Today, January 9th marks the 124th anniversary of the Humane Society of Greater Dayton, a cornerstone of animal welfare in the Miami Valley since its founding on January 9, 1902. For more than a century, the organization has grown and innovated alongside its community to meet the evolving needs of local people and pets.
From its beginnings as the Montgomery County Humane Society focused on preventing cruelty to both animals and children, the Humane Society of Greater Dayton has continually expanded its mission to improve the health, welfare, and safety of animals and the people who love them.
“Since 1902, we’ve seen incredible changes in our community and in animal welfare,” said Brian Weltge, President & CEO of the Humane Society of Greater Dayton. “But one thing has remained constant and that is our commitment to serving the Miami Valley with compassion, innovation, and partnership. We celebrate each anniversary as a testament to the community that supports our lifesaving work.”
A Tradition of Compassion and Growth
Over the decades, the Humane Society has evolved to meet changing needs, from historic pet parades and shelter responses following community disasters to no-kill initiatives and specialized care programs.
Key milestones in the organization’s history include:
- Transforming into a no-kill animal welfare agency in 2010, currently achieving a save rate averaging 99 percent.
- Expanding facilities in 2021 to include:
- Dayton Humane Veterinary Hospital – a low-cost veterinary hospital helping nearly 5,000 animals each year
- Dayton Humane Spay & Neuter Clinic – a high-volume clinic that broke records this year spaying and neutering more than 9,300 animals
- Dayton Humane Rehabilitation Center – a facility to house small and large-breed animals who come to our facility after being removed from cruel or neglectful circumstances
- Launching Dayton Humane & Co. in 2025 – a resale boutique located in Cross Pointe Shopping Center in Centerville whose proceeds directly support lifesaving programs at our shelter
In 2025 alone, the organization achieved record-breaking impact, placing nearly 3,000 pets into loving homes, battling overpopulation by spaying or neutering 9,329 animals and expanding foster and community care programs. This is all a reflection of the region’s commitment to animals in need and we are so grateful for the support of our community.
Growing With the Miami Valley
As the needs of the Miami Valley have changed, so has the Humane Society’s approach to care. Today, its services go far beyond traditional adoptions and sheltering to include preventive veterinary care, spay and neuter services, animal welfare investigations, community outreach, and robust volunteer and foster networks.
“Our mission remains rooted in compassion,” added Weltge. “But as an organization we are always looking forward to identify opportunities to innovate so every family and pet across the Miami Valley has access to the care, support, and resources they deserve.”
