Cashiers-Highlands Humane Society

In the mid eighties, a small group of concerned residents of Cashiers, NC decided to coordinate their efforts to deal with animal welfare in the community. Initially, the members fostered the lost or abandoned animals in their own homes until owners or adopters could be found. The group promoted a spay-neuter program and humane education in the local school while operating a thrift store to finance their efforts. In 1987, the group formalized the organization through incorporation as the Cashiers Area Humane Society. They then applied for and received tax-exempt status from the Internal Revenue Service in 1988. In 1991, Sirman Marvil donated a grant to the Cashiers Area Humane Society in memory of his wife, Zoe Marvil, and construction of a shelter became a reality. The Zoe Marvil Humane Center was built on a 10-acre site off Highway 64 East between Cashiers and Sapphire. An endowment fund was established to meet the annual operating costs. In 2002, a decision was made to expand and include the neighboring town of Highlands. The name of the organization was changed to the Cashiers-Highlands Humane Society. The current jurisdiction of the Cashiers-Highlands Humane Society is Highlands and Jackson County, with support for neighboring communities, shelters and rescue groups. The Cashiers-Highlands Humane Society is a non-profit, no-kill shelter for dogs and cats. As a private shelter, we receive no support from any federal, state or local agency for operating expenses. We rely on income generated from adoptions, community support, fundraising, grants, and special events to provide humane care and treatment and to secure forever homes for the animals in our care.