About Us

Our Mission:

The Humane Society of the Palouse is a no-kill animal shelter located in Moscow ID, founded in 1978. Our mission is to ensure the humane treatment, welfare and safety of companion animals in Moscow and Latah County. We strive to prevent cruelty to animals, to ensure companion animals are adopted by responsible and caring owners, to promote spaying/neutering, to educate the public regarding responsible pet ownership, and to minimize euthanasia.

The HSoP is administered by an elected volunteer board of directors. These are citizens of the Palouse who are interested in animal protection, adoption and education. These working directors donate time and experience to direct and help fund the shelter.

Our Vision:

Create a welcoming, caring and informed environment for all HSoP patrons. Be that staff, volunteers, potential adopters and owners needing to relinquish their pets.
Promote community wellbeing through our programs: SNAP, TNR, our pet supply pantry, and pet identification (microchips and name tags).
Develop innovative programs to promote humane education in aims to reduce the need for owners to relinquish their pets due to behavior problems.
To grow in our community through gaining and maintaining strong partnerships.
For HSoP to be short-term, temporary housing until the homeless animals under HSoP care find their forever homes.
To provide the animals under HSoP care with the best health care possible within HSoP’s abilities.

HSoP Core Values:

Help those who cannot help themselves.
Golden Rule: To treat all living things as we ourselves would wish to be treated.
Kindness: To demonstrate compassion and respect for all living creatures.
Positive influence: To judge our effectiveness by the extent to which animal lives are saved and improved, and by the positive experience of the people we touch.
Leadership: To lead by example, developing, promoting and sharing great new ideas and programs to help animals.
Authenticity: To do what we say we do.
Transparency: To be open and honest in our relationships.

Background

The Humane Society of the Palouse was founded in 1978. The city of Moscow had a pound facility and the two organizations teamed up together for the betterment of animal welfare for animals residing within the Moscow city limits, as well as for those residing in Latah County.

HSoP has a long history in our local pet community. We have been uniting pets with their forever homes for over 45 years. We are dedicated to our mission and believe whole-heatedly in our practices. From a safe place that provides food, shelter and preventive care, to providing lifesaving surgeries, HSoP gives second chances to pets in need.

The City of Moscow owns and maintains the HSoP facility. HSoP is directed under the Chief of Police and reports directly to a designated captain. The City of Moscow pays for HSoP utilities such as water, sewer and electrical. The City of Moscow also provides funding for the services we provide to dogs within Moscow city limits. The funding from Moscow makes covers only 19% of our annual expenses.

Latah County provides HSoP with an annual allocation for the services we provide to dogs arriving from Latah County outside of Moscow city limits. This funding covers only 7% of our annual expenses.

HSoP raises over 60% of our annual income through fundraisers, grants, and donation pleas. Without the support of our community we truly could not make the lifesaving impact we do. We are a community center striving to provide humane education for local pet owners.

HSoP has a strict spay and neuter policy for any animals adopted from our organization. HSoP encourages national and local initiatives that reduce pet homelessness and euthanasia. We believe our programs and services promote responsible pet ownership and ensure it is accessible and achievable for all community members of Latah County.