In the world of animal welfare, Doug Rae’s name has become synonymous with life-saving leadership. As the Executive Director of The Humane Society of Fremont County, Doug has transformed the shelter from a struggling organization into a beacon of hope for homeless pets. Now, we celebrate his ten years of service and the remarkable impact he’s made on both animals and the community.

A Decade of Leadership and Life-Saving Success

Doug Rae began his journey with The Humane Society of Fremont County on September 24, 2014. From day one, Doug brought a vision of compassion and change:

• In his first month, he achieved a 92% save rate—a dramatic turnaround from the shelter's previous struggles.
  
  
• Over the past decade, the shelter has maintained a save rate of over 95% annually, making it one of the most successful open-admission shelters in Colorado.
  
  
• Doug has overseen the shelter’s life-saving efforts for both Fremont and Custer counties, serving thousands of animals and families.

The Shelter’s Incredible Achievements

Under Doug’s leadership, The Humane Society of Fremont County has received national recognition for its commitment to saving lives:

• Henry Bergh Achievement Award from the No Kill Advocacy Center in 2017.
  
  
• Colorado State Senate recognition in 2017, with a formal declaration celebrating the shelter’s achievements.
  
  
• Annual recognition from No Kill Colorado every year since Doug took on his role.

These awards are proudly displayed in the shelter’s lobby, serving as a reminder of the incredible progress made under Doug’s leadership.

Doug Rae’s Philosophy: Every Animal Deserves a Chance

Doug’s approach to sheltering animals goes far beyond numbers. His core beliefs have shaped the culture of the shelter:

• Every animal is treated as an individual. Doug ensures every healthy and treatable animal is given every possible chance to live.
  
  
• Transparency and accountability are key. Doug once said, “The moment someone justifies killing based on reckless opinions…is the time for that Director to be relieved of their duties.”
  
  
• Overcoming challenges is part of the mission. Doug and his team have faced overwhelming intakes and funding issues, but they’ve never wavered in their commitment to saving lives.

Building a Stronger Community

Doug's success is not just about numbers or awards—it's about people, too. From the very beginning, he knew that community involvement would be crucial to the shelter's success. In his first two weeks on the job, he met with over 50 local residents to hear their thoughts on how the shelter could improve. Since then:

• Community members have played an active role in fostering sick or injured animals.
  
  
• The shelter has seen incredible support for its senior pet adoptions and emergency fundraising efforts.
  
  
• Doug has fostered a culture where the entire community feels invested in the shelter’s mission.

A Legacy to Inspire Future Generations

Doug Rae’s decade-long leadership at The Humane Society of Fremont County is more than just a milestone—it’s a legacy. His work has not only saved countless lives but has also raised the bar for shelters across Colorado and beyond. As we look to the future, Doug’s vision and leadership will continue to guide the way forward for shelters seeking to embrace a no-kill philosophy.

To learn more about Doug’s incredible journey and his impact, check out the original article published by the No Kill Movement: 10 Years of Saving Lives: Reflecting on Doug Rae’s No Kill Legacy.

References

• No Kill Movement. 10 Years of Saving Lives: Reflecting on Doug Rae’s No Kill Legacy. October 2024. https://www.nokillmovement.org/post/10-years-of-saving-lives-reflecting-on-doug-rae-s-no-kill-legacy