OUR HISTORY
What began in 1978 as a dream shared by a small group of passionate animal advocates has grown into one of the areas leading animal welfare organizations. A handful of determined individuals recognized a need in our community to provide dogs and cats with a second chance at life, and they took action.
Over the decades, the SPCA of Polk County has evolved from those humble beginnings into an organization dedicated to saving thousands of animals, supporting pet owners, and strengthening communities through compassion, education, and accessible services.
Today, our mission remains rooted in the same values that inspired our founders: treating every animal with care, dignity, and respect while creating opportunities for pets and people to thrive together.
The Shelter
Our shelter has grown far beyond its original vision, now encompassing more than 10,000 square feet dedicated to animal care and welfare.
Designed to meet the needs of both pets and the community, our facility includes:
-
A modern adoption center where families can find their newest companion
-
Dedicated housing and enrichment spaces for animals in our care
-
Retail and community support areas
-
Resources focused on improving animal welfare throughout the region
Beyond our walls, we work closely with a network of shelters and rescue organizations across the United States. Through animal transport programs, disaster response efforts, community education initiatives, and collaborative partnerships, we are able to extend our impact far beyond Polk County and help save even more lives.
The Clinic
As the needs of our community grew, so did our commitment to providing accessible veterinary care.
Our medical clinic was established to support both the health of animals and the long-term goals of our mission. By offering affordable veterinary services, preventive care, and spay/neuter programs, we help families keep their pets healthy while reducing pet overpopulation and homelessness in our region.
The clinic serves as a vital part of our organization, ensuring that compassionate, quality care is available to pets regardless of their circumstances. Through these services, we can prevent suffering, improve outcomes for animals, and create a healthier future for pets and the people who love them.
HONORING OUR FOUNDERS
None of our achievements would have been possible without the vision, dedication, and determination of those who came before us. We proudly honor the individuals whose passion laid the foundation for everything we do today:
Jimiriam R. "Mollie" Farley (Founder)
Joanie Capps Hennessey (Founder)
Susan J. Brown (Founder)
Their legacy continues to inspire our work as we strive every day to give animals hope, healing, and a second chance.
Our mission is to engage with the community to encourage responsible pet care, including the benefits of spay and neuter to reduce overpopulation; reunite lost animals with their owners and provide humane care while seeking loving, compatible forever homes for animals under our guardianship.

OUR
MISSION
Ron Hornsby - Executive Director
Felechia Goodman - Shelter Operations
Christina Ross - Clinic Operations
Charity Prince - Animal Welfare Representative
Misty Webb - Shelter Medicine






































