Mission & History
OUR MISSION
The mission of the Humane Society of Northeast Georgia is
“Helping animals and people live better. . .together.”
We accomplish our mission by providing:
- Humane Education
- Placement of companion animals
- Low-cost veterinary services
- Community Outreach
- Pet owner resources
- And more...
OUR VISION
HSNEGA’s vision is a community where every animal is treated humanely.
OUR VALUES
- Making a difference in the lives of animals.
- Making a positive impact on our community.
- Educating ourselves and others.
OUR HISTORY
Founded in 1913 by Hall County schoolteacher Bessie Bickers, the Humane Society of Northeast Georgia is one of the oldest animal welfare facilities in the state of Georgia. Bessie Bickers, or Miss Bessie to friends and students, bought five acres of land and a house with $5,000 earned from her retirement fund. She built kennels and arranged for a young couple to live there rent-free to take care of the animals. The three were often seen before dawn or after dark saving the homeless animals of Hall County.
To adopt an animal from Miss Bessie was like adopting a baby through child welfare. You had to promise to care for it humanely, promise not to sell, trade or dispose of the animal in any way but to return it to the Humane Society if at any time you desired to relinquish custody. It was a well-known fact that Miss Bessie checked up on the adopted animals, and if she discovered that the animal was not being kept to her satisfaction, she was known to take the animal back!
Upon her death, Miss Bessie’s family transferred the land at 845 West Ridge Road to the Humane Society of Hall County, which remains our present location and is now the Humane Society of Northeast Georgia. Today, we try to carry on her humane message of creating a caring community. Some things have changed but the basic policies and framework on which Miss Bessie built the Society remain.
Give with Confidence
At HSNEGA, we want to remember the amazing rescues that come to stay with us. All of the animals pictured on this site have been with us at some point. Some have already found their forever homes, but some may still be here at HSNEGA! The Humane Society of Northeast Georgia is a 501(c) (3) non-profit organization (Federal Tax ID #58-0678817) and has received top recognition from the following charity rating organizations:
