Our Shelter Team
Any shelter is only as good as the people who work there. We take pride in the level of care and commitment that our staff demonstrates daily. Their jobs are not just jobs to them. Each of them truly loves the animals in their care, and they do their best to make sure the dog and cat residents are healthy and happy and that their environment is comfortable and clean. Before you learn anything more about the team, you may already know you want to join us. To apply for employment click here.
I began working at the Humane Society in 2011 as a kennel tech. Under the supervision of the former Director I learned about animal behavior and basic shelter medicine. I am a Certified Rabies Vaccinator and a Certified Euthanasia Technician. I took over as Director in October of 2015 and have been challenged and rewarded while learning how to run the shelter! I have had many different careers in the past from Special Education to Social Services, to helping my husband run a business, but nothing speaks to my soul like being here at the shelter. I have so many ideas and initiatives all aimed at helping us become the best shelter we can possibly be. My favorite breed is the German Shepherd Dog but I love all dogs and cats who come through our door! I am the proud mother of four grownup human children and one wonderful dog, a Labrador Retriever.
I have been involved with the Yancey Humane Society on and off since 2015. Once you are involved in animal rescue it’s hard to stay away. Rescue is my passion and is the most rewarding thing I’ve done besides have my two beautiful daughters Delaney and Madison.
I have been adopting rescue dogs for over 29 years. I am originally from Massachusetts, NYC, and CT. My current two rescue dogs
are Patch, a 6 year old, 48 pound lab/pittie mix (gentle soul) and Zip, a 4 year old, 20 pound Feist Terrier who rules the roost. My husband and I are starting our 19th year here in Burnsville.
I have been involved in animal rescue for over 30 years. It is my passion, along with the Yancey Humane Society (YHS)! I have been volunteering at the YHS over 10 years, ever since my husband and I moved here from North Florida in 2012. I have 2 rescue dogs, Rainy a beagle mix, and Tate, a Jack Russell Terrier mix.
Our Office Assistants
Our office assistants work the front desk and are the first faces our customers see when they walk in the door. They wear many hats and perform a wide variety of administrative duties. We could not operate without these crucial team members!
Our Shelter Goals
- To provide immediate safe shelter for our rescued animals where they stay until they are ready to be placed for adoption.
- To provide up to date vaccinations and spaying and neutering services for our rescued animals.
- To educate the public about proper animal care and pet overpopulation.
- To reunite cats and dogs with their rightful owners, first and foremost. But failing that, we strive to help them become adoptable animals and place them in the best possible homes.
- To provide support to our animal community by providing free dog and cat food in times of need, thus helping animals remain in their homes and providing low cost spay and neuter programs to county residents. In addition we offer rabies shots by appointment throughout the year to residents.
Click The Button Below to see shelter statistics for 2020, 2021 and 2022
2022 Statistics
| Total Intake | 1038 |
| Returned to Owners | 120 |
| Adopted/Transferred to Rescue | 843 |
| Euthanized | 48 |
| Personal Surrenders | 321 |
| Brought in by Animal Control | 53 |
No animals were euthanized for time or space. As indicated by the numbers, euthanasia is a last resort and only used for health/ behavioral needs.
2021 Statistics
| Total Intake | 1113 |
| Returned to Owners | 127 |
| Adopted/Transferred to Rescue | 967 |
| Euthanized | 36 |
| Personal Surrenders | 371 |
| Brought in by Animal Control | 75 |
2020 Statistics
| Total Intake | 971 |
| Returned to Owners | 111 |
| Adopted/Transferred to Rescue | 761 |
| Euthanized | 28 |
| Personal Surrenders | 275 |
| Brought in by Animal Control | 76 |
The Barkin’ Basement
Enjoy resale treasures at 627 W. Main Street in Burnsville, NC.
All Barkin’ Basement resale store profits fund the shelter!
Hours of Operations:
Monday- Saturday 10:00am – 4:00pm
Sunday: CLOSED
Follow us on Facebook!
Donations of new and gently used items are accepted at the store during operating hours.
New volunteers are always needed! In addition to helping out the shelter animals, it’s a wonderful way to make new friends. And the Barkin’ Basement volunteers do like to have FUN!
By shopping and donating to the Barkin’ Basement, you are supporting the homeless animals of Yancey County.
Join Our Team!
Your Work Can Save Lives
You don’t have to be a veterinarian to help us improve the lives of animals.
But you do need to be high-energy and customer-service oriented!
If you are, the Yancey County Humane Society may be a great place for you to work.
We are committed to training all of our employees, and to ensuring they have the skills necessary to work in a shelter environment. Our goal is to work hard to save the lives of over a thousand animals a year. You can become a part of this rewarding experience by applying for one of our positions today!
Mission & Vision
Mission: It is the mission of the Yancey County Humane Society to provide shelter and care for homeless, injured and neglected animals through adoption, community outreach, retention services, and educational programs.
Vision: For all companion animals to live free of cruelty and suffering in a community where their lives are valued by responsible guardians.
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Statement
The Yancey County Humane Society is an equal opportunity employer. In addition to complying with applicable laws governing nondiscrimination in employment, the board of directors has voted and approved a…
The Yancey Humane Society is committed to creating an environment that is diverse, and equitable where all staff, clients, vendors, and board members are treated with respect and dignity.
For the purposes of this statement, diversity refers to race, gender, ethnicity, nationality, religion, sexual identity, familial status, age, disability and socio-economic status;
Inclusion is valuing, respecting, and encouraging the full participation of each individual in the life and leadership of the organization; Equity is a process that ensures all people have the opportunity to contribute, develop, and grow despite historical, structural, legislative, racial, and socio-economic inequities.
We will not tolerate discrimination, biases, harassment, or bullying of any kind.
Regardless of race, socio-economic status, age, disability, religion, sexual orientation, nationality, gender, or marital status, we are an organization that celebrates the richness of our community.
As an organization and Board of Directors, we agree to be guided by these principles and pledge that they will be reflected in our vision, mission, strategic planning, programming, governance, and board composition.
Approved April 17th 2023 by the Board of Directors of Yancey Humane SocietyOur commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion extends to our staff, our members, and programs we develop and support.