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.

Our shelter is located on 10 rolling acres just over two miles from the Cashiers Crossroads.

During the day, our dogs run and relax in spacious outdoor runs, shaded by canopies. In the afternoon, all dogs are brought indoors where they each have their own kennel and raised bed, complete with biscuits, toys, and soothing music for enrichment.

Our cats are accommodated in two community rooms – each with a screened porch and large windows — where they are free to play and interact with other cats. Litter boxes are changed daily, and toys and various sizes and shapes of furniture are provided for enrichment.

In addition to this accommodation, we also have isolation runs, kennels, and quarantine areas where we hold all incoming animals until they are tested, wormed, and vaccinated.