Calendar of Events
Upcoming events and things to do in Asheville, NC. Below is a list of events for festivals, concerts, art exhibitions, group meetups and more.
Interested in adding an event to our calendar? Please click the green “Post Your Event” button below.
Cat and dog food will be distributed first come, first serve, as supplies last to those in need or affected by COVID-19. Social distancing and protective measures will be taken by all staff and we ask the public to do the same during the drive-thru pick-up. Masks are required to be worn during pick-up. Additional resources and supplies will also be available first come, first serve.
If a pet owner is in need of food but unable to attend the pick-up, please call or text the BRHS helpline at (828) 393-5832.

Volunteers are an essential part of the Blue Ridge Humane Society family.
Our Volunteer Program offers a wide variety of opportunities to use unique talents and skills to enhance the quality of life for animals in Henderson County.
We love to see families and friends volunteering together! We welcome volunteers ages 7 and up for some of our volunteer roles. Volunteers ages 16 and under must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian who has also completed the appropriate volunteer training.
Still wondering whether you should give volunteering a try? Contact [email protected] for more information.
Please note, we do not fulfill pre-trial intervention community service hours.
How to Volunteer at the Blue Ridge Humane Society

Our volunteers:
- Improve the quality of living for animals in Henderson County.
- Make a difference in their community through our community programs like our Spay/Neuter Incentive Program and Meals on Wheels Pet Pals.
- Provide support for all departments and serve on our board and committees.
- Help raise crucial funds in our Thrift Store.
It’s easy to get started!
- Fill out the Volunteer Application.
- Attend a Virtual Volunteer Information Session to learn more about Blue Ridge Humane Society and current volunteer opportunities.
- Pick a Volunteer Assignment! Decide what volunteer position works best for you! Some assignments can get started right away and some require prior orientation and training such as animal handling training that you can get started on.
- Start Volunteering! Get started in your position. Our volunteers make a huge impact in Henderson County to ensure both pets and their people are happy, healthy, and thriving. We wouldn’t be able to accomplish all we do without them.
Volunteers are an essential part of the Blue Ridge Humane Society family.
Our Volunteer Program offers a wide variety of opportunities to use unique talents and skills to enhance the quality of life for animals in Henderson County.
We love to see families and friends volunteering together! We welcome volunteers ages 7 and up for some of our volunteer roles. Volunteers ages 16 and under must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian who has also completed the appropriate volunteer training.
Still wondering whether you should give volunteering a try? Contact [email protected] for more information.
Please note, we do not fulfill pre-trial intervention community service hours.
How to Volunteer at the Blue Ridge Humane Society

Our volunteers:
- Improve the quality of living for animals in Henderson County.
- Make a difference in their community through our community programs like our Spay/Neuter Incentive Program and Meals on Wheels Pet Pals.
- Provide support for all departments and serve on our board and committees.
- Help raise crucial funds in our Thrift Store.
It’s easy to get started!
- Fill out the Volunteer Application.
- Attend a Virtual Volunteer Information Session to learn more about Blue Ridge Humane Society and current volunteer opportunities.
- Pick a Volunteer Assignment! Decide what volunteer position works best for you! Some assignments can get started right away and some require prior orientation and training such as animal handling training that you can get started on.
- Start Volunteering! Get started in your position. Our volunteers make a huge impact in Henderson County to ensure both pets and their people are happy, healthy, and thriving. We wouldn’t be able to accomplish all we do without them.
Sign up by email: [email protected]

Volunteers are an essential part of the Blue Ridge Humane Society family.
Our Volunteer Program offers a wide variety of opportunities to use unique talents and skills to enhance the quality of life for animals in Henderson County.
We love to see families and friends volunteering together! We welcome volunteers ages 7 and up for some of our volunteer roles. Volunteers ages 16 and under must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian who has also completed the appropriate volunteer training.
Still wondering whether you should give volunteering a try? Contact [email protected] for more information.
Please note, we do not fulfill pre-trial intervention community service hours.
How to Volunteer at the Blue Ridge Humane Society

Our volunteers:
- Improve the quality of living for animals in Henderson County.
- Make a difference in their community through our community programs like our Spay/Neuter Incentive Program and Meals on Wheels Pet Pals.
- Provide support for all departments and serve on our board and committees.
- Help raise crucial funds in our Thrift Store.
It’s easy to get started!
- Fill out the Volunteer Application.
- Attend a Virtual Volunteer Information Session to learn more about Blue Ridge Humane Society and current volunteer opportunities.
- Pick a Volunteer Assignment! Decide what volunteer position works best for you! Some assignments can get started right away and some require prior orientation and training such as animal handling training that you can get started on.
- Start Volunteering! Get started in your position. Our volunteers make a huge impact in Henderson County to ensure both pets and their people are happy, healthy, and thriving. We wouldn’t be able to accomplish all we do without them.
Volunteers are an essential part of the Blue Ridge Humane Society family.
Our Volunteer Program offers a wide variety of opportunities to use unique talents and skills to enhance the quality of life for animals in Henderson County.
We love to see families and friends volunteering together! We welcome volunteers ages 7 and up for some of our volunteer roles. Volunteers ages 16 and under must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian who has also completed the appropriate volunteer training.
Still wondering whether you should give volunteering a try? Contact [email protected] for more information.
Please note, we do not fulfill pre-trial intervention community service hours.
How to Volunteer at the Blue Ridge Humane Society

Our volunteers:
- Improve the quality of living for animals in Henderson County.
- Make a difference in their community through our community programs like our Spay/Neuter Incentive Program and Meals on Wheels Pet Pals.
- Provide support for all departments and serve on our board and committees.
- Help raise crucial funds in our Thrift Store.
It’s easy to get started!
- Fill out the Volunteer Application.
- Attend a Virtual Volunteer Information Session to learn more about Blue Ridge Humane Society and current volunteer opportunities.
- Pick a Volunteer Assignment! Decide what volunteer position works best for you! Some assignments can get started right away and some require prior orientation and training such as animal handling training that you can get started on.
- Start Volunteering! Get started in your position. Our volunteers make a huge impact in Henderson County to ensure both pets and their people are happy, healthy, and thriving. We wouldn’t be able to accomplish all we do without them.
Have you ever wondered why your dog pulls on leash, jumps up to greet people and won’t do as you ask? Have you ever said “she has a mind of her own?” The Canine Manners Course may just be the class you need!
This course will teach you how to effectively communicate with your dog. You will learn the skills necessary to teach your dog basic manners using reward-based training methods. We will build reliable behaviors such as sit, down, stay, wait, come, leave it, tug and much more! The class is limited to 8 dogs, age 16 weeks or over when the course begins (if your dog is under 16 weeks of age, please sign up for the Puppy Kindergarten class).
* All dogs must be current on the following vaccines distemper, parvo, bordetella and rabies to participate in this course.
The cost of this course includes six classes, held one hour per week for six weeks beginning on January 9. Class dates: 1/9/2021, 1/16/2021, 1/23/2021, 1/30/2021, 2/6/2021, and 2/13/2021 from 10:15 AM until 11:15 AM unless otherwise arranged by the trainer.
**Important – If your dog is reactive on leash to other dogs, please contact Pia at www.piasilvani.com before signing up.
Refund Policy:
Refunds up to 7 days before event – Eventbrite’s fee is nonrefundable.
About the trainer:
Pia Silvani is an internationally-recognized dog trainer and lecturer with over 30 years’ experience. As VP of Training and Behavior at St. Hubert’s Animal Welfare Center in Madison, NJ, she developed numerous courses focused on positive, reward-based techniques. In 2013, Pia began working for the ASPCA, eventually becoming the Director, Behavioral Rehabilitation where she led programs to educate shelter professionals in effective behavior rehabilitation techniques, as well as specialized socialization, enrichment, and shelter protocols. This cutting edge program is featured in the award-winning Netflix documentary, “Second Chance Dogs”.
After 6 years at the ASPCA, Pia has decided to re-establish her consulting business here in the Asheville area by offering private behavioral consultations in client’s homes as well as teaching classes in partnership with Asheville Humane Society.
Pia has been chosen as one of Bark’s 100 picks of the best and brightest people that changed the world of dogs. Her goal has always been to combine her love of dogs with her respect and affection for people. She enriches the lives of both through humane relationship work and training.
Does your dog have selective hearing? Do you have to repeat yourself when your dog is near distractions? Well then, Beyond Basic Manners is the class for you! We will expand upon basic training to help you get reliability anywhere, anytime and at any distance. This includes teaching your dog to stop forward movement when running towards a distraction, sitting at a distance, and much more!
The Prerequisites for Beyond Basic Manners are:
1. Graduated from the AHS Canine Manners Course OR Successful completion of equivalent training including sit, down, stay, wait and come
2. Dogs MUST be able to work effectively in close proximity to other dogs and handlers without interfering with other participants
If you have any questions about your dog’s eligibility for the course, please contact Pia Silvani at [email protected]
* All dogs must be current on the following vaccines distemper, parvo, bordetella and rabies to participate in this course.
The cost of this course includes six one-hour classes held on 1/9, 1/16, 1/23, 1/30, 2/5, 2/13, from 1-2pm unless otherwise arranged by the instructor.
Refund Policy:
Refunds up to 7 days before event – Eventbrite’s fee is nonrefundable.
About the trainer:
Pia Silvani is an internationally-recognized dog trainer and lecturer with over 30 years’ experience. As VP of Training and Behavior at St. Hubert’s Animal Welfare Center in Madison, NJ, she developed numerous courses focused on positive, reward-based techniques. In 2013, Pia began working for the ASPCA, eventually becoming the Director, Behavioral Rehabilitation where she led programs to educate shelter professionals in effective behavior rehabilitation techniques, as well as specialized socialization, enrichment, and shelter protocols. This cutting edge program is featured in the award-winning Netflix documentary, “Second Chance Dogs”.
After 6 years at the ASPCA, Pia has decided to re-establish her consulting business here in the Asheville area by offering private behavioral consultations in client’s homes as well as teaching classes in partnership with Asheville Humane Society.
Pia has been chosen as one of Bark’s 100 picks of the best and brightest people that changed the world of dogs. Her goal has always been to combine her love of dogs with her respect and affection for people. She enriches the lives of both through humane relationship work and training.
Volunteers are an essential part of the Blue Ridge Humane Society family.
Our Volunteer Program offers a wide variety of opportunities to use unique talents and skills to enhance the quality of life for animals in Henderson County.
We love to see families and friends volunteering together! We welcome volunteers ages 7 and up for some of our volunteer roles. Volunteers ages 16 and under must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian who has also completed the appropriate volunteer training.
Still wondering whether you should give volunteering a try? Contact [email protected] for more information.
Please note, we do not fulfill pre-trial intervention community service hours.
How to Volunteer at the Blue Ridge Humane Society

Our volunteers:
- Improve the quality of living for animals in Henderson County.
- Make a difference in their community through our community programs like our Spay/Neuter Incentive Program and Meals on Wheels Pet Pals.
- Provide support for all departments and serve on our board and committees.
- Help raise crucial funds in our Thrift Store.
It’s easy to get started!
- Fill out the Volunteer Application.
- Attend a Virtual Volunteer Information Session to learn more about Blue Ridge Humane Society and current volunteer opportunities.
- Pick a Volunteer Assignment! Decide what volunteer position works best for you! Some assignments can get started right away and some require prior orientation and training such as animal handling training that you can get started on.
- Start Volunteering! Get started in your position. Our volunteers make a huge impact in Henderson County to ensure both pets and their people are happy, healthy, and thriving. We wouldn’t be able to accomplish all we do without them.
Volunteers are an essential part of the Blue Ridge Humane Society family.
Our Volunteer Program offers a wide variety of opportunities to use unique talents and skills to enhance the quality of life for animals in Henderson County.
We love to see families and friends volunteering together! We welcome volunteers ages 7 and up for some of our volunteer roles. Volunteers ages 16 and under must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian who has also completed the appropriate volunteer training.
Still wondering whether you should give volunteering a try? Contact [email protected] for more information.
Please note, we do not fulfill pre-trial intervention community service hours.
How to Volunteer at the Blue Ridge Humane Society

Our volunteers:
- Improve the quality of living for animals in Henderson County.
- Make a difference in their community through our community programs like our Spay/Neuter Incentive Program and Meals on Wheels Pet Pals.
- Provide support for all departments and serve on our board and committees.
- Help raise crucial funds in our Thrift Store.
It’s easy to get started!
- Fill out the Volunteer Application.
- Attend a Virtual Volunteer Information Session to learn more about Blue Ridge Humane Society and current volunteer opportunities.
- Pick a Volunteer Assignment! Decide what volunteer position works best for you! Some assignments can get started right away and some require prior orientation and training such as animal handling training that you can get started on.
- Start Volunteering! Get started in your position. Our volunteers make a huge impact in Henderson County to ensure both pets and their people are happy, healthy, and thriving. We wouldn’t be able to accomplish all we do without them.

Volunteers are an essential part of the Blue Ridge Humane Society family.
Our Volunteer Program offers a wide variety of opportunities to use unique talents and skills to enhance the quality of life for animals in Henderson County.
We love to see families and friends volunteering together! We welcome volunteers ages 7 and up for some of our volunteer roles. Volunteers ages 16 and under must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian who has also completed the appropriate volunteer training.
Still wondering whether you should give volunteering a try? Contact [email protected] for more information.
Please note, we do not fulfill pre-trial intervention community service hours.
How to Volunteer at the Blue Ridge Humane Society

Our volunteers:
- Improve the quality of living for animals in Henderson County.
- Make a difference in their community through our community programs like our Spay/Neuter Incentive Program and Meals on Wheels Pet Pals.
- Provide support for all departments and serve on our board and committees.
- Help raise crucial funds in our Thrift Store.
It’s easy to get started!
- Fill out the Volunteer Application.
- Attend a Virtual Volunteer Information Session to learn more about Blue Ridge Humane Society and current volunteer opportunities.
- Pick a Volunteer Assignment! Decide what volunteer position works best for you! Some assignments can get started right away and some require prior orientation and training such as animal handling training that you can get started on.
- Start Volunteering! Get started in your position. Our volunteers make a huge impact in Henderson County to ensure both pets and their people are happy, healthy, and thriving. We wouldn’t be able to accomplish all we do without them.
Volunteers are an essential part of the Blue Ridge Humane Society family.
Our Volunteer Program offers a wide variety of opportunities to use unique talents and skills to enhance the quality of life for animals in Henderson County.
We love to see families and friends volunteering together! We welcome volunteers ages 7 and up for some of our volunteer roles. Volunteers ages 16 and under must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian who has also completed the appropriate volunteer training.
Still wondering whether you should give volunteering a try? Contact [email protected] for more information.
Please note, we do not fulfill pre-trial intervention community service hours.
How to Volunteer at the Blue Ridge Humane Society

Our volunteers:
- Improve the quality of living for animals in Henderson County.
- Make a difference in their community through our community programs like our Spay/Neuter Incentive Program and Meals on Wheels Pet Pals.
- Provide support for all departments and serve on our board and committees.
- Help raise crucial funds in our Thrift Store.
It’s easy to get started!
- Fill out the Volunteer Application.
- Attend a Virtual Volunteer Information Session to learn more about Blue Ridge Humane Society and current volunteer opportunities.
- Pick a Volunteer Assignment! Decide what volunteer position works best for you! Some assignments can get started right away and some require prior orientation and training such as animal handling training that you can get started on.
- Start Volunteering! Get started in your position. Our volunteers make a huge impact in Henderson County to ensure both pets and their people are happy, healthy, and thriving. We wouldn’t be able to accomplish all we do without them.

Volunteers are an essential part of the Blue Ridge Humane Society family.
Our Volunteer Program offers a wide variety of opportunities to use unique talents and skills to enhance the quality of life for animals in Henderson County.
We love to see families and friends volunteering together! We welcome volunteers ages 7 and up for some of our volunteer roles. Volunteers ages 16 and under must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian who has also completed the appropriate volunteer training.
Still wondering whether you should give volunteering a try? Contact [email protected] for more information.
Please note, we do not fulfill pre-trial intervention community service hours.
How to Volunteer at the Blue Ridge Humane Society

Our volunteers:
- Improve the quality of living for animals in Henderson County.
- Make a difference in their community through our community programs like our Spay/Neuter Incentive Program and Meals on Wheels Pet Pals.
- Provide support for all departments and serve on our board and committees.
- Help raise crucial funds in our Thrift Store.
It’s easy to get started!
- Fill out the Volunteer Application.
- Attend a Virtual Volunteer Information Session to learn more about Blue Ridge Humane Society and current volunteer opportunities.
- Pick a Volunteer Assignment! Decide what volunteer position works best for you! Some assignments can get started right away and some require prior orientation and training such as animal handling training that you can get started on.
- Start Volunteering! Get started in your position. Our volunteers make a huge impact in Henderson County to ensure both pets and their people are happy, healthy, and thriving. We wouldn’t be able to accomplish all we do without them.
Have you ever wondered why your dog pulls on leash, jumps up to greet people and won’t do as you ask? Have you ever said “she has a mind of her own?” The Canine Manners Course may just be the class you need!
This course will teach you how to effectively communicate with your dog. You will learn the skills necessary to teach your dog basic manners using reward-based training methods. We will build reliable behaviors such as sit, down, stay, wait, come, leave it, tug and much more! The class is limited to 8 dogs, age 16 weeks or over when the course begins (if your dog is under 16 weeks of age, please sign up for the Puppy Kindergarten class).
* All dogs must be current on the following vaccines distemper, parvo, bordetella and rabies to participate in this course.
The cost of this course includes six classes, held one hour per week for six weeks beginning on January 9. Class dates: 1/9/2021, 1/16/2021, 1/23/2021, 1/30/2021, 2/6/2021, and 2/13/2021 from 10:15 AM until 11:15 AM unless otherwise arranged by the trainer.
**Important – If your dog is reactive on leash to other dogs, please contact Pia at www.piasilvani.com before signing up.
Refund Policy:
Refunds up to 7 days before event – Eventbrite’s fee is nonrefundable.
About the trainer:
Pia Silvani is an internationally-recognized dog trainer and lecturer with over 30 years’ experience. As VP of Training and Behavior at St. Hubert’s Animal Welfare Center in Madison, NJ, she developed numerous courses focused on positive, reward-based techniques. In 2013, Pia began working for the ASPCA, eventually becoming the Director, Behavioral Rehabilitation where she led programs to educate shelter professionals in effective behavior rehabilitation techniques, as well as specialized socialization, enrichment, and shelter protocols. This cutting edge program is featured in the award-winning Netflix documentary, “Second Chance Dogs”.
After 6 years at the ASPCA, Pia has decided to re-establish her consulting business here in the Asheville area by offering private behavioral consultations in client’s homes as well as teaching classes in partnership with Asheville Humane Society.
Pia has been chosen as one of Bark’s 100 picks of the best and brightest people that changed the world of dogs. Her goal has always been to combine her love of dogs with her respect and affection for people. She enriches the lives of both through humane relationship work and training.
Does your dog have selective hearing? Do you have to repeat yourself when your dog is near distractions? Well then, Beyond Basic Manners is the class for you! We will expand upon basic training to help you get reliability anywhere, anytime and at any distance. This includes teaching your dog to stop forward movement when running towards a distraction, sitting at a distance, and much more!
The Prerequisites for Beyond Basic Manners are:
1. Graduated from the AHS Canine Manners Course OR Successful completion of equivalent training including sit, down, stay, wait and come
2. Dogs MUST be able to work effectively in close proximity to other dogs and handlers without interfering with other participants
If you have any questions about your dog’s eligibility for the course, please contact Pia Silvani at [email protected]
* All dogs must be current on the following vaccines distemper, parvo, bordetella and rabies to participate in this course.
The cost of this course includes six one-hour classes held on 1/9, 1/16, 1/23, 1/30, 2/5, 2/13, from 1-2pm unless otherwise arranged by the instructor.
Refund Policy:
Refunds up to 7 days before event – Eventbrite’s fee is nonrefundable.
About the trainer:
Pia Silvani is an internationally-recognized dog trainer and lecturer with over 30 years’ experience. As VP of Training and Behavior at St. Hubert’s Animal Welfare Center in Madison, NJ, she developed numerous courses focused on positive, reward-based techniques. In 2013, Pia began working for the ASPCA, eventually becoming the Director, Behavioral Rehabilitation where she led programs to educate shelter professionals in effective behavior rehabilitation techniques, as well as specialized socialization, enrichment, and shelter protocols. This cutting edge program is featured in the award-winning Netflix documentary, “Second Chance Dogs”.
After 6 years at the ASPCA, Pia has decided to re-establish her consulting business here in the Asheville area by offering private behavioral consultations in client’s homes as well as teaching classes in partnership with Asheville Humane Society.
Pia has been chosen as one of Bark’s 100 picks of the best and brightest people that changed the world of dogs. Her goal has always been to combine her love of dogs with her respect and affection for people. She enriches the lives of both through humane relationship work and training.
Stop by on the first Sunday of the month 2-5pm to grab a beer, have a bite to eat and possibly meet your new best friend from Charlie’s Angels Animal Rescue.

Cat and dog food will be distributed first come, first serve, as supplies last to those in need or affected by COVID-19. Social distancing and protective measures will be taken by all staff and we ask the public to do the same during the drive-thru pick-up. Masks are required to be worn during pick-up. Additional resources and supplies will also be available first come, first serve.
If a pet owner is in need of food but unable to attend the pick-up, please call or text the BRHS helpline at (828) 393-5832.
Volunteers are an essential part of the Blue Ridge Humane Society family.
Our Volunteer Program offers a wide variety of opportunities to use unique talents and skills to enhance the quality of life for animals in Henderson County.
We love to see families and friends volunteering together! We welcome volunteers ages 7 and up for some of our volunteer roles. Volunteers ages 16 and under must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian who has also completed the appropriate volunteer training.
Still wondering whether you should give volunteering a try? Contact [email protected] for more information.
Please note, we do not fulfill pre-trial intervention community service hours.
How to Volunteer at the Blue Ridge Humane Society

Our volunteers:
- Improve the quality of living for animals in Henderson County.
- Make a difference in their community through our community programs like our Spay/Neuter Incentive Program and Meals on Wheels Pet Pals.
- Provide support for all departments and serve on our board and committees.
- Help raise crucial funds in our Thrift Store.
It’s easy to get started!
- Fill out the Volunteer Application.
- Attend a Virtual Volunteer Information Session to learn more about Blue Ridge Humane Society and current volunteer opportunities.
- Pick a Volunteer Assignment! Decide what volunteer position works best for you! Some assignments can get started right away and some require prior orientation and training such as animal handling training that you can get started on.
- Start Volunteering! Get started in your position. Our volunteers make a huge impact in Henderson County to ensure both pets and their people are happy, healthy, and thriving. We wouldn’t be able to accomplish all we do without them.
Volunteers are an essential part of the Blue Ridge Humane Society family.
Our Volunteer Program offers a wide variety of opportunities to use unique talents and skills to enhance the quality of life for animals in Henderson County.
We love to see families and friends volunteering together! We welcome volunteers ages 7 and up for some of our volunteer roles. Volunteers ages 16 and under must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian who has also completed the appropriate volunteer training.
Still wondering whether you should give volunteering a try? Contact [email protected] for more information.
Please note, we do not fulfill pre-trial intervention community service hours.
How to Volunteer at the Blue Ridge Humane Society

Our volunteers:
- Improve the quality of living for animals in Henderson County.
- Make a difference in their community through our community programs like our Spay/Neuter Incentive Program and Meals on Wheels Pet Pals.
- Provide support for all departments and serve on our board and committees.
- Help raise crucial funds in our Thrift Store.
It’s easy to get started!
- Fill out the Volunteer Application.
- Attend a Virtual Volunteer Information Session to learn more about Blue Ridge Humane Society and current volunteer opportunities.
- Pick a Volunteer Assignment! Decide what volunteer position works best for you! Some assignments can get started right away and some require prior orientation and training such as animal handling training that you can get started on.
- Start Volunteering! Get started in your position. Our volunteers make a huge impact in Henderson County to ensure both pets and their people are happy, healthy, and thriving. We wouldn’t be able to accomplish all we do without them.

Volunteers are an essential part of the Blue Ridge Humane Society family.
Our Volunteer Program offers a wide variety of opportunities to use unique talents and skills to enhance the quality of life for animals in Henderson County.
We love to see families and friends volunteering together! We welcome volunteers ages 7 and up for some of our volunteer roles. Volunteers ages 16 and under must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian who has also completed the appropriate volunteer training.
Still wondering whether you should give volunteering a try? Contact [email protected] for more information.
Please note, we do not fulfill pre-trial intervention community service hours.
How to Volunteer at the Blue Ridge Humane Society

Our volunteers:
- Improve the quality of living for animals in Henderson County.
- Make a difference in their community through our community programs like our Spay/Neuter Incentive Program and Meals on Wheels Pet Pals.
- Provide support for all departments and serve on our board and committees.
- Help raise crucial funds in our Thrift Store.
It’s easy to get started!
- Fill out the Volunteer Application.
- Attend a Virtual Volunteer Information Session to learn more about Blue Ridge Humane Society and current volunteer opportunities.
- Pick a Volunteer Assignment! Decide what volunteer position works best for you! Some assignments can get started right away and some require prior orientation and training such as animal handling training that you can get started on.
- Start Volunteering! Get started in your position. Our volunteers make a huge impact in Henderson County to ensure both pets and their people are happy, healthy, and thriving. We wouldn’t be able to accomplish all we do without them.
Volunteers are an essential part of the Blue Ridge Humane Society family.
Our Volunteer Program offers a wide variety of opportunities to use unique talents and skills to enhance the quality of life for animals in Henderson County.
We love to see families and friends volunteering together! We welcome volunteers ages 7 and up for some of our volunteer roles. Volunteers ages 16 and under must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian who has also completed the appropriate volunteer training.
Still wondering whether you should give volunteering a try? Contact [email protected] for more information.
Please note, we do not fulfill pre-trial intervention community service hours.
How to Volunteer at the Blue Ridge Humane Society

Our volunteers:
- Improve the quality of living for animals in Henderson County.
- Make a difference in their community through our community programs like our Spay/Neuter Incentive Program and Meals on Wheels Pet Pals.
- Provide support for all departments and serve on our board and committees.
- Help raise crucial funds in our Thrift Store.
It’s easy to get started!
- Fill out the Volunteer Application.
- Attend a Virtual Volunteer Information Session to learn more about Blue Ridge Humane Society and current volunteer opportunities.
- Pick a Volunteer Assignment! Decide what volunteer position works best for you! Some assignments can get started right away and some require prior orientation and training such as animal handling training that you can get started on.
- Start Volunteering! Get started in your position. Our volunteers make a huge impact in Henderson County to ensure both pets and their people are happy, healthy, and thriving. We wouldn’t be able to accomplish all we do without them.
Volunteers are an essential part of the Blue Ridge Humane Society family.
Our Volunteer Program offers a wide variety of opportunities to use unique talents and skills to enhance the quality of life for animals in Henderson County.
We love to see families and friends volunteering together! We welcome volunteers ages 7 and up for some of our volunteer roles. Volunteers ages 16 and under must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian who has also completed the appropriate volunteer training.
Still wondering whether you should give volunteering a try? Contact [email protected] for more information.
Please note, we do not fulfill pre-trial intervention community service hours.
How to Volunteer at the Blue Ridge Humane Society

Our volunteers:
- Improve the quality of living for animals in Henderson County.
- Make a difference in their community through our community programs like our Spay/Neuter Incentive Program and Meals on Wheels Pet Pals.
- Provide support for all departments and serve on our board and committees.
- Help raise crucial funds in our Thrift Store.
It’s easy to get started!
- Fill out the Volunteer Application.
- Attend a Virtual Volunteer Information Session to learn more about Blue Ridge Humane Society and current volunteer opportunities.
- Pick a Volunteer Assignment! Decide what volunteer position works best for you! Some assignments can get started right away and some require prior orientation and training such as animal handling training that you can get started on.
- Start Volunteering! Get started in your position. Our volunteers make a huge impact in Henderson County to ensure both pets and their people are happy, healthy, and thriving. We wouldn’t be able to accomplish all we do without them.
Have you ever wondered why your dog pulls on leash, jumps up to greet people and won’t do as you ask? Have you ever said “she has a mind of her own?” The Canine Manners Course may just be the class you need!
This course will teach you how to effectively communicate with your dog. You will learn the skills necessary to teach your dog basic manners using reward-based training methods. We will build reliable behaviors such as sit, down, stay, wait, come, leave it, tug and much more! The class is limited to 8 dogs, age 16 weeks or over when the course begins (if your dog is under 16 weeks of age, please sign up for the Puppy Kindergarten class).
* All dogs must be current on the following vaccines distemper, parvo, bordetella and rabies to participate in this course.
The cost of this course includes six classes, held one hour per week for six weeks beginning on January 9. Class dates: 1/9/2021, 1/16/2021, 1/23/2021, 1/30/2021, 2/6/2021, and 2/13/2021 from 10:15 AM until 11:15 AM unless otherwise arranged by the trainer.
**Important – If your dog is reactive on leash to other dogs, please contact Pia at www.piasilvani.com before signing up.
Refund Policy:
Refunds up to 7 days before event – Eventbrite’s fee is nonrefundable.
About the trainer:
Pia Silvani is an internationally-recognized dog trainer and lecturer with over 30 years’ experience. As VP of Training and Behavior at St. Hubert’s Animal Welfare Center in Madison, NJ, she developed numerous courses focused on positive, reward-based techniques. In 2013, Pia began working for the ASPCA, eventually becoming the Director, Behavioral Rehabilitation where she led programs to educate shelter professionals in effective behavior rehabilitation techniques, as well as specialized socialization, enrichment, and shelter protocols. This cutting edge program is featured in the award-winning Netflix documentary, “Second Chance Dogs”.
After 6 years at the ASPCA, Pia has decided to re-establish her consulting business here in the Asheville area by offering private behavioral consultations in client’s homes as well as teaching classes in partnership with Asheville Humane Society.
Pia has been chosen as one of Bark’s 100 picks of the best and brightest people that changed the world of dogs. Her goal has always been to combine her love of dogs with her respect and affection for people. She enriches the lives of both through humane relationship work and training.
Does your dog have selective hearing? Do you have to repeat yourself when your dog is near distractions? Well then, Beyond Basic Manners is the class for you! We will expand upon basic training to help you get reliability anywhere, anytime and at any distance. This includes teaching your dog to stop forward movement when running towards a distraction, sitting at a distance, and much more!
The Prerequisites for Beyond Basic Manners are:
1. Graduated from the AHS Canine Manners Course OR Successful completion of equivalent training including sit, down, stay, wait and come
2. Dogs MUST be able to work effectively in close proximity to other dogs and handlers without interfering with other participants
If you have any questions about your dog’s eligibility for the course, please contact Pia Silvani at [email protected]
* All dogs must be current on the following vaccines distemper, parvo, bordetella and rabies to participate in this course.
The cost of this course includes six one-hour classes held on 1/9, 1/16, 1/23, 1/30, 2/5, 2/13, from 1-2pm unless otherwise arranged by the instructor.
Refund Policy:
Refunds up to 7 days before event – Eventbrite’s fee is nonrefundable.
About the trainer:
Pia Silvani is an internationally-recognized dog trainer and lecturer with over 30 years’ experience. As VP of Training and Behavior at St. Hubert’s Animal Welfare Center in Madison, NJ, she developed numerous courses focused on positive, reward-based techniques. In 2013, Pia began working for the ASPCA, eventually becoming the Director, Behavioral Rehabilitation where she led programs to educate shelter professionals in effective behavior rehabilitation techniques, as well as specialized socialization, enrichment, and shelter protocols. This cutting edge program is featured in the award-winning Netflix documentary, “Second Chance Dogs”.
After 6 years at the ASPCA, Pia has decided to re-establish her consulting business here in the Asheville area by offering private behavioral consultations in client’s homes as well as teaching classes in partnership with Asheville Humane Society.
Pia has been chosen as one of Bark’s 100 picks of the best and brightest people that changed the world of dogs. Her goal has always been to combine her love of dogs with her respect and affection for people. She enriches the lives of both through humane relationship work and training.



