About Us

At-A-Glance

We care for nearly 5,000 animals each year through our life-saving programs and services.

The Toledo Humane Society is the state’s oldest animal welfare organization, serving the Toledo area since 1884.

We do not receive government or national humane society funding and are not affiliated with the United Way.

The Toledo Humane Society investigates over 2,000 animal cruelty reports every year.

Our Vision

To create an educated, caring and responsible community free of animal abuse and neglect. The Toledo Humane Society is committed to the welfare of animals and to promoting a healthy bond between animals and their human companions. We shall:

  • Provide temporary shelter and care for animals while seeking permanent homes
  • Advocate for animals…speaking for those who cannot speak for themselves
  • Intervene and prevent cruelty to animals
  • Educate the community regarding animal issues, responsible care and training and the correlation between animal cruelty and human abuse

Our Philosophy

At the Toledo Humane Society, we believe:

  • Every adoption at THS is unique and special. It is our goal to match suitable pets to appropriate forever homes.
  • In leading efforts in our community to reduce pet overpopulation by continuing to spay and neuter every adopted animal.
  • We have a responsibility to provide leadership in passing legislation to protect animals.
  • Acts of cruelty, neglect, and abandonment should be investigated and the quality of life of animals improved through education or legal intervention.

Our Values

We are committed to providing the best care possible with the following attributes:

  • Compassion: We will create a caring and nurturing environment for all people and animals needing our services
  • Honesty: We will maintain and enhance open, honest and consistent communication among ourselves and with the community
  • Dignity and Respect: We will treat each person and animal with dignity and respect
  • Responsiveness: We will continue to be accessible, supportive and dependable in responding to the needs of our community
  • Safety and Health: We will maintain a safe, healthy and organized facility
  • Teamwork and Collaboration: We will work cooperatively with each other, partnering agencies and the community at large to identify and resolve animal-related problems within the community.
  • Professionalism and Confidentiality: We will respond with integrity and ethical behavior

Our Board

  • Louise A. Jackson, Board Chair

  • Tim Guitteau, Vice-Chair

  • Mike Szyperski, Secretary/Treasurer

  • Colleen D’Eramo
  • Esther Fabian
  • Patrick Trompeter
  • Joni Ockuly
  • Tim Bublick
  • Darryl Lycourt
  • Joan Szuberla
  • Amber Jacobs
  • Julia Randles

Director’s Emeriti

  • David Theiss
  • Michael Henry
  • Tim Bublick
  • Heather Rohrs
  • Teresa A. Beebe
  • Judy G. McFarland
  • Peggy S. Brown
  • Martha E. Vetter
  • Alice H. Weber
  • Stephen W. Serchuk
  • Judy D. Lang
  • Robert B. Higdon
  • John W. Davies

Advisory Council

  • Susan Allan Block
  • Michael C. Hart
  • Marlon P. Kiser
  • Barbara J. Petee

Our Team

The outstanding staff of the Toledo Humane Society is comprised of the most compassionate, qualified individuals in the animal welfare field.

  • Stephen Heaven, President/CEO
  • Erika Cook, Shelter Manager
  • Jeff Wolf, Accounting Manager
  • Francesca Gunn, Thrift Store Manager