What is LHHS and how did it come to be?
LHHS is a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the plight of homeless and lost domestic animals in Mills County, Iowa. The goal has been to build an animal shelter, where lost, abandoned and homeless pets can live until they can be reunited with their families or adopted.
In 1994, a group of animal lovers recognized the problem of unwanted animals in Mills County. This small group included a number of members who personally rescued, fostered and adopted out countless dogs and cats. They applied for and received non-profit status (501 C 3) under the original name of Animal Relief Fund for a Shelter.
In July of 2006, ARFS purchased 2.5 acres at 21600 221st Street South, Pacific Junction from Mills County which allowed it to begin a capital campaign to build an animal shelter. LHHS has reached 85% of the goal but still needs to raise more money for the necessary equipment and kenneling of the animals. The name was changed from Animal Relief Fund for a Shelter to Loess Hills Humane Society, Inc. Our building is called 'The Lied Humane Center' to honor the generous grant given to us by the Lied Foundation Trust.
Our 6,000 sq. ft. facility can hold 28 + dogs and up to 60 cats. We began providing animal control to the unincorporated areas of Mills County on March 1, 2009. All of the revenue from animal control services, licensing and citation revenue will go towards the operational budget of the shelter.
Several cities in Mills County have contracted with LHHS for animal control. An update on participating cities will be included on this web page in the near future.
LHHS has plans to use part of the land for a dog park that will be open to the public. Potentially a portion of the shelter building will be used for youth activities and animal training classes.
LHHS will also continueS its on-going spay/neuter program to help low income families and seniors with the cost of having their pets altered.
