Lawrence Humane celebrates 75 years of saving lives in Douglas County!
This year marks a milestone that means so much to everyone at Lawrence Humane: our 75th anniversary! On March 27, 1951, the organization that would become Lawrence Humane was officially chartered, beginning a journey that has spanned generations of people and animals in Douglas County.
And as we celebrate this 75-year legacy, we are also looking ahead to the future. Thanks to our friends at The Quinn Foundation, we have an incredible opportunity to make an even greater impact during our 75 Year Legacy match!
We also hope you’ll watch this video celebrating Lawrence Humane and the humans who make up this organization in 2026. We are proud to continue the hard work of all the people who came before us, it truly does take a village!
Our History
Like many meaningful things, Lawrence Humane started simply. In those early days, the shelter was just a small house on Indiana Street where local police brought homeless animals they found around town. Volunteers cared for them as best they could, offering food, warmth, and the hope of a new home. The need was great, but so was the community’s compassion. Soon after the organization was founded, four acres of land were purchased on East 19th Street – where Lawrence Humane still stands today – and in 1958 the first true shelter building was constructed.
Over time, the organization grew alongside the community. In 1963, the Douglas County Humane Society adopted the name “Lawrence Humane Society” to better reflect its mission. Just a few years later, in 1966, Lawrence Humane gained national recognition when both the American Humane Association and the Humane Society of the United States named it, “the best in the nation as a small shelter.” Even then, it was clear that something special was happening here in Lawrence.
Today, Lawrence Humane operates a 20,000-square-foot facility with an in-house clinic and cares for over 7,500 animals each year. Our team of 40 people work tirelessly to ensure that every animal who comes through our doors has the opportunity to be healthy, happy, and find a loving home. But perhaps the most meaningful way that Lawrence Humane has evolved is in recognizing that caring for animals also means caring for people. We help struggling pet owners with veterinary care, pet rent, temporary crisis pet boarding, and serve as Douglas County’s primary pet food pantry. Because sometimes helping an animal doesn’t mean finding them a new home – it means helping the family who already loves them.
After all, anyone who has ever loved a pet knows just how important animals are in our lives. They greet us at the door after long days, sit beside us when we’re sad, celebrate our happiest moments, and comfort us during our hardest ones. The love we share with our pets is one of the most universal experiences there is. No matter who we are, animals have a remarkable way of bringing us together.
And that’s what makes Lawrence Humane so special. Yes, we care for animals. Yes, we help pet owners in times of need. But at our heart, Lawrence Humane is about something even bigger: building community. Every adoption, every foster home, every volunteer shift, and every act of kindness toward an animal connects us to one another.
Behind all of that work are the people who make it possible. The medical team who perform life-saving care. The behavior team who help frightened animals learn to trust again. The animal care team who provide essential care and comfort. The adoptions team who guide families through one of the happiest moments of their lives. The animal services and intake teams who are the first points of contact for pets and owners in crisis. The development team who inspire compassion through storytelling. The administrative staff who keep everything running behind the scenes. The volunteers who walk dogs and cuddle cats. The fosters who open their hearts and homes to animals in need. And supporters like you who believe deeply in this mission.
Lawrence Humane has always been more than a building. It is a community of people united by the belief that the bond between people and pets is sacred and worth protecting.
Make sure to click on each of the photos below to see a description of Lawrence Humane history!
The story of Lawrence Humane has never been written by one person or one moment. It has been written by generations of compassionate people who believed that animals deserved better…and who chose to be part of the solution. From that small house on Indiana Street in 1951 to the thousands of animals and families we serve now, this work has always been powered by community. And as we celebrate this milestone anniversary, we invite you to join us in ensuring that Lawrence Humane can continue this work for generations to come.
Thank you for being part of the Lawrence Humane story!
If you’ve ever visited Lawrence Humane, you’ve already seen The Quinn Foundation’s impact. The very first thing adopters see when they walk through our doors is the sign that reads, “The Quinn Foundation Adoption Center.” For years, their generosity has helped animals find loving homes and ensured that Lawrence Humane can serve this community with compassion and excellence. And today, they are helping us celebrate the past while investing in the future.
