About Us

Founded in 1991, Ark-Valley Humane Society is a 501c3 non-profit animal welfare organization. Ark-Valley Humane Society operates an open admission animal shelter, serving Chaffee County with a location in Buena Vista. We do not euthanize for time or space and as a non-profit, we rely heavily on private donation and grants to fund our operations.




Our Mission

Our Mission Statement:

Ensuring the welfare of companion animals through compassion and care.

Our Vision:

A safe and humane world for all companion animals.

Our Key Values:

  • Compassion for the animals and people we serve.
  • Leadership that inspires hope and kindness through education and example.
  • Kindness towards people and pets that find themselves in difficult situations.
  • Transparency regarding the work we do

The Five Freedoms

The Five Freedoms we strive to provide each animal every day,
what are they? The welfare of an animal, which includes its physical and mental state, has been defined as the Five Freedoms:

    • Freedom from Hunger and Thirst: by ready access to fresh water and a diet to maintain full health and vigor.
    • Freedom from Discomfort: by providing an appropriate environment including shelter and a comfortable resting area.
    • Freedom from Pain, Injury or Disease: by prevention or rapid diagnosis and treatment
    • Freedom to Express Normal Behavior: by providing sufficient space, proper facilities and company of the animal’s own kind.
    • Freedom from Fear and Distress: by ensuring conditions and treatment which avoid mental suffering.