CHA depends upon a small staff and many volunteers dedicated to providing hope and homes for the lost, abandoned, and unwanted animals of Franklin County and neighboring counties. CHA differs from the traditional humane societies because it euthanizes only a tiny fraction of its animals. CHA cats are also available for adoptions at PETsMART at 6010 Sawmill Rd., Columbus. CHA dogs are available there once a month.
Some animals have special sponsors, making their adoption fee lower.
Since 1975 CHA started in 1975 when three friends noted the growing number of stray animals wandering the streets of Franklin County and decided that they could make a difference. They formed a non-profit corporation under O.R.C. 1717.05 and set out to feed, shelter and find homes for the homeless animals. The animal population was smaller then, too, but there were still more homeless pets than the Humane Society could possibly rescue. Thousands were being euthanized annually, and many others never even made it to any shelter. Originally operating out of the basement of one of the founders, CHA was able to care for only a small number of dogs and cats at one time.