The Bedford Humane Society is dedicated to eliminating the overpopulation of cats and dogs in Bedford County through education, spay/neuter programs, and companion animal adoptions.

Spay/Neuter - BHS operates a low cost spay/neuter program in cooperation with Angels of Assisi's transport, and the South Central Spay Neuter Clinic transport.   Surgery pricing is subsidized on a sliding scale, based on owner income.  This program is funded through a combination of donations, grants, State Spay/Neuter license plate revenues, bequests and client fees. 

Construction of no kill Adoption Center - In 2007, BHS became the recipient of the estate of the late Vernon D Lybolt Jr.  The court ruled that Mr. Lybolt's monies were to be used to build an animal shelter in Bedford County. In 2009, BHS purchased a 3.4 acre parcel of land for this purpose. In addition to sheltering homeless animals, the Adoption Center will also serve as a community resource for low cost spay/neuter and vaccinations, humane education, pet training and behavior programs, and a much-needed AniMeals Program.

1993 – Articles of Incorporation and By Laws are drafted by founders Samuel E. Coffey and Nancy A. Johnson.  The stated purpose of the Society is “the prevention of cruelty to animals, the relief of suffering among animals, and the extension of humane education.”

November 22, 1993 – BHS receives Virginia State Incorporation

December 16, 1994 – BHS becomes an IRS charitable, tax-exempt 501c3 organization.

January 1996 – Spay/Neuter Voucher begins.

2001 – BHS Foster Care program standards and guidelines are formalized.

2002 – Low cost spay/neuter program beings.  Voucher program is discontinued.

2003 – TNR program for feral cats begins.

2006 - BHS is awarded the estate of the late Vernon D. Lybolt Jr., for the “specific purpose of acquiring, developing, and/or constructing an animal shelter”.  The decision is appealed by family members.

2007 – the appeal is lost and assets of the estate are transferred to the BHS Inc.

2007 – BHS Inc. hires Executive Director.

August 2007 – BHS is approached by Bedford County Administration with a proposal to construct the new animal shelter on County land.  A suitable site is sought.  Discussions include amendments to zoning and a long term lease arrangement.

September 17, 2007 – BHS is awarded a $10,000 grant from Petsmart Charities to subsidize the cost of spay/neuter services to pets of low income area households.

May – July 2008 – BHS receives receives additional funding for spay/neuter program subsidies for low income pet owners from the Greater Lynchburg Community Trust, Irene C Evans Charity and Elinor Patterson Baker Foundation.  BHS restructures it’s s/n program, reducing pricing to as low as $5 for income qualifying residents.

May 2009 - BHS receives approval from the City of Bedford to construct a 6,000 sq ft animal shelter on the site of the former Bedford Girl's Home.

June 2009 - BHS purchases the former Bedford Girl's Home property, a 3.4 acre parcel of land inside the Bedford City limits. 

Remainder 2009 - an existing house on the property is repaired and established as administrative offices.

November 2009 - through a partnership with Pawsafe Animal Rescue in CT, BHS begins Puppy Transport Program. Adoptable puppies stay in foster homes while receiving basic health care, then are transported to CT where adoptive homes await them.

Jan/Feb 2010 - BHS interviews architectural design firms specializing in animal shelter design.