Humble beginnings off Hwy 34
SafeHaven Humane Society began in 1974 when a dedicated network of animal lovers came together to form the Linn Humane Society. Their mission was simple yet vital—rescue abandoned and abused dogs and provide them with care through a network of foster homes. Over a decade later, in 1985, a generous estate gift allowed the organization to put a down payment on a one-acre parcel of land along Highway 34. The following year, a modular home was added to the property, becoming the original shelter site and marking a major step forward in the organization’s growth.
SafeHaven Through The Decades
In 1993, the organization expanded its services to include the rescue and care of cats, recognizing the growing need in the community. By 1994, frequent confusion with Linn County Animal Control prompted the organization to seek community input for a new name. The result was the official rebranding to SafeHaven Humane Society, a name that better reflected its mission and identity.
As SafeHaven continued to grow, so did its programs and staff. In 2001, Chris Storm, our current Executive Director, joined the team, contributing to the organization’s expanding efforts. In 2007, SafeHaven launched its first low-cost spay and neuter program, Cat’s Count, to help reduce feline overpopulation. Two years later, in 2009, the Rescue Me transport program was created to save animals from overcrowded shelters across the region.
A major milestone occurred in 2011, when a generous bequest gave SafeHaven the opportunity to purchase a larger building to accommodate its expanding operations. Over the next few years, fundraising continued to support renovations and development. In 2012, SafeHaven opened the Pet Boutique & Home Décor store in downtown Albany, which would later become SafeHaven Gift & Thrift. By May 2014, the store had outgrown its original space and relocated to Tangent, Oregon. That same summer, SafeHaven officially moved all operations from the original modular building to its current, modern facility—a long-awaited dream come true.
The momentum continued in 2018 with the opening of a second Gift & Thrift location in Lebanon, OR. In 2019, a medical suite was added to the main shelter to provide better care for resident animals.
In 2021, SafeHaven launched community wellness clinics, extending veterinary care to owned pets in the community who otherwise might not have access.
In 2023, SafeHaven proudly opened its on-site low-cost spay and neuter program for public use, further advancing its mission of preventing pet overpopulation. The year 2024 marked several exciting additions, including new quiet rooms to provide a more calming space for animals and the introduction of the Doggy Day Out program, which gives shelter dogs a chance to explore the community with volunteers. Most importantly, 2024 marked 50 years of SafeHaven changing lives—thousands of animals saved, adopted, and given a second chance thanks to a passionate, caring community.
Finding Homes, Opening Hearts, and Educating Minds to strengthen and improve the lives of animals and people.
We envision a community where every adoptable, treatable companion animal has a loving home and where every loving home has the opportunity to care for a companion animal.
We are guided by the belief that no adoptable or treatable companion animal should be unnecessarily euthanized due to space, time, appearance or treatable conditions. We are committed to:
- Giving companion animals the second chance they deserve.
- Strengthening the humane animal bond through education.
- Helping people and their companion animals stay together through the support of programs and services.
- Leading responsibly with compassion.
Envisioning a Better World For Animals
As we look to the future, SafeHaven envisions a better world for animals and the people who love them. For 50 years, SafeHaven has saved lives but it has also become more than a destination location for individuals and families looking for a new family member. SafeHaven has something for everyone; whether it is education programs, activities for children, information or resources, volunteer opportunities, or adoption. Our commitment to best practices in animal welfare, our love of our community, our dedication to helping pets outside of our facility, our dedication to building a solid financial foundation for SafeHaven all demonstrate how much we believe in our mission, how much we believe in what we do, and how hard we work every day to make SafeHaven a place in our community to be proud of. We have been anchored in our community for over 50 years and many dreams thought only as possibilities have become reality; but we are not done yet!
As new trends emerge in animal welfare, SafeHaven is embracing these initiatives:
SafeHaven believes pets are family and we stand behind this wholeheartedly. With current data showing 80% of pet owners cite financial issues as a barrier to preventative care and 29 million pets living with families on public assistance we will continue to grow and expand our resources and programs available to keep pets healthy and in their homes with the people who love them.
The love of a rescued pet is life changing. SafeHaven is there, when others say no and we will continue to show up for animals who need us thru partnerships with local rescues and shelters in high-kill regions, where animals are transported to shelters like SafeHaven when space is available; truly giving a pet a second chance at life.
SafeHaven is fortunate enough to have a veterinarian on staff. Our veterinarian takes care of our residents in addition to offering services t the public at a reduced costs. Our plan is to expand on those services in the coming years to be a better resource for pet owners needing affordable vet care in order to keep their pets.
We want to extend our space to allow SafeHaven to accept more pets; especially pets with special needs, shy and under socialized pets, and pets that a shelter environment is just too stressful for to be able to be re-homed thru a home environment situation.
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SafeHaven Humane Society is a 501(c)3 organization.
Our tax-ID number is 93-0676661 and donations are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.
12:00pm – 5:00pm