History
The Routt County Humane Society, Inc., (RCHS) is a 501(c)3 organization, established in 1985 to serve the welfare of animals in Routt County, Colorado. Since its inception, RCHS has worked in partnership with the Steamboat Springs Animal Shelter (SSAS), a facility of City of Steamboat Springs to provide veterinary care for shelter animals as well as spay/neuter to reduce future unwanted pet population. We have also become a source of assistance for low income family pets.
Gradually, RCHS became further integrated into the operations at the shelter by funding routine and emergency veterinary services for shelter animals and providing volunteer staffing. Taking over the management of the facility was the next logical step for the organization.
On May 1, 2015 RCHS assumed full responsibility for the operation and management of the only animal shelter in Routt County. In doing so, RCHS went from being an all-volunteer non-profit with a budget of $80,000 and no office, to an organization with three full-time employees, a budget of over $300,000 and an animal shelter to run. Under its former management by the Steamboat Springs Police Department, the shelter was operated primarily as a holding facility. RCHS has changed that focus, expanded the programs and hours of operation, and has transformed the facility into a full-service adoption center that serves the community and reflects its values.
