Our History

More than 50 years speaking for pets & people.

• 1960 - 1971: Getting Established
• 1972 - 1996: The Shelter Years
• 1996 to 2011: The Redefining Years
• 2012 to present: The Partnership Years

The first period was spent establishing the organization as a viable, effective animal advocacy organization and evaluating the local and state situation to determine the status and needs of the animals. During the second period, the City of Tallahassee contracted with the Leon County Humane Society to operate the animal shelter. The third period began when the City of Tallahassee opened the new Animal Service Center and opted to operate it under city government. At that point in time, the Leon County Humane Society redefined its directions and activities and continued as an effective animal advocacy organization.

When the LCHS was formed in 1960, the population of Tallahassee was nearly 50,000 (Leon County's at 75,000). A group of approximately 30 citizens met to form the LCHS. Minutes from a meeting of the group indicate that at that time in Tallahassee, there were two adequate pounds (large enough and clean), a cooperative understanding dogcatcher, no animals abused or destroyed unnecessarily, efforts made to find homes for homeless animals, and carbon monoxide gas used to destroy animals when necessary. The LCHS decided that their main purposes should be humane education for the public, prevention of cruelty to animals and the relief of their suffering. Membership dues were $3 per person, $2 per person for additional family members, and 50 cents for members under 18 years of age.

Laura Jepsen served as the organizing chairman (president). Laura Jepsen was a humanities professor at Florida State University. Her legacy to Tallahassee included her very beautiful and unique home and grounds now known as Litchgate on High Road. The organizing Board of Management included Secretary Mary Parmenter, Treasurer Margueritte Lungren and Board members Julian R. Alford, Mrs. Thomas V. Barrett, Mrs. John H. Phipps, Miss Daisy Parker, Miss Venila L Shores, Mrs. Udo M Fleischmann, and Dr. Robert E. Lee.

Once LCHS was established, the first official officers were President Col. Murphy, Vice-president Edgar Henderson, Secretary Daisy Parker, and Treasurer Dr. Robert E. Lee. The organization held meetings in the courtroom of City Hall. A bank account was established with Capital City National Bank with a deposit of $32.50. Today, LCHS maintains its commitment to companion animals in the Leon County/Big Bend area by continuing our mission to promote their welfare.