About Us
About Our ShelterRescued Animals
Adopted Pets
Dollars Raised
Volunteers
What Drives Us
Our Mission
Tails of Hope – Rutland County’s Humane Society is dedicated to advocating for and working toward a responsible and humane community. We provide shelter and adoption opportunities for pets that are homeless and promote animal welfare through community programs that benefit both animals and people.
Since 1959
Our Vision is to be the best friend animals in Rutland County ever had.
A New Chapter
After more than sixty years of serving the animals and people of Rutland County, Tails of Hope is stepping into a new chapter. We’re Rutland County’s animal shelter, serving 28 towns from our home at 765 Stevens Road in Pittsford — providing medical care, behavioral support, foster placement, and loving adoption matches for hundreds of cats, dogs, kittens, and puppies each year.
Committed to Serving Rutland County
This rebrand isn’t just a new name — it’s a declaration of who we are and where we’re going. Every animal that comes through our doors carries a story, and we’re here to make sure that story has a hopeful ending. We have deep roots here, and Rutland County is our community. This new identity is our commitment to showing up for it more fully than ever — for the animals, for the families we serve, and for the 28 towns that count on us.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Tails of Hope a no-kill shelter?
Yes. We do not euthanize animals for space or length of stay. Every healthy and treatable animal receives the care and time they need to find a loving home. Euthanasia is only considered for animals who are suffering and cannot be medically treated, or in rare cases where an animal poses a significant public safety risk that cannot be safely addressed. These decisions are never taken lightly and are always made with compassion and the animal’s well-being as the top priority. Thanks to our dedicated staff, volunteers, fosters, and adopters, we consistently maintain a save rate above 90% — the nationally recognized no-kill benchmark as defined by Best Friends Animal Society.
Is Tails of Hope affiliated with the Humane Society of the United States or other humane societies?
No. Tails of Hope is an independent, private nonprofit organization serving Rutland County. While we collaborate with other humane societies when appropriate, we are not a branch of any national organization and are not governed by them. All donated funds stay local and go directly toward saving animals in our community.
Where does Tails of Hope get its funding
We rely on donations, adoption and service fees, and fundraising events to operate the shelter 365 days a year and to provide community programs that benefit animals and people.
Is Tails of Hope a volunteer organization?
Tails of Hope is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors and operated by a paid professional staff. Volunteers contribute an enormous amount of work and are absolutely essential to our mission.
How many animals does Tails of Hope care for at any given time?
Between 50 and 120 animals may be in our care at any one time. Summer is our busiest season, as most cats give birth between March and October. Of the more than 1,100 animals we receive each year, approximately 70% are felines, 29% are canines, and 1% are birds, rabbits, or rodents. We do not accept reptiles or exotic pets.
Is it true that animals are put down after 5 days if no one adopts them?
No — this is a common myth, often perpetuated by TV storylines. We keep adoptable animals as long as it takes to find them a home. Some cats have been with us for over a year; some dogs for six months or more. We do not set time limits on adoptable animals.
who we are & what we do
Accountability & Impact
Every animal who comes through our doors is counted, cared for, and accounted for. We are proud to share our record openly with the community that makes our work possible.
Annual Reports
We believe in being open about how we operate and how we use the resources our community entrusts to us. Download any of our annual reports below.
Animal Counts by Year
Every number represents an animal whose life we touched. Click any year to view the full breakdown.