LEASH, Inc was established in 2015​​ to improve the life of the animals at Lake County Animal Shelter.  The founders, Whitney Luckhart, Lisa Richardson & Michelle Ballings,  met and bonded as volunteers at the shelter.   ​


Our first fundraiser  was in the fall of 2014.  Many of the dogs did not have elevated Kuranda beds to keep them off the cold concrete floors of the kennels.   A successful garage sale  and community support  provided Kuranda beds for ALL of the shelter dogs. 


LEASH, Inc was conceived with the purpose to  provide a variety of opportunities for individuals to volunteer and to contribute positively  to the homeless animals at the shelter. ​






  




It is our mission, as an independent non-profit organization, to work in conjunction with the Lake County Animal Shelter, other local shelters, and animal advocacy groups to enhance the quality of life and shelter living conditions for shelter animals and to improve the prospect of these animals transitioning to a forever home. In working together, we will increase the rate of live release, decrease the shelter animals’ length of stay, and provide a more pleasant experience for the animals entrusted to the care of the shelter.
​ We will realize this goal through charitable fund-raising, community outreach, volunteer and foster recruitment, medical sponsorships, and promotion of adoption. L.E.A.S.H., Inc. encourages compassion, enrichment, and care for shelter animals in our community. 

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         Our Mission

​                  Our History

About Us!

                    2021 LEASH Activity 

In 2021 the Covid-19 pandemic continued but LEASH was still able to help shelter animals and financially challenged Lake County pet owners.  The Dog Spay and Neuter certificate program expanded, as well as free pet microchipping.  LEASH entered a partnership with Cornerstone Hospice so that we can help support their patients in taking care of their pets.  LEASH also showed an increase in TNR (Trap, Neuter, Return) of feral cats and introduced a standard training class for our community trappers.  A big THANK YOU to all of our volunteers and below are the highlights of 2021:


  • Over 500 free dog Spay/Neuter certificates were provided to financially challenged Lake County residents since the beginning of the program in late 2019.  In 2021 alone, LEASH spent over $16,000 on this program
  • 4,348 hours were spent by LEASH volunteers in fostering cats to prepare them for finding their forever home.
  • Nearly 750 hours were spent in TNR training and assisting community trappers so that feral cats can be spayed/neutered, vaccinated and returned to their community home.
  • In partnership with Misfits Veterinary Clinic, over 300 pets were microchipped as part of the LEASH microchipping project.
  • ​​LEASH provided over $6,600 in veterinary medical assistance to Lake County animal shelters, rescues, or Cornerstone Hospice.
  • To help pay for these LEASH programs, we received $30,150 in donations and $3,500 in grants in 2021.