About Us

OUR BEGINNING:
In 1978 a group of neighbors got together to provide foster homes and find families for the ever-increasing number of stray animals roaming their area.  As the program grew, it became apparent that a shelter facility was necessary.  After ten years of fund raising, the Tri-Lakes Animal Shelter opened in June, 1988.

In 1995, we changed our name to Humane Society of the Branson Tri-Lakes Area.  However, in 2013 another humane society opened in the Branson area, so as not to cause confusion, we changed our name back to the Tri-Lakes Humane Society.

Today, our animal shelter is an valuable temporary home for almost 1,000 dogs, cats, puppies and kittens every year.  Since we have an adoption rate of more than three times the national average, the vast majority of our "adorable adoptables" are placed in loving homes. 

As time and funding allow, we are always trying to improve our facility.  In 2009/2010 we updated our intake and isolation area as well as our puppy room.  We were also able to enclose our area for medium size dogs and add a clinic area to the back of our building.  In 2011 we added metal, carport type covers over our exercise areas to give the dogs shade during their "playdays".  In 2012 we were able to asphalt our parking lot and install fencing over almost all of our property so the dogs can now have exercise/play areas in the grass. In 2019, we added a walking path for our volunteers to have a nice place to walk the dogs.

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OUR GOALS:
Our primary goal is a 100% adoption rate for all adoptable animals who find their way to our shelter.  In order to achieve this goal, we will strive to attract adequate funding to assure our shelter's ongoing operation.  We will also make every effort to educate the public about the necessity of spaying and neutering their pets to reduce the number of unwanted animals in our area and surrounding communities.  Now, working with the SAAFhouse Spay/Neuter Clinic in Springfield, all animals adopted from our facility are altered.  We feel this is a huge asset to our community and to the adopters that choose our shelter to find their new best friend.

WHY WE SUCCEED:
One reason our adoption rate is three times the national average is that we do not wait for the public to come to us.  We take our homeless animals to the public.  Our volunteers transport shelter animals to area businesses who offer space for us to showcase our furry orphans.

Because we receive no federal, state or county funding, we rely solely on donations, fundraisers and revenues from our Thrift Shop, to keep our doors open.  We are grateful for the continued respect, appreciation and support of our local veterinarians and media, including the Branson Tri-Lakes News, Branson Register, KSPR/Channel 33, and KOMC/KRZK Hometown Radio, who help us showcase our shelter animals and find them homes.

Our dedicated staff and volunteers are the backbone of our shelter.  They provide the loving care to keep the animals safe until a permanent home can be found.