1st Online Edition Summer 2026
Humane Horizons
Welcome to the first online edition of Humane Horizons. As we look toward the future, we’re excited to share progress on one of the most transformative projects in Bristol Humane Society’s history. This summer, we’ll celebrate the dedication of our expanded facility and the opening of the region’s first Low-Cost Veterinary Center.
These milestones represent more than new spaces—they represent greater access to affordable veterinary care, healthier pets, and stronger communities throughout Southwest Virginia and Northeast Tennessee.
We look forward to sharing this exciting journey with you and celebrating together in the months ahead.
Thank You for Making a Difference: A Note from Our CEO
Thank you for being part of this exciting chapter in Bristol Humane Society’s history. Together, we are building a future where more pets receive the care they deserve and more families can keep their companions healthy and thriving.
Every surgery performed, every pet examined, and every family helped is made possible through the support of people like you.
Because of your generosity, Bristol Humane Society continues to expand access to affordable veterinary care throughout our region. This year, we celebrated the opening of the newly expanded Margaret B. Mitchell Spay/Neuter Clinic and are preparing to open the region’s first Low-Cost Wellness Clinic.
These milestones are about more than new buildings. They represent more opportunities for pets to receive the care they need, more support for families facing rising veterinary costs, and a stronger, more humane community for us all.
Whether you made a donation, attended an event, volunteered your time, or helped spread the word about our mission, you have played an important role in this progress.
On behalf of the pets and families we serve, thank you for believing in our mission and helping create a future where quality veterinary care is accessible to more animals throughout Southwest Virginia and Northeast Tennessee.
Dr. Jennifer McCall Ketron, DVM, Chief Executive Officer
Construction Progress: Expanding Access to Veterinary Care
Our Expansion at a Glance
🐾 Expanded Spay & Neuter Clinic opened April 1, 2026
🐾 Health & Wellness Clinic opening July 2026
🐾 Affordable veterinary care available five days a week
🐾 Serving pets and families throughout Southwest Virginia and Northeast Tennessee
Exciting progress continues at Bristol Humane Society as we work to make veterinary care more accessible and affordable for pets and families throughout our region.
On April 1, 2026, we proudly opened the newly expanded Margaret B. Mitchell Spay & Neuter Clinic, increasing our capacity to provide high-quality spay and neuter services and helping address pet overpopulation in our community.
Now, we’re preparing for the next milestone. Phase 2 of our expansion is nearing completion, and our new Health & Wellness Clinic is expected to open in July. As the first clinic of its kind in our region, it will provide affordable preventive care five days a week, helping pets stay healthier and giving families greater access to the veterinary services they need.
Together, these two clinics represent more than an expansion of our facility, they represent an investment in healthier pets, stronger families, and a more humane community.
We are grateful to the donors, partners, and supporters who have helped make this vision a reality, and we look forward to celebrating this exciting milestone with our community at our Dedication Ceremony in August.
🐾Dedication Ceremony in August 2026🐾 Watch for More Details Soon
Why Spay & Neuter Matters in Our Region
Every day, Bristol Humane Society sees the impact of pet overpopulation. While shelters and rescues work tirelessly to find homes for animals already here, thousands more puppies and kittens are born each year.
Spaying and neutering:
✔ Helps prevent unwanted litters
✔ Reduces the risk of several serious health conditions
✔ Can decrease roaming and other hormone-driven behaviors
✔ Helps keep more pets in loving homes and out of shelters
It’s one of the simplest and most effective ways pet owners can make a lasting difference for their own pets and for animals throughout our community.
Honoring Compassion Through Naming Opportunities
When someone names a room within Bristol Humane Society, they help make compassionate care possible for every animal who comes through our doors.
Every named space tells a story, like Bailey’s.
Bailey, a spirited Schnauzer mix, entered her family’s life in an unforgettable way. During a Category 2 hurricane, she appeared alone in their yard, frightened and shaking, with a chewed rope hanging from her neck.
What began as an unexpected visit became 12 wonderful years of love, laughter, and companionship.
Bailey’s story is a reminder that the animals who enter our lives often leave the deepest and most lasting impact. Today, her family hopes to honor her memory through a special naming opportunity at Bristol Humane Society, creating a lasting tribute that reflects the joy she brought into their lives while helping provide compassionate care for animals and families throughout our region.
When someone names a room or space within Bristol Humane Society, they do more than place a name on a wall. They help make hope, healing, and compassionate care possible for every animal who comes through our doors.
A naming opportunity is a meaningful way to celebrate a beloved pet, honor a loved one, or leave a legacy that will continue changing lives for years to come.
Call 276-591-5790 ext. 119 or email ray@bristolhumane.org for more information.
Invest in a More Humane Future – Your Gift. Their Future.
Every gift helps create a brighter future for pets and the people who love them.
Whether you choose to give today or invest in our mission for years to come, your support makes a lasting difference.
https://form-renderer-app.donorperfect.io/give/bristol-humane-society/general-donations
Become a Sustaining Supporter
A recurring gift is one of the most impactful ways to help. Choose a monthly, quarterly, or annual contribution that fits your budget and provides dependable support for pets in need throughout the year.
Leave a Legacy of Compassion
You can help ensure Bristol Humane Society continues serving our community for generations to come through planned giving options such as:
- • Including Bristol Humane Society in your will or estate plan
- • Naming Bristol Humane Society as a beneficiary of a retirement account, life insurance policy, or savings account
- • Donating stocks, securities, or real property
Naming Opportunities Available
Leave a lasting mark on our expansion project by naming a space within our growing facility. Naming opportunities are still available and offer a meaningful way to celebrate a loved one, honor a pet, or demonstrate your commitment to animal welfare.
Gifts in Honor or Memory
Celebrate a special person or pet, recognize a milestone, or honor the memory of a beloved companion through a tribute gift. Your thoughtful donation creates a lasting impact while commemorating someone meaningful to you.
For more information about any of these giving opportunities, contact us at info@bristolhumane.org or call 276-591-5790 ext. 119.
Your support is helping write the next chapter of Bristol Humane Society’s story and creating countless happy endings for pets and families throughout our region.
From a Happy Pet Parent
“I highly recommend Bristol Humane Society to anyone looking for compassionate, professional care for their beloved pets. The extra attention shown to Gizmo and the follow-up care after surgery meant so much to our family.”
— Pamela Webb, pet parent to Gizmo and Harper