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About Friends of the Animal Shelter in Hancock County

Friends of the Animal Shelter is an all-volunteer 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 2001 by Hancock County residents who believed our community could do more to improve animal welfare and reduce pet overpopulation.

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Almost three decades later, that same community spirit continues to drive everything we do.

Together with donors and members, we make a real impact.

Friends develops and supports programs, fundraising efforts, educational initiatives and volunteer opportunities that improve the health and welfare of animals throughout Hancock County.


One important distinction: Friends of the Animal Shelter is not the Hancock County Animal Shelter. We support the shelter's goals with donations, vouchers and other financial and volunteer support.

The shelter is a municipal operation of Hancock County. Friends is an independent nonprofit that provides programs, funding, resources and volunteer support that complement the shelter’s work.


Together with donors, volunteers, businesses and community partners, we’re working toward a Hancock County where every pet has the opportunity for a happier, healthier life.

Our Story

Our History

2000
Friends is Founded

A small group of concerned Hancock County residents comes together to address pet overpopulation and animal welfare.

2003
Our Earliest Members had an Epic Fundraiser

In 2003, some of our earliest members did a "calendar girl" fundraiser, raising more than $30K! Our members were the calendar girls and the community went wild!!

2006
After Hurricane Katrina — A Community Rebuilds

Local and national partners rally to support animal welfare needs throughout Hancock County.

2011-2012
A New Shelter Takes Shape

Construction begins on the new Hancock County Animal Shelter with support from Hancock County and generous outside partners.

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2018
Friends is Named Kiln's Business of the Year

As Penne and Billy Rappolt share, Friends’ spay and neuter programs have helped make a remarkable difference over the years, dramatically reducing shelter admissions and euthanasia rates—and giving more animals a brighter future in Hancock County.

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2026
A New Shelter is Announced

In September 2026, it was annouced that a new animal shelter will be built for Hancock County, and we are thrilled.

Today
The Work Continues

The work continues! Friends remains dedicated to funding vital programs, mobilizing volunteers and bringing our community together to help Hancock County pets thrive. Whether through a donation, membership or sponsorship, your support makes it all possible. Here’s how you can get involved!

Meet Our Board Members

Powered entirely by volunteers, Friends is led by a Board of Directors made up of local people who care deeply about animals and the community we call home.

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Don Zimmerman

President

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Carol Strohmetz

Vice President

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Anne Young

Recording Secretary

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Cindy Hamil

Corresponding Secretary

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Jill Allison

Treasurer

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Penne Rappold

Board Member

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Peggy Hollier

Board Member

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Amy Longo

Board Member

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Janet Fiveash

Board Member

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Frank Israel

Board Member

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Nel Ducomb

Board Member

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Woman with Shelter Dogs

We’re friends of the shelter — not the shelter itself. 

Friends of the Animal Shelter is an independent nonprofit that supports the Hancock County Animal Shelter through funding, programs, resources and volunteers. We work alongside the shelter, but we do not own or operate it.
 
With that said, one of the best ways you can support our mission is by adopting or fostering a pet. The Hancock County Animal Shelter has some pretty wonderful dogs and cats waiting to meet you.

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