2025 Impact Report

2025 1 | Lawrence Humane Society | 2025 Annual Report

Table of CONTENTS 3

Letter From Our Executive Director

4

Letter From Our Board Chair + 2026 Board Members

5

Intake Statistics

6

Outcome Statistics

7

ASPCA: Lifesaving Through the Rescue Effect

8+9

Petco Love: Investing in Behavior and Enrichment

10

Offsite Adoption Partners

11

Volunteering at Lawrence Humane

12

Fostering at Lawrence Humane

13

Veterinary Care Statistics

14 + 15

Mass Street Mutts

16

Crisis Pet Retention Program

17

Expanding Services in Lecompton

18 + 19

Animal Services: Stories From the Field

20

Providing Compassionate Care Until the Very End

21

Pet Pantry Statistics

22 + 23

Partner Profile: Truity Credit Union

24

2026 Event Sponsors

25

Income + Expenses

26 + 27 28 29 + 30 31

Ensuring the Future of Lifesaving at Lawrence Humane What We’re Looking Forward to in 2026 26 Ways to Support Lawrence Humane in 2026 Opportunities to Get Involved

2 | Lawrence Humane Society | 2025 Annual Report

Reflecting on 2025

As we reflect on 2025, I am proud of the meaningful progress made at Lawrence Humane Society—progress rooted in strengthening our people, our processes, and our commitment to lifesaving.

Shannon Wells Executive Director

Throughout the year, we focused intentionally on building a more sustainable and supportive organization. We invested in employee compensation and benefits to better support the dedicated professionals who care for our animals every day. We improved communication channels across departments, allowing for greater transparency, collaboration, and shared problem-solving. By streamlining workflows and refining internal systems, we created efficiencies that help our team spend more time where it matters most: with the animals and the people who love them.

Our animal care and placement strategies also evolved in important ways. In 2025, we deepened our use of pathway planning to ensure each animal received more individualized care and a clearer route to a positive outcome. We used structured tools to regularly evaluate each animal’s quality of life while in care, translating those insights into concrete action items to ensure each animal had the best possible chance for a positive outcome. At the same time, we increased enrichment opportunities both inside the shelter and out in the community to support animals’ behavioral and emotional wellbeing while in our care.

Looking ahead to 2026, our focus is on building momentum. We will continue to invest in our staff and volunteers, refine systems that support humane, efficient, and effective care, and expand innovative approaches to enrichment and placement. Above all, we will remain guided by our commitment to wholeanimal health, community collaboration, and lifesaving rooted in compassion and evidence-based practice.

3 | Lawrence Humane Society | 2025 Annual Report

None of this work is possible without the generosity and trust of our supporters.

Thank you for standing with Lawrence Humane Society as we continue to grow, learn, and save lives—together.

2026

Letter from our Board Chair

BOARD MEMBERS Board Chair Amanda Jay Principal and Owner, LadderPoint Consulting

Vice Chair Lindsay Roesler Group Fitness Instructor and Lawrence Humane Volunteer Secretary Megan Richardson Vice President & Bank Manager, First State Bank & Trust Board Treasurer Andrew Hagner Team Lead Commercial Operations and Capabilities, Hill’s Pet Nutrition Oyin Enoch Marketing Director, Hills Pet Nutrition Dale Slusser Retired, KU Endowment Association Hailey Drescher Senior Consultant, Trask Consulting Sheree Miller Poff Owner, Lawrence Pet Friends Audra Fussell Lead Business Development Officer, Truity Credit Union Kelly Leipold Retired RN and Lawrence Humane Volunteer Charlotte Tritch Faculty, University of Kansas School of Business Kirk Putman Retired Director of Finance - Europe, Hill’s Pet Nutrition

As I reflect on 2025 and Lawrence Humane’s remarkable year, I’m reminded of why I first fell in love with this organization and why my family continues to be deeply connected to the mission.

I’ve been involved with Lawrence Humane in many different roles over the years: as an adopter of Boomer and Meatball, as a foster parent, as a volunteer, as a donor, and now as a Amanda Jay board member. But no matter which Board Chair hat I’m wearing, I’m continually inspired by the same thing – the extraordinary dedication of the staff and profound impact we have on animals’ lives.

This past year has been exceptional. Our adoption numbers reached a four-year high, with nearly 3,300 animals finding loving homes. Our Mass Street Mutts program experienced incredible growth – expanding nearly fourfold from the previous year – which creates meaningful connections in the Lawrence community and second chances for dogs in need.

And our fundraising efforts exceeded $1.7 million, enabling us to invest in our animals, our people, and the community in meaningful ways.

Boomer & Meatball

As we look toward 2026 and beyond, our talented leadership team is focused on three strategic priorities: strengthening our organizational culture and staff alignment, developing long-term plans for sustainable growth, and expanding our community leadership and partnerships. With each of these initiatives, we’re building an even stronger foundation for Lawrence Humane’s future.

None of this is possible without you. Whether you’ve adopted from us, fostered an animal, volunteered your time, made a donation, or spread the word about our mission – you are essential to our work. Together, we’re not just saving lives. We’re creating lasting bonds, strengthening our community, and proving that compassion changes everything.

Thank you for being part of our animal-loving community. I look forward to seeing you at events, around the shelter, and working together as we write the next chapter of our story.

4 | Lawrence Humane Society | 2025 Annual Report

Intake STATISTICS Cats

Dogs

Other

179

622

OWNER SURRENDER

Born in care, confiscated by animal control, contract, etc.

TOTAL

STRAYS

OWNER SURRENDER

Born in care, confiscated by animal control, contract, etc.

TOTAL

STRAYS

OWNER SURRENDER

OTHER

1,559 701 106

5 | Lawrence Humane Society | 2025 Annual Report

26

429

80

animals & birds

TRANSFERS

STRAYS

760

“other” include handheld

OTHER

TOTAL

2,387 826

*Animals categorized as

Many from rural and low-capacity shelters

OTHER

TRANSFERS

91

338

0

Many from rural and low-capacity shelters

TRANSFERS

0

Outcome STATISTICS

This means that 95% of animals who entered Lawrence Humane had a positive outcome

LIVE RELEASE RATE

through reunification with their owner, adoption, or transfer to another licensed agency.

Lawrence Humane never euthanizes animals for space or length of time in the shelter

and only does so when absolutely medically or behaviorally necessary.

Adoptions

3,279 Cats: 2,099 Total:

1,081 Other: 99 Dogs:

Returned to Owner Total: 475 Dogs: 358 Cats: 114 Other: 3

6 | Lawrence Humane Society | 2025 Annual Report

Transfers Out Total: 39 Dogs: 34 Cats: 4 Other: 1

Lifes avin g RES CUE E F F E CT THROUGH

THE

In 2025, Lawrence Humane was proud to participate in The Rescue Effect, the ASPCA’s national

campaign dedicated to increasing adoptions and engaging the public in lifesaving work.

Running from August through October, The Rescue Effect encouraged communities across the

country to adopt or foster animals as a way of helping shelters care for even more pets. The message is simple but powerful: when we help one animal, we help many. Every pet who goes

home not only begins a new life with a loving family, but also frees up space and resources for the next animal in need.

Thanks to a generous grant from the ASPCA as part of this campaign, Lawrence Humane hosted six fee-waived adoption weekends –and our community responded with incredible

enthusiasm! Being able to waive adoption fees removes financial barriers that can prevent wonderful adopters from taking home a pet, which is especially impactful during a time when

shelter populations are high and dog adoptions are stagnating nationwide. Fee-waived events also shift resources toward care rather than costs, helping animals move more quickly into homes and reducing the stress that prolonged shelter stays create. Over those six weekends in

2025, 194 cats and 83 dogs were adopted - more than double the 92 cats and 36 dogs adopted during the same six weekends in 2024. We are grateful to the ASPCA for helping promote the campaign nationally and to our adopters for stepping up in such a meaningful way. The Rescue Effect made a real impact here in Douglas County,

and we look forward to building on this momentum to help even more animals in the future!

7 | Lawrence Humane Society | 2025 Annual Report

I N B E H A VIO R g n i t s e v n I While our team works every day to provide excellent care,

enrichment, and attention to the animals at Lawrence Humane, a shelter - no matter how thoughtfully run - is still a loud and stressful

place for pets, especially dogs. There are unfamiliar smells, new faces, constant activity, and kennel noise that can make it hard for many dogs to relax. At the same time, dog adoptions have

stagnated across the country over the last few years - including at Lawrence Humane - meaning that more dogs are staying in shelters longer while they wait for a home. For the dogs who spend

weeks or months in our care, the stress of the shelter environment can really take a toll, which is why one of the greatest opportunities for lifesaving we can make is investing in behavior and enrichment.

When these areas are prioritized, the impact on animal wellbeing and outcomes - is truly profound.

At Lawrence Humane, we are committed to caring for the whole

animal. That means not only providing clean food, water, shelter, and veterinary care, but also ensuring animals can express natural

behaviors through socialization, play, and enrichment. And in 2025, thanks to the generous support of Petco Love, we were able to make

a significant investment in our Behavior and Enrichment Program by welcoming MJ Holt to Lawrence Humane as our Playgroup and 8 | Lawrence Humane Society | 2025 Annual Report

Enrichment Specialist!

AND

E N RI CHMENT MJ cheers on a shelter pup running on a slatmill! A slatmill is a non-motorized treadmill with wooden slats for traction.

It’s a great way to help pups burn off lots of energy!

With MJ’s leadership, we’ve significantly expanded opportunities for play, exercise, and exploration. Every dog in our care now has the opportunity to play with other dogs twice daily, every day,

MJ

Playgroups give shelter dogs the chance to behave like dogs -

slatmill

which is one of our 2025 achievements that we’re proudest of. sniffing, running, wrestling, and communicating in ways that are natural and healthy for them. Life in a kennel is often loud,

overstimulating, and isolating, and even the most well-run

shelters cannot replicate the social outlet that many dogs need to stay mentally balanced. Playgroups allow dogs to burn off

energy, practice social skills, and de-escalate their stress in a way that a simple walk often can’t accomplish. And for fearful or

under-socialized dogs, supervised play creates opportunities to learn how to communicate appropriately with other dogs and build

confidence in a safe environment.

has

also

expanded

enrichment options to include work,

Treibball,

tug

games, while also streamlining enrichment

into

daily

shelter

routines like cleaning and care.

Investing in behavior and enrichment is ultimately an investment in lifesaving capacity, public trust, and humane standards of care. Behavior programs prevent kennel deterioration (anxiety, reactivity, etc.) that can make otherwise adoptable dogs hard to place. Enrichment reduces stress-related illness, decreases bites and fights, and increases the accuracy of behavioral assessments.

This has led to improved

It also improves the daily experiences of staff, volunteers,

behavior

healthier and more relaxed!

rest, reduced reliance on medications,

and more meaningful information to support

successful foster and adoption

9 | Lawrence Humane Society | 2025 Annual Report

placements.

and adopters - everyone does better when the dogs are

We are so grateful to our friends at Petco Love for helping us change lives, one enriched day at a time, and we can’t wait to do even more in 2026!

Offsite ADOPTION PARTNERS Lawrence Humane is incredibly fortunate to have four different businesses with whom we partner to facilitate offsite adoptions. In fact, 503 of the 3,279 animals adopted through Lawrence Humane in 2025 were adopted at one of our offsite adoption partners. That’s

over 15% of all adopted animals – wow! These partnerships are hugely impactful to

the number of animals Lawrence Humane is able to help and find homes for every year. Not only does this free up space at the shelter so that we can serve more

animals, but it also helps us reach new audiences and potential adopters while

simultaneously increasing the visibility of the animals looking for loving homes. We

are so grateful to our incredible partners at Espurresso Cat Café, Petco, PetSmart –

Bauer Farm Rd, and PetSmart – Iowa St!

187 CATS ADOPTED 185 89 CATS ADOPTED 42

82 CATS ADOPTED 103 PUPPIES ADOPTED

AT BAUER FARMS (WEST)

ON IOWA STREET

10 | Lawrence Humane Society | 2025 Annual Report

33 CATS ADOPTED 9 PUPPIES ADOPTED

Our community is so lucky to have Espurresso Cat Cafe in downtown Lawrence! Not only does it provide a comfy place for adoptable cats to stay and be seen by more people, but they also serve delicious baked goods and drinks!

Volunteering AT LAWRENCE HUMANE Volunteers are at the heart of Lawrence Humane’s mission, transforming everyday tasks into meaningful acts of kindness that directly improve the lives of animals and the people who love them. In 2025, our volunteer community continued to deepen their involvement, broaden their skill sets, and demonstrate extraordinary commitment to service. Volunteers’ commitment eases anxiety for pets, expands our

capacity, and ensures that every animal receives personalized care beyond what staff alone could provide.

Lawrence Humane volunteers truly give every animal at the shelter the dignity and investment they deserve.

Total

VOLUNTEER HOURS:

11,292

And while dogs often receive a spotlight because of national sheltering challenges, cats face their own challenges in a shelter environment. Cats tend to experience stress differently, struggle with overstimulation, and have fewer enrichment outlets than

dogs. And although many cats are adopted quickly, it doesn’t mean shelter life is easy for them. That’s why Lawrence Humane’s team of dedicated cat volunteers is so essential! Volunteers like Kim, Tanaeya, Tina, Sue, and so many others spend time socializing cats onsite, especially those who are shy, fearful, or shut down, helping them regain confidence and communicate

their personalities to potential adopters. They transport cats to offsite adoption partners like Petsmart, where more potential

adopters will see them. And they provide daily care to our adoptable cats at Petco while they await adoption. Their work gives cats visibility, comfort, and the stability they need to thrive. We are so grateful for the ongoing support of our incredible volunteers!

Active

VOLUNTEERS

833

A L L - S T A R Kim Krull

184.29 HOURS

11 | Lawrence Humane Society | 2025 Annual Report

C A T

Tanaeya Tillman 125.20 HOURS

V O L U N T E E R S Tina James

60.67 HOURS

Sue Flueck

24.31 HOURS

Fostering SAVES LIVES Foster caregivers are one of the most powerful extensions of Lawrence Humane’s lifesaving mission. When

animals are too young, recovering from

illness or injury, or are struggling with the stress of a shelter environment,

foster homes offer something the shelter can’t - a quiet space to decompress, heal, and grow. In

a foster home, an anxious dog

can learn to trust again, a nursing

mama can care for her babies

without the chaos of a kennel,

and an underage kitten can gain

strength in a safe, warm environment.

These homes create pathways to adoption

by helping animals show who they truly are, revealing

personalities, quirks, and strengths that can be hard to see in a shelter setting.

And fostering doesn’t just change outcomes for individual animals - it strengthens our entire community. Every foster home expands Lawrence Humane’s capacity to help pets in need. Fosters are teachers, nurses, behavior coaches, storytellers,

and

advocates.

They

help

animals

build

confidence, grow strong and healthy, and gather valuable 12 | Lawrence Humane Society | 2025 Annual Report

Number of foster homes:

Animals placed in foster care:

442 1,560

insights that guide placement. Lawrence Humane simply

could not achieve our mission without the compassion of

the people who open their homes and hearts to animals during their most vulnerable moments. Our fosters’

commitment is a reminder that lifesaving isn’t just something that happens inside the shelter…it happens all throughout our community.

A look at Lawrence Humane’s

VETERINARY CARE Community Veterinary Care Low-cost spay/neuter surgeries Cats: 963 | Dogs: 567 | Rabbits: 29

Public specialty surgeries: 119

Public vaccine + microchip clinics

Clinics held: 13 | Households served: 329 Total number of animals served: 461

Owner-requested euthanasia: 132 While Lawrence Humane is not a full service veterinary clinic, by providing low-cost spay/neuter surgeries for pets whose owners struggle to access or afford private veterinary care, we are promoting responsible pet ownership and trying to prevent additional burden to animal shelters. By providing emergency specialty care and low-cost euthanasia services we are ensuring that owners who are financially struggling do not have to experience the trauma of being unable to provide for their beloved pet in a time of crisis or at the end of the pet’s life. And our monthly low-cost vaccine and microchip clinics ensure increased access to veterinary care and a healthy population in Douglas County!

13 | Lawrence Humane Society pet | 2025 Annual Report

Vet Care for Shelter Animals Shelter animal spay/neuter surgeries:

Cats: 1,558 Dogs: 734 Rabbits: 4 Shelter animal specialty surgeries

173

Number of outings

Number of unique dogs

Number of unique participan ts

2025: 695

2025: 220

2025: 495

2023: 104

2023: 67

2023: 49

2024: 181

2024: 97

2024: 124

One of the most exciting developments of 2025 was the revitalization and relaunch of Lawrence Humane’s Mass Street

Mutts program. Mass Street Mutts gives shelter dogs the chance to leave the shelter for an outing - whether that’s a cozy nap at someone’s home, a walk through downtown, a hike on local trails, or a visit to the KU campus. While various iterations

of this program have existed since 2019, participation was limited and many adoptable dogs were unable to join. Over the past few years we made incremental progress by expanding eligibility to more volunteers and fosters, but our goal was

always broader: to create a program where any dog-lover in our community could take any adoptable dog out for a day of adventure, rest, and enrichment.

In March 2025, that goal came into focus when VCA Charities invited our Volunteer Coordinator, Ashley Rice-Keen, and

Marketing Coordinator, Sydney Martin, to a week-long training at Arizona Humane, an organization leading the way in

Dogs’ Day Out programming. There, our staff learned from behavior specialists, marketing professionals, and shelters like Arizona Humane and Maui Humane who have built successful, inclusive outing programs. VCA Charities not only equipped

14 | Lawrence Humane Society | 2025 Annual Report

Lawrence Humane with the knowledge and best practices needed to expand Mass Street Mutts, but also generously supplied

everything required for safe and successful outings, including high-quality harnesses and leashes, backpacks stocked with supplies, and brightly-marked “Adopt Me” vests.

On June 1, 2025, we officially relaunched Mass Street Mutts to the entire Lawrence community…and it quickly became a game-

changer! Almost immediately, 10 or more dogs were heading out on outings each day. These adventures allow dogs to decompress, rest, or burn off energy, helping them return to the shelter calmer, happier, and better able to show their true

personalities. The program has also provided invaluable information about each dog that simply can’t be learned in a kennel environment - dogs who seemed anxious or high-energy at the shelter often revealed themselves to be calm couch potatoes once given a break from the noise. This insight has dramatically improved adoption matchmaking, and the photos, videos, and stories captured during outings have enriched our marketing efforts and helped adopters imagine these dogs in their own homes.

At a time when dog adoptions are stagnant nationwide and incredible dogs are languishing in shelters, Mass Street Mutts has brought joy and momentum back into the process. Because of this program, dogs who once struggled in the shelter system (some who had been in shelters for years!) found loving homes. We are deeply grateful to the hundreds of individuals, families, KU students, local businesses, public agencies, and community leaders who have embraced this program with such enthusiasm. Their participation has transformed – and literally saved - lives, and we can’t wait to grow Mass Street

evenHumane more in 2026!

15Mutts | Lawrence Society | 2025 Annual Report

Crisis PET RETENTION The Crisis Pet Retention (CPR) Program helps pets and people stay together through poverty, houselessness, job loss, and other systemic issues and inequities. This program proactively addresses pet problems that otherwise might result in a pet being

neglected, abandoned, or surrendered. At Lawrence Humane, we have seen first-hand that financial circumstances are not indicative of the capacity to love and care for a pet.

2025 Statistics

673 applications for assistance were received.

463 animals from 315 individual households were treated at Lawrence Humane for essential, preventative care (spays/neuters, vaccines, microchips, flea/tick treatment, dentals) for a total of $35,956 in care provided.

8 families who collectively owned 17 pets were assisted with pet deposits, pet rent, and/or pet fees for a total of $2,400.

63 animals have utilized temporary crisis boarding, 75% of whom have been reunited with their owners.

16 | Lawrence Humane Society | 2025 Annual Report

E X P A N D I N G

S E R V I C E S I N Lecompton In 2025, we celebrated National Pet Vaccination Month by hosting Lawrence Humane’s first-ever pet vaccine and wellness clinic in Lecompton, which was a tremendous success! For many pet owners, access to affordable veterinary care can be a challenge. However, Lawrence Humane is committed to helping ensure that regardless of owners’ income and circumstances, beloved pets can stay healthy and stay safely with the people who care about them most. During this clinic, our team provided wellness exams and heartworm tests, administered vaccinations and microchips, distributed pet food and treats, and talked with owners about the long-term health benefits of spay/neuter surgeries. By the end of the day, we had served 52 animals from 28 households at no cost to their owners!

This clinic was made possible through an incredible collaboration between Lawrence Humane, the K-State College of Veterinary Medicine, Hill’s Pet Nutrition, and Petco Love. As part of their #VaccinatedAndLoved campaign, Petco Love generously donated all of the canine distemper/parvo and feline panleuk vaccines. And a generous private donor covered the cost of microchips, rabies vaccines, flea/tick prevention, and dewormer, ensuring that pets could receive comprehensive care free of charge. Meanwhile, K-State veterinary students worked side-by-side with our staff to serve pets and their families with skill, compassion, and efficiency.

Best of all, 15 animals (12 dogs and 3 cats) came back to Lawrence Humane to be spayed and neutered, with all surgery costs fully sponsored by our friends at Hill’s Pet Nutrition!

It is truly remarkable what we can accomplish when partners come together to remove barriers and support both pets and their people. We are deeply grateful to everyone who made this inaugural event possible, with especial gratitude to the Lecompton families who trusted us with their beloved companions. This clinic reflects our belief that veterinary care should be accessible, equitable, and community-centered, and we cannot wait to continue building relationships and improving pet wellness in Lecompton and beyond in 2026!

17 | Lawrence Humane Society | 2025 Annual Report

Stories F R O M T H E F I E L D

Lawrence Humane’s Animal Services team continues to demonstrate just how varied, unpredictable, and essential their work is in our community. Whether responding to calls about stray pets, wildlife in distress, or unusual animal encounters, our team approaches every situation with compassion and a can-do attitude! In 2025, that included rescuing an injured blue heron off of Highway 59 after it had been struck by a car. With traffic rushing by and the heron attempting to evade capture in thick brush, it was an all-hands effort in the sweltering sun. Ultimately, the heron was safely secured by our team and transported to our partners at Operation Wildlife for specialized medical care.

Lawrence Humane staff wrap the heron in a towel to safely transport to Operation Wildlife

And some calls remind us just how unusual animal welfare work can be. In February 2025, our staff received a report of a strange-looking animal spotted in Clinton State Park. The photo revealed a surprising sight - a ring-tailed lemur, an endangered primate native to Madagascar and decidedly NOT to Kansas. Recognizing the urgency of the situation, our Animal Services team enlisted staff member and former Emporia Zoo employee, Tesla Moua, whose experience handling lemurs proved

invaluable. Remarkably, the lemur was located quickly and transported to Lawrence Humane for temporary housing and care while a long-term plan was developed.

18 | Lawrence Humane Society | 2025 Annual Report

In collaboration with the Emporia Zoo, the lemur received a veterinary evaluation and was quarantined until an accredited placement could be identified. Staff learned he had likely lived in

a

small

cage

as

a

pet,

displaying

limited

climbing

ability and lacking typical lemur behaviors. Thanks to patient rehabilitation at the zoo, including socialization with other lemurs and

support

climb,

he

Ultimately, the lemur was transferred to a licensed facility in Texas, where he has found a chosen lemur family and will contribute to efforts to increase the population of this endangered species!

These are just a couple of stories from a year full of serving our community’s animals

–

companion,

wildlife,

and

even

unexpectedly

exotic.

But

they

illustrate

the

breadth

of our work outside the shelter walls and we are grateful for the community

members,

partners,

and organizations who make that lifesaving work possible!

19 | Lawrence Humane Society | 2025 Annual Report

to

made

remarkable progress.

learning

Our lemur friend happy and healthy with his new pals in Texas!

P R O V I D I N G

C O M PASSIONATE CARE un til the very en d

For every pet owner, the end of a beloved companion’s life is devastating, and the final act of care that we can

provide for our pets is a painless and dignified ending. Unfortunately, sometimes private veterinary care can

be out of reach for pet owners and without an accessible alternative, some owners are forced to watch a pet suffer longer than they should, attempt at-home methods that can be traumatic or ineffective, or surrender a cherished family member in their final days. Lawrence Humane believes that no family should have to endure that kind of trauma and no animal should be denied a peaceful, painless passing because of cost.

By providing compassionate, low-cost euthanasia services, Lawrence Humane fulfills a deeply important community need - ensuring that pets can experience dignity, comfort, and love at the end of their lives and that owners are not left feeling helpless. This service prevents unnecessary suffering, reduces the likelihood of abandonment or neglect, and offers support during a time when families are grieving. In 2025, we provided 132 animals with end-of-life care, and while this is never easy, it is our honor to offer this type of support to our community. Accessible euthanasia is not simply a medical service, it reflects Lawrence Humane’s mission to care for both animals and the people who love them, and it upholds our belief that every pet

deserves a dignified goodbye, regardless of their owner’s financial circumstances.

20 | Lawrence Humane Society | 2025 Annual Report

Pet Food P A N T R Y Lawrence Humane serves as Douglas County’s primary pet food pantry. We know that if forced to choose, loving pet owners will choose to feed their pets instead of themselves. We never want anyone to choose between caring for themselves or caring for their pets. By providing pet food 7 days a week, 9 am-6 pm Lawrence Humane is providing care to our community’s most vulnerable pets AND people. We rely on donations of pet food from our community to stock our pet pantry and appreciate every single bag of cat and dog food donated!

Pounds of pet food distributed from our Pet Resource Center:

106,177 We give out over 8,500 lbs every month!

21 | Lawrence Humane Society | 2025 Annual Report

PA R T NE R

P R O F ILE:

Lead Development Officer, Audra Fussell, snuggles a puppy at Hawks & Hounds

Lawrence Humane is fortunate to have partners who believe deeply in our mission, and Truity Credit Union exemplifies that commitment in every way. From financial support to hands-on involvement, Truity shows up for the animals - and for the people who care about them - with genuine enthusiasm and heart. As the premier sponsor of our annual Hawks + Hounds watch party, Truity has helped transform this fledgling event into one of our most high-energy fundraisers, bringing together Jayhawk fans, animal lovers, and community members for a celebration that is uniquely Lawrence!

The staff at Truity are always ready to attend and even lend a helping hand at our events!

22 | Lawrence Humane Society | 2025 Annual Report

Moreover, Truity’s support extends across the calendar and across the organization. They sponsor major fundraising and adoption-focused events including the Fur Ball gala, Clear the Shelter Day, and the Paw Valley Challenge, helping us raise critical funds and create accessible, joyful community experiences. But what sets Truity Credit Union apart is not just their financial support, it’s the way their entire team engages. The staff

at Truity attend every Lawrence Humane event – they pass out pet treats during Clear the Shelter, grill food for Paw Valley Challenge participants, dress up and celebrate at Fur Ball, and without fail serve as the most fun and raucous crowd at Hawks + Hounds! Their staff members also go a step further by volunteering, fostering, and even adopting animals from Lawrence Humane, making their support personal as well as organizational.

In addition to helping the animals in our care, Truity supports the staff of Lawrence Humane by showing up with kindness, encouragement, and resources that make our work more sustainable and more joyful. Their partnership reflects a shared belief that when a community takes care of its animals, it strengthens the well-being of everyone who calls it home.

For these reasons and more, Lawrence Humane was proud to honor Truity Credit Union as our 2025 Community Partner of the Year! Their generosity, spirit, and unwavering support make a profound difference, and we are deeply grateful for their partnership.

23 | Lawrence Humane Society | 2025 Annual Report

Thank you 2025 EVENT SPONSORS!

Hawks & Hounds | Mullie Classic | Paw Valley Challenge | Clear the Shelter Day | Fur Ball

April Kelsey

Absolute Pawfection Grooming 24 | Lawrence Humane Society | 2025 Annual Report

I N C O M E AND E X P E N S E S Income $3,722,405.69

Expenses $3,457,140.62

25 | Lawrence Humane Society | 2025 Annual Report

Ensuring the future of

LIFESAVING AT

LAWRENCE

HUMANE

Legacy gifts are one of the most impactful ways that supporters can ensure

that Lawrence Humane is able to continue protecting animals long into the future. Including Lawrence Humane in your estate plans whether through a bequest, beneficiary designation, or other planned gift - helps guarantee that animals

who have nowhere else to turn will always have a

safe place to land. For many supporters, legacy

giving is a natural extension of their lifelong love for

animals. It allows them to make a powerful statement about

their values and to continue supporting a mission they believe in, even when they are no longer with us.

Bequests and other planned gifts are profoundly important to animal shelters because they

provide long-term stability in a field where demand is high, resources are tight, and needs can change rapidly. Unlike annual donations, legacy gifts help build financial resilience,

strengthen lifesaving programs, and ensure that future generations of animals receive

medical care, behavioral support, second chances, and love. They allow shelters like Lawrence Humane to plan boldly, innovate thoughtfully, and remain ready for

the animals and families who will need us in the years ahead. By making a gift through your will, trust, or estate plan, you leave a legacy of compassion and you make sure the animals of our community will always have someone watching out for them.

26 | Lawrence Humane Society | 2025 Annual Report

Words from supporters who have included Lawrence Humane in their estate plans

“

“Including the Lawrence Humane Society in my estate planning

felt like an opportunity to be part of an incredible, beautiful chain of

people and events. Only because of the generosity of many people who are long passed have I been able to enjoy the wonderful

services provided by Lawrence Humane and had so many animals literally change my life for the better. I wanted to be part of that

“

chain. Because while it has been a wonderful series of events and support, it is not guaranteed for the future. And I want my family, friends, and community to have the same opportunities I did through Lawrence Humane. I’d encourage anyone to make a commitment. You will never regret it.”

“Lawrence Humane is an incredible organization in our

community, providing life-saving support and resources for both pets and the people who love them. I want to ensure my support of the organization lives on long after I am

gone and consequently am including it in my estate plan. I encourage others to do the same!”

If you are interested in learning more about legacy giving and how you can support

Lawrence Humane, please reach out to our Chief Development Officer, Elina Alterman.

27 | Lawrence Humane Society | 2025 Annual Report

What are we looking

FORWARD TO IN

2026?

● Lawrence Humane’s volunteers and fosters are the heart of our organization and are the reason that we can serve over 7,500+ animals every year. In 2026, we look forward to developing and releasing more resources for our volunteers and fosters so that we can better support those who support us. Over the course of the year, fosters and volunteers will be able to learn more about animal behavior and medical needs, build their own skills and confidence in animal care, and expand the types of opportunities they can engage in at Lawrence Humane! ● Thanks to the generous support of the Ethel and Raymond F. Rice Foundation, in 2026 Lawrence Humane will be expanding our presence in the community through a new initiative designed to strengthen our existing relationships with local businesses; build new, sustainable relationships; and expand community involvement in our lifesaving work. We look forward to partnering with more Douglas County businesses and organizations through volunteer opportunities, adoption events, Mass Street Mutts outings, and more! ● In 2026, Lawrence Humane will be celebrating our 75th Anniversary as a shelter! Lawrence Humane was founded on March 27, 1951 and we look forward to celebrating 75 years of serving Douglas County through a variety of events, adoption specials, anniversary merchandise, and more.

We invite our whole community to join us!

28 | Lawrence Humane Society | 2025 Annual Report

1

Adopt a pet

2

Foster a pet

3

Host a donation drive at your workplace

4

Host a donation drive among your family and friends

5

Become a monthly donor

6

Register for the Paw Valley Challenge

7

Include Lawrence Humane in your estate plan

8

Purchase an item from our Amazon or Chewy wish lists

Continued on next page

29 | Lawrence Humane Society | 2025 Annual Report

9

Drop off a donation of pet food, treats, or cat litter

18

Follow Lawrence Humane on Facebook or Instagram

19

Share Lawrence Humane’s social media posts

20

Sponsor a pet vaccine & microchip clinic

10

Ask if your employer matches donations

11

Contribute through a Donor-Advised Fund

12

Consider a Charitable Gift Annuity

21

Attend our various events throughout the year

13

Sponsor a pet’s adoption fees

22

Sign up for Dillons Community Rewards and link your card to Lawrence Humane

14

Volunteer at Lawrence Humane

23

Purchase a Lawrence Humane shirt and show it off

15

Encourage a friend to sign up for our Wet Nose News email newsletter

24

Form a team and play in our annual Mullie Classic Golf Tournament

16

Sponsor an animal for Clear the Shelter Day

25

Take a dog out on a Mass Street Mutts adventure

17

Donate stock

26

Connect with us and learn more about how to get involved!

30 | Lawrence Humane Society | 2025 Annual Report

31 | Lawrence Humane Society | 2025 Annual Report

32 | Lawrence Humane Society | 2025 Annual Report