About The Humane Society of Carroll County
The Humane Society of Carroll County (HSCC) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to a lifesaving mission through sheltering, adoption, population control, and humane education. Founded in 1945 by a group of concerned citizens, HSCC has served the Carroll County community for nearly 80 years.
In 1977, the Carroll County Commissioners formally tasked HSCC with enforcing domestic animal laws, issuing dog licenses, sheltering animals, and overseeing animal control operations. Our partnership with Carroll County continues today, providing vital funding and support for animal control services that protect pets and people throughout the community.
Across the nation, animal welfare has undergone a dramatic transformation. According to Best Friends Animal Society, shelters in the United States have made significant progress toward the no-kill philosophy, with millions more pets being saved each year compared to decades past. HSCC has embraced this lifesaving shift for more than a decade. While our facility was originally built during a time when high-volume euthanasia was the norm, today we are using that same space to save the lives of more than 3,000 animals each year—far beyond the building’s intended capacity.
We could not achieve this without the support of our community. Every life saved is made possible through our network of volunteer fosters, adopters, donors, and the generosity of partners such as PetSmart stores. Together, we are rewriting the story for animals in Carroll County and building a more compassionate, no-kill future.
Our Mission & Historical Highlights
Humane Society of Carroll County founded in 1945
The organization was formed by a group of concerned citizens and has been advocating for animal welfare for nearly 80 years.
In 1977, the County directed the Humane Society to enforce domestic animal laws, sell dog licenses, and shelter animals.
Today, the Humane Society of Carroll County maintains a contract with Carroll County to provide Animal Control services. While Carroll County provides partial funding for these services, a minimum of 1 million dollars per year must be raised by HSCC to fund the medical care, food, enrichment and adoption pathway services for the care of homeless animals.
In 1981, a new county animal shelter opened at its current location
with six employees, expanding the shelter’s capability to care for animals. Built by Carroll County on a former landfill, the building's blueprints identify in was a facility built with euthanasia processes as a priority, a stark contract to the lifesaving mission of the organization today.
YEARÂ HSCC Board & Leadership Commit to a no-kill future.
Polices and procedures were introduced to re-align operations to match the national movement to focus on live outcomes for homeless animals. This movement included the introduction of Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) practices, owner-retention counseling, diversion programs (help with rehoming, temporary boarding or transport), mass spay & neuter, introduction of foster networks, return to owner and microchip emphasis, data tracking and transparency, regional transports and rescue partnerships, and community outreach & pre-retention services.
January 2025 – Surgical Suite Opens
2014 – Adoption Trailer Launches & Offsite Outreach Expands
2015 – HSCC Launches Full PetSmart Partnership
HSCC became a full partner with PetSmart at the Westminster store, starting with adoption events and soon gaining dedicated in-store space. Today, the program has grown to 10 active stores and 13 partnerships, resulting in over 2,500 pets adopted each year. Since the program’s inception, PetSmart Charities has provided more than $600,000 in support, funding lifesaving medical care, enrichment, and foster support.
2016 – HSCC Launches Foster Program
Under the leadership of Karen Baker, who would later serve as Executive Director until 2025, HSCC officially launched its foster program. In its first year, the program had roughly 25 foster homes and has grown to over 100 active foster families each month. Fosters provide temporary homes for animals to recover, socialize, and thrive while helping the shelter expand its capacity and increase adoption rates.
2020 – Pet Pantry Program Launches
In response to increased community need during the pandemic, HSCC launched the Pet Pantry program to provide free pet food and supplies to families in need. A Sharing Shed, generously donated by Ken and Louie Mays, houses donations that are 100% contributed by the community. Anyone in need is encouraged to visit the shelter during business hours for assistance.
2023 – Animal Control Introduces Field Return‑to‑Owner Protocol
May 2025 – Full-time Veterinarian Joins HSCC
Dr. Melinda Baker was hired to perform spay and neuter surgeries for both shelter pets and animals from the community. With her addition, HSCC began offering low-cost spay and neuter services to local pet owners, helping reduce pet overpopulation and improve animal welfare.
