Ipswich Humane Group is a non-profit group that assists Ipswich Animal Control to enable a no-kill animal shelter for the Town of Ipswich.  IHG is 100% donation funded. 100% unpaid volunteer run.  

Our Story
The Ipswich Humane Group was founded in 1982. The facilities at the Ipswich pound were inadequate and the Animal Control Officer had no relief caring for the animals on weekends or holidays. There was no adoption program for the stray or abandoned cats and dogs and no extra money for medical care.

The group started with two people, no money and no support. However, once people became aware of the effort being made to improve the conditions, we were able to recruit volunteers to give the AC Officer relief on weekends and holidays. Contribution canisters were distributed throughout the town and we collected enough money to purchase a cat cage. Before this, there was no place to put stray cats.

By 1985 the Ipswich Humane Group was able to provide veterinary care, build a small addition for cats and attract more volunteers. A successful adoption program was put into place. The "Ipswich Chronicle", our local paper, features a "pet" for adoption under the title of "Purrrrfect Pets" each week. Soon Ipswich residents would look forward to seeing the article and complain if the photo did not appear. (It became famous for it's St. Patrick's Day pet whose information was written in Gaelic.) This was the year we also became incorporated.

Over 30 years later, we still provide veterinary care for the animals and our dedicated volunteers "man" the pound on a daily basis. To date we have provided homes for over 3000 cats and dogs. Some other highlights of our success include:
  • Building of a new animal shelter for the town of Ipswich
  • Funding and completing work on a renovation project which added 2 new rooms to the animal shelter
  • Established a spay/neuter program with 5 local Veterinarians including updating rabies and other vaccinations
  • Established a network of Foster care "parents" for injured, sick, young and "special" pets. Educate the public through attending events and disseminating information on what we do
  • Provided 6 Pet Oxygen Masks to the Town Of Ipswich Fire Department PLUS 6 each to the Fire Departments of Topsfield, Rowley, Essex, Hamilton, Wenham and Georgetown
All this was accomplished through dedication, fundraising and endless support from the people of Ipswich and surrounding towns. The Ipswich Humane Group, Inc. and the "pets" who have crossed our path are grateful for the support we receive.  We appreciate the trust and generosity they have bestowed us.
Thank you for your interest in the Ipswich Humane Group, Inc.
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Visit

We show pets at our open house or by appointment. 

Open House
Every Sunday 2 pm - 4 pm

By Appointment
Call 978-356-6652

Contact Us

IPSWICH ANIMAL SHELTER
978-356-6652 
17 Fowlers Lane, Ipswich, MA 
​click to e-mail us >


ipswichhumanegroup@gmail.com  •  978-356-6652  •   P.O. Box 873, Ipswich MA 01938
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The Ipswich Humane Group is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. All contributions are tax deductible as allowed by law. Tax identification number: 04-2947396.