Summer 2026 Newsletter

A note from the Executive Director

An honest look at the last 6 months

I am reaching out to you today with a personal, behind-the-scenes look at the first half of 2026 at Butte Humane Society.

These past six months have tested us. With resources stretched to the absolute limit, we’ve had to re-strategize staffing, lean heavily on our volunteers, and do more with less just to weather this economy.

Resilience

But every time we had to make a tough call, I thought about the animals—and I thought about you. Then I drew a line: the animals would never pay the price for a difficult economy.

Because of you, we survived— and we fought back. We poured every remaining ounce of our energy into rescue and medical care.

The result of your dedication to the animals?

471 cats and dogs have been saved, healed, and adopted since January 1st.

These precious saved lives had a chance because of you. Thank you for your dedication and compassion.

With gratitude,

Emily Acevedo

Executive Director

Let me introduce you to a life you changed during this intense season.

The Rescue & The Turning Point

In January, a tiny, 6.8-pound silver and vanilla-bean senior tabby named Hailo arrived at our doors.

At 17 years old, she found herself completely displaced when her owner faced a sudden change in living circumstance.

Suddenly, this fragile, "velcro cat"—who wanted nothing more than to curl up in a warm lap—was homeless.

In a difficult budget year, a senior cat needing significant medical evaluation is exactly the kind of case that breaks a shelter's heart. We discovered Hailo was suffering from hyperthyroidism. Managing her condition meant months of specialized care, medication, and bloodwork.

Thanks to you, her story didn't end in a crowded shelter.

We diagnosed Hailo, got her illness completely under control, and kept her safe and loved for five months while she waited for her second chance.

And then, this past May, a miracle happened.

Hailo traded her kennel card for her forever home when she was adopted into a wonderful family who have fully allowed her to embrace her senior years

When you support BHS, you aren’t just funding a shelter. You are providing the extra time, the specialized medicine, and the fierce protection that a 17-year-old cat needs to survive a crisis.

January through June

At a glance...

Countless Tail Wags & Purrs: 471 homeless dogs, cats, and critters were placed into safe, permanent families because you kept our doors open.

Critical Medical Miracles: 1,060 surgeries and specialized medical treatments (like Hailo’s thyroid care) were fully funded by your generosity when our budget was at its tightest.

Love Beyond Our Walls: 150 animals were cradled in dedicated foster homes this spring, giving them a quiet environment to heal

Empty Bowls Filled: 15,283 pounds of nutritious food shared from our pantry kept bellies full and loved pets in their homes.

It takes a remarkably generous and forward-thinking person to look at the challenges facing our community and say, 'I want to help.' That is exactly who you are. Your kindness achieved ALL of this between January 1st and June 30th. Thank you!

More than just a Veterinary Center

Our veterinary center does double duty: it provides top-tier medical care for all of our shelter animals (like Hailo), and it is fully open to the public to keep Chico’s family pets healthy. Best of all, every single dollar spent at our clinic goes 100% right back into our rescue mission.

Whether you bring your own pet to see us or give a direct gift, you are keeping our medical team equipped to say, "Yes, we can save you."

From January to June, your support kept our surgery tables running. Because of you, we were able to perform 847 spay/neuter surgeries, preventing future cycles of homeless animals in our community.

Learn about our Veterinary Center HERE

This is

Blossom

She’s enjoying some sunshine in the play yard after recovering from a ringworm infection and being spayed. Now all that's left is to find her a home. Your support makes her care possible.

A Pearl of Compassion

We invite you to celebrate 115 years of saving lives, finding homes, and inspiring compassion.

September 19th, 2026 at 5pm

The Big Room at Sierra Nevada Brewery.

Come enjoy an incredible atmosphere, network with fellow community pillars, and help us fund the next chapter of second chances at Butte Humane Society.

Get Tickets Here