In 1946, the then fledging Soroptomists Club was newly formed and were looking for civic projects to support. They were searching for a project that would require little money as their treasury was low. Mrs. George (Lucelia) Wiltse was on the project committee and she suggested that the town needed a Humane Society. The idea was approved and the project received a donation of $25.00. With this money and the hard work of thirteen ardent volunteers the Society was chartered in 1947 with the goals of protecting homeless, helpless and suffering animals in Clallam County. Mrs Wiltse was the backbone of its' success.

The first shelter was built in 1949 at 16th and "D" Streets in Port Angeles, the present Shelter was built in 1956 at our current location at 2105 West Highway 101, on a 100 X 100 foot donated lot and this facility was completely remodeled in 1983. The Society currently owns 2+ acres at that site. Shelter improvements and renovations are made each year to improve the animals welfare and provide the best facilities available.

The Society is not operated by the County. The animals we house at the Shelter are dropped off by owners who no longer can keep them, or are picked up as strays by local citizens. They also have contracts to shelter animals that are picked up by Clallam County Animal Control and Animal Control in the cities of Sequim and Port Angeles. These animals may be picked up by their owners after paying the appropriate fines or fees. If these animals are not claimed the society house them at the shelter and attempt to find them good homes. They do not turn any animal away, they feel that a shelter which turns an animal away risks losing that animal to abandonment or another cruel fate.
As a condition of adoption each animal must be licensed, obtain a rabies shot and be scheduled for a spay or neuter (if necessary) with a local Veterinarian and the fee for this procedure collected before the animal leaves the shelter.
Euthanasia of shelter animals is a tragic necessity that prevents animal suffering. Animal shelters that claim to be "no kill" cannot justify that claim, for the animals who are turned away by them have to be accounted for.
The society does its very best to educate every person in Clallam County about the importance of spaying and neutering to prevent future unwanted litters. Pet overpopulation in Clallam County is a large community problem.
The only solution to this problem is for owners to spay and neuter their pets, and to teach everyone about the benefits of pet sterilization. Their pet will be happier and healthier. The owners will also have the satisfaction of knowing that they have helped, rather than contributed to the overpopulation problem.

In addition to operating a shelter, Clallam County Humane Society has maintained a active law enforcement presence in the community and investigates all abuse, neglect and cruelty complaints presented to or discovered by their Animal Control Officers.|
The Society currently handles between 2,500 and 3,000 animals a year with a active adoption program in place. The Society offers free or greatly reduced cost spay/neuter to qualifying persons. This program called SNAP (spay neuter assistance program) will pay the full or partial costs (depending on income) of animals owned by persons who qualify.In addition to it's many other programs the Society donates pet food monthly to the two local food banks for pet owners who are in need of help.