Serving Cherokee County and Clay County of North Carolina
Currently, we have no available kennel space at our shelter.
As of July 10, 2026, we are unable to intake any incoming strays or surrenders.
As our capacity is set by state law, we are unable to make exceptions.
If you would like to be added to our waitlist, please click the button below to fill out the attached form.
You will be contacted when space becomes available.
Have you Lost or Found a pet?
As a partner with Petco’s Love Lost program, we strive to unite owners with their pets. If you have lost or found a pet, please file a report and share the pet’s picture on Facebook (and tag us, please!). This helps us with community awareness and helps our team begin the process of searching our database.
Together, we can help more pets unite with their owners.
Valley River Humane Society
Where Hope Grows & Love Flows
For over 50 years, Valley River Humane Society has been Cherokee & Clay Counties’ heart for animals in need. What began in 1969 as the Cherokee Humane Society — a small group of neighbors who couldn’t turn away from animals needing help – has grown into something extraordinary.
Adopt
Every tail has a story, and every story deserves a happy ending in a forever home. Valley River Humane Society, a no-kill shelter, helps thousands of animals each year to find loving homes locally and regionally – begin your new chapter today.
Donate
The animals we serve depend on the generous donations given each year to ensure every animal is cared for, from adoptions to life-saving medical procedures. From monthly donations to partnerships, every penny is priceless.
Foster
Looking to foster? This is a special partnership with VRHS: we support you by providing food and necessary provisions. Not only are you giving a loving environment to an animal in need, you’re also helping the shelter to provide more space.
Volunteer
Time is a precious gift to give! From walking the dogs and playing with the kittens to helping at the VRHS Thrift Store and adoption events, there is always a need for those who love animals and want to make the day of an animal in need. Find your perfect fit today!
How is my donation used?
Valley River Humane Society provides transparency to our communities and businesses so you know exactly how impactful your gifts are, from basic needs such as food and preventative medications to life-saving treatments. We provide access to our finances as well as wishlists for the animals in our care.
Valley River Humane Society
Wish Lists
Join Our Pack
Time is valuable, too.
From volunteering to walk the dogs at the shelter to helping with donations at the Thrift Store, every helping hand is appreciated by humans and animals alike.
Visit our VRHS Pack Hub to learn more about volunteer, job, and donation opportunities.
Hiring Heroes
We are always looking for caring individuals to strengthen our pack, from clinical positions to administration
We invite you to visit our facility and see for yourself the result of the hard work by our staff and volunteers. Consider becoming a member of VRHS and share in our goals of driving greater animal adoptions, promoting spay & neuter practices, advocating for sensible animal control policies, and providing a safe and healthy environment for stray and abandoned animals.
Where Hope Grows, Love Flows
Because of our wonderful donors and volunteers, Valley River Humane Society has grown and evolved over the past five years, from the newest building addition, “Heidi’s Run”, for food storage, shelter workshop, and Police officer intakes, to bigger events like our annual Valley River Chevrolet Car Show & Adoption event.
Serving Animals Since 1969
Every year, about 2,000 animals come through our doors. Some are strays who’ve lost their way. Others are surrendered by families facing impossible choices. Each one arrives with their own story, and together with our staff and volunteers, we help them write new, happier endings.
Most of our animals find their forever homes right here in our mountain communities. For those who need a little more time or a specific kind of family, we partner with shelters in the Northeast, expanding the circle of people who might fall in love with them.
Community Resources
Community Partners & Sponsors
Our community is our lifeline, both inside the shelter and in the areas we serve. Learn more about our sponsors and join our pack of partners.
Fundraising Focus
80% of our funding relies on fundraising. To keep our animals safe and cared for, every penny raised finds a place at Valley River Humane Society. Coming soon: “Fundraising Focus” – where funds are needed most!
Events
Our animals love a good party! Whether it’s our annual Car Show at Valley River Chevrolet or a banquet honoring our sponsors, we love to say ‘Thank you!’ Learn more about our upcoming events and how you can host an event with us.
