For 115 years, Humane Colorado, formerly known as the Dumb Friends League, has been a national leader in animal welfare. In March, the organization unveiled a new name that better reflects its commitment to advocacy, education, and compassionate care for animals, their people, and the communities they serve. While the name has changed, Humane Colorado’s mission to end pet homelessness and animal suffering remains steadfast.
“The new name honors our rich history while representing who we are today and the meaningful impact we make as leaders in animal welfare in Colorado and across the country,” said Dr. Apryl Steele, president and CEO of Humane Colorado. “This evolution is a natural step forward, reflecting our continued dedication to innovation in sheltering, rehabilitation, veterinary care, and community programs.”
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Since its founding in 1910, the organization has continually transformed to meet the evolving needs of pets and their people. The rebrand not only eliminates confusion surrounding the outdated term “dumb,” which was used to refer to animals because they lacked the power of human speech but also positions Humane Colorado as a compassionate and forward-thinking advocate for pets and their caregivers.
“We are excited to enter this new chapter with a name that fully encompasses our mission and values,” said Janice Kercheville, chair of Humane Colorado’s board of directors. “This rebrand reflects the input of community members, donors, staff, and volunteers who helped shape a name and identity that will carry us into the next century of our work.”
The rebranding process was guided by extensive research and collaboration over several years. A subcommittee of Humane Colorado’s board of directors worked closely with branding experts to finalize the name, logo, and tagline, ensuring they align with the organization’s mission to improve the lives of pets, people, and communities.
Humane Colorado remains committed to embracing best practices and humane approaches that advance the well-being of animals and their caregivers. With this new identity, Humane Colorado is positioned for continued leadership and impact for the next 100 years.
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Humane Colorado offers services including adoptions, veterinary care, humane education, and more at five locations around Colorado.
Buddy Center - 4556 Castleton Ct, Castle Rock
A full-service shelter offering adoptions, pet admissions, lost-and-found services, euthanasia services, and humane education opportunities for the public.
Harmony Equine Center™ - 5540 CO-86, Franktown
A rehabilitation and adoption facility for abused and neglected horses, ponies, donkeys, and mules that have been removed from their owners by law enforcement authorities. The Harmony Equine Center also serves as a central hub where horses from humane societies and rescue groups can receive training and rehoming.
Leslie A. Malone Center - 2080 South Quebec Street, Denver
A full-service shelter offering adoptions, pet admissions, lost-and-found services, euthanasia services, animal protection, and humane education opportunities for the public.
San Luis Valley Animal Center - 701 Airport Road, Alamosa
Offers adoptions, shelter for homeless dogs and cats, and lost and found services.
Veterinary Hospital at CSU Spur - 4817 National Western Dr, Denver
Humane Colorado’s Veterinary Hospital at CSU Spur offers donor-subsidized services for sick and injured pets whose owners need help with the cost of necessary medical care.
Each location is always in need of volunteers. Find more information on volunteering at https://humanecolorado.org/volunteer/.
About Humane Colorado
Humane Colorado, formerly the Dumb Friends League, established in 1910, is a national leader in animal welfare. The organization advocates for animals and the people who care for them through compassionate care and support services. Their initiatives extend beyond sheltering, focusing on lifesaving services, connecting families with homeless animals, and addressing barriers to pet ownership. Additionally, they emphasize enhancing the human-animal bond and innovative solutions to tackle contemporary challenges in animal welfare.
For more information about Humane Colorado, please visit HumaneColorado.org Connect via Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.
