West Chester and Liberty Township residents can help Butler County's oldest animal shelter weather its summer kitten-season crunch by fostering, volunteering or donating supplies.
Animal Friends Humane Society, a nonprofit that has served Butler County for more than 70 years, says on its website that the shelter is "overflowing with kittens" and urgently needs foster families. The organization also faces rising veterinary costs, limited space and a growing number of animals arriving with complex medical and behavioral needs, according to a July 2026 City Lifestyle feature on the shelter.
The shelter does far more than place animals in new homes. AFHS operates a pet food pantry for families facing financial hardship, keeping pets in homes that might otherwise surrender them. It also runs trap-neuter-return programs for community cats and offers microchipping services.
Jennifer Goris, an AFHS board member and longtime volunteer, told City Lifestyle that the community's support is critical to everything the shelter does.
"I didn't expect to lose my heart to the dogs back in the kennels," Goris said in the feature. "Imagine being in a confined space every day, surrounded by unfamiliar faces and loud frightening noises. It's stressful, and a little love can go a long way."
West Chester connection
The shelter partners with Queen City Harley-Davidson at 4860 Premier Way in West Chester Township for the annual "Hogs for Dogs" Poker Run fundraiser. The third annual event drew riders, live music, a dog adoption fair, food vendors, and raffles in October 2025. No 2026 date has been announced.
In July 2023, AFHS took in 92 neglected dogs in a single day during a large hoarding case, drawing a community-wide response of volunteers and donations.
How to help
Volunteer roles include socializing dogs and cats, transporting animals to foster homes, assisting in the veterinary clinic, and helping with fundraising or marketing. Residents can also foster kittens through the summer 2026 kitten season drive.
AFHS is located at 1820 Princeton Rd. in Hamilton. Hours are Monday, Tuesday and Friday through Sunday, noon to 4:30 p.m., and Wednesday and Thursday, noon to 6 p.m. More information is available at AnimalFriendsHS.org or by calling 513-867-5727.
Upcoming
Saturday, September 12 — 9th Annual Ales for Tails, noon to 6 p.m. at Municipal Brew Works, 20 High St., Hamilton. Family- and dog-friendly event with live music, craft beer, food, local vendors, split-the-pot drawings, $10 pet microchipping (noon to 2 p.m.), and onsite pet adoptions with 50% off fees (noon to 4 p.m.). Details at the AFHS events page.
