancaster County authorities when they capture stray animals or pursue animal seizures due to suspected abuse and neglect. Capital Humane Society has no legal authority to investigate animal abuse or seize animals. The shelter maintains contractual relationships to serve as a holding facility for stray and impounded animals, including those seized by local authorities. Decisions on whether to seize an animal or to keep a seized animal at Capital Humane Society are made by law enforcement, statutorily-authorized humane officers, and representatives of Lincoln Animal Control and Lancaster County, in conjunction with local prosecutors and the courts.

Does the shelter euthanize animals?

Capital Humane Society is an open-admission animal shelter that practices Socially Conscious Sheltering. We accept all animals that need assistance regardless of age, health status, or temperament. You can learn more about Socially Conscious Sheltering by clicking here. You can review our annual animal statistics and read an article regarding the term "no-kill" and how it relates to animal welfare organizations, including Capital Humane Society, by clicking here.

Is Capital Humane Society associated with HSUS or receive funding from national groups?

We are a private, 501c(3) not-for-profit community service organization relying upon and valuing our community of donors. We do not receive funds from any government agencies other than a city and county contract for services provided but rather, rely heavily on public donations. We are a proud member of Community Services Fund and do receive funds through this campaign. We also receive funds through the United Way Campaign and Combined Federal Campaign. We do not receive funding through the United Way Campaign, unless it is donor requested. Donations to the Capital Humane Society are 100% tax deductible.

If I make a donation to Capital Humane Society, does the money stay here and help animals in Lancaster County?

Yes, absolutely! We are not associated with any other animal welfare organizations. Your donations stay here in Lancaster County and help the thousands of homeless pets in Lincoln and the surrounding area.

Where can I license my animal?

Licensing is through Lincoln Animal Control and the city of Lincoln. You can license your animal through the mail by sending a copy of your animal’s rabies vaccination to Lincoln Animal Control at the Health Department. If you would like to license in person you can visit either CHS location or Animal Control’s offices at the Health Department.

Can I surrender my animal to the Admissions & Assessment Center?

Yes, we will always take every animal brought to us.

Does it cost to surrender my animal?

No, but as a non-profit organization we appreciate donations to help cover costs for the animal being surrendered.

What are the differences between the two Capital Humane Society locations?

Our Admissions & Assessment Center is where Lincoln Animal Control, the Lancaster County Sheriff, and community members drop off lost animals or surrender animals for whom they can no longer provide care. If you are missing your pet, please call or visit the Admissions & Assessment Center.

Please visit our Pieloch Pet Adoption Center to adopt a new family member, purchase Hill's pet food, or take education and pet training classes.

Does the Capital Humane Society provide cremation services?

Yes, we offer humane euthanasia, disposal, and cremation services at the Admissions & Assessment Center.

What are the requirements to adopt from the Capital Humane Society?

Must be 19 years old
All other animals currently owned must be current on rabies and licensing
Willing and able to provide a lifelong home for the animal
Meet any special requirements an animal may require

Does the shelter have puppies and kittens?

Yes, we see both puppies and kittens throughout the year. Usually late spring and summer are when we see a spike in the number of kittens and puppies. But we would also encourage you to consider an adult dog or cat, you may be surprised at what great of pets they can be.

Does the shelter have any other animals available for adoption?

Yes, we see all kinds of animals at the shelter. We have had chinchillas, ferrets, rabbits, guinea pigs, pot bellied pigs, chickens, goats, iguanas, snakes, bearded dragons, roosters, horses, degu, birds, and many more.

If I don’t see a specific breed of dog or cat, what is the best way to check if you have one later on?

The best answer is to give us a call, visit our website often, and add us on Snapchat. New animals go up for adoption almost everyday. Give us a call when we first open and our staff can let you know if we have an animal matching your preferences. We try to keep our website as updated as possible but many animals are adopted very quickly, before we are able to get them posted. Add us on Snapchat (@capitalhumane) to watch our Snapchat Story each day to see the animals going up for adoption that day.