Animal Shelters in Lexington, KY

Thinking about adding a furry friend to your family? You’re in the right place. Lexington, KY, has several incredible animal shelters filled with lovable dogs and cats just waiting for their forever homes. Whether you’re looking to adopt a playful puppy, a chill senior cat, or something in between, the animal shelters around Lexington make it easy to find your perfect match. Even better, these organizations are doing important work every day—rescuing animals, promoting responsible pet ownership, and giving countless pets a second chance.

Let’s take a closer look at five animal shelters in and around Lexington where you can find your next four-legged family member.

Lexington Humane Society

The Lexington Humane Society is one of the most well-known and trusted shelters in the area—and for good reason. This nonprofit organization is committed to providing love, care, and shelter for thousands of animals every year. Located on Old Frankfort Pike, LHS has a wide variety of adoptable pets, from playful puppies and kittens to calm, older animals who just want a cozy lap to curl up in. Their staff and volunteers are incredibly knowledgeable and help match pets with the right families, ensuring a good fit on both sides. LHS also offers spay/neuter programs, pet training classes, and community outreach, so they’re a fantastic resource for new and experienced pet owners alike.

Lexington-Fayette Animal Care & Control (LFACC)

LFACC is the government-run animal shelter serving the Lexington-Fayette County area, and it plays a crucial role in animal welfare in the region. This facility is often the first stop for lost, stray, or surrendered animals in the county. They work hand-in-hand with the Lexington Humane Society—while LFACC handles animal control and intake, LHS takes over most of the adoption services. That said, LFACC still provides vital services such as lost pet recovery, cruelty investigations, and animal safety education. If you’ve lost a pet or are hoping to help an animal in need, LFACC is an essential resource.

Paws 4 the Cause

Paws 4 the Cause is a rescue that goes above and beyond to save animals who may not make it in traditional shelters. Their focus is on urgent cases—animals with medical needs, those pulled from overcrowded shelters, or pets in need of rehabilitation. This nonprofit relies heavily on foster homes, which means many of their adoptable pets are already used to living in a home environment. That can make for a smoother transition when they move in with you! Paws 4 the Cause also supports pet parents with educational resources, making them a great organization for first-time adopters who want ongoing support.

Kentucky Humane Society

Though headquartered in Louisville, the Kentucky Humane Society frequently collaborates with shelters in Lexington and throughout the state. KHS is one of the largest and oldest animal welfare organizations in Kentucky, and they operate with the mission of providing compassionate care to animals in need while finding them loving homes. They offer transport programs that bring adoptable pets from overcrowded rural shelters to areas like Lexington where they have a better chance of adoption. If you’re willing to travel a bit or want to see a wider variety of adoptable pets, KHS is definitely worth checking out. Plus, they have extensive veterinary and training programs to support pet families for the long haul.

Woodstock Animal Foundation

The Woodstock Animal Foundation is a foster-based rescue in Lexington that works tirelessly to save animals from high-risk situations. They often pull pets from shelters where euthanasia is a possibility, giving them a second shot at life. Because they rely on fosters instead of a central shelter facility, their animals are usually well-socialized and already used to home living by the time they’re adopted. Woodstock hosts regular adoption events and often has dogs and cats available at local pet stores, making it easy to meet your potential new family member. Their dedication to rescue and advocacy makes them a vital part of Lexington’s pet-loving community.

Your New Best Friend is Waiting

From large adoption centers to small foster-based rescues, Lexington, KY, is full of amazing animal shelters where you can find your next loyal companion. Whether you’re looking for a playful pup or a calm kitty, these organizations are ready to help you meet your match and welcome a new member into your family.

And when it’s time to bring your new best friend home, make sure you have a vehicle that’s pet-friendly, roomy, and reliable. Consider stopping by Jack Burford Chevrolet, a trusted new and used Chevy dealership in nearby Richmond. With a wide selection of SUVs perfect for growing families (furry friends included!), Jack Burford Chevrolet can help you ride home in comfort and style. Happy adopting!

Photo by Berkay Gumustekin on Unsplash