In the world of animal sheltering, few names resonate as deeply as Doug Rae. On September 24, 2014, Doug Rae stepped into a shelter in Canon City, Colorado, that was struggling to survive...and created a No Kill legacy.
The Humane Society of Fremont County, once underperforming and under siege, transformed overnight into one of the most successful, life-saving open-admission shelters in the state and the nation. Now, as Doug marks his tenth year as Executive Director, it’s time to celebrate his extraordinary leadership, compassion, and unwavering commitment to the animals and the community he serves.
When Doug Rae took over the Humane Society of Fremont County, more than half the animals that entered the shelter never left alive. In his very first month, Doug led the shelter to a 92% save rate, an astonishing turnaround that has continued to exceed 95% annually for the last decade. Under Doug’s leadership, the shelter has consistently achieved the highest save rate in Colorado, serving both Fremont and Custer counties with grace and excellence.
Doug Rae's experience spans some of the largest open-admission shelters in the United States, with leadership roles from Indianapolis to Philadelphia. But it is at Fremont Humane where his passion for saving lives has truly shone. Doug doesn't just manage animals; he creates a culture of compassion and accountability that inspires his team, volunteers, and the entire community. His philosophy is simple: treat every animal as an individual, exhaust every option, and never settle for anything less than life-saving for every healthy and treatable homeless pet entering the facility.
Doug’s commitment to transparency and putting animals first has been at the heart of his
success. As Doug once said, “The moment someone justifies killing based on reckless opinions…is the time for that Director to be relieved of their duties.” He has shown time and again that even in the face of overwhelming intakes and funding challenges, saving lives is not just possible—it is the mission.
In 2017, the Humane Society of Fremont County was recognized nationally when it received the prestigious Henry Bergh Achievement Award from the No Kill Advocacy Center, a testament to Doug’s leadership and the shelter's no-kill success. That same year, the President of the Colorado State Senate presented a declaration in honor of their achievements. These accolades are proudly displayed in the shelter’s lobby, a reminder of the incredible impact Doug has had.
The shelter and Doug have been recognized by No Kill Colorado every year since he entered his position.
“There is no better example of an open admission No Kill shelter I have ever visited”, said Davyd Smith, Executive Director of No Kill Colorado. “Without Doug’s remarkable example, Colorado would not have continued to increase lifesaving virtually every year during his tenure. He not only saves his communities animals, he raised the bar for all Colorado shelters.”
Doug’s leadership extends beyond the shelter walls. His deep connection with the community has played a crucial role in the shelter’s success. He once met with over 50 community members in his first two weeks on the job, hearing their concerns, sadness, and hopes for the animals. Doug believes that the community is the key to success—whether it's fostering sick and injured animals, adopting senior pets, or raising funds for emergencies, Fremont’s residents have shown unwavering support under his guidance.
Doug Rae is not just an animal shelter director; he is a beacon of hope for homeless animals and a model of what compassionate, effective leadership looks like. As he celebrates a decade of transforming lives, we honor his relentless drive, his courage to make bold changes, and his unshakable belief that every animal deserves a chance.
Congratulations, Doug, on ten years of outstanding leadership and service at the Humane Society of Fremont County.
Thank you, Doug Rae. For 10 years of saving lives. For the legacy of your work.
Here’s to many more years of saving lives, inspiring communities, and leading with heart.