Allsop Family Humane Society Announces Rebrand and Grand Opening of Adoption and Pet Services Centers

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Allsop Family Humane Society Announces Rebrand and Grand Opening of Adoption and Pet Services Centers

Cedar Rapids, Iowa — The Cedar Valley Humane Society is entering a new chapter in its 125-year history as the organization officially becomes the Allsop Family Humane Society and celebrates the completion of its expanded and renovated campus on Mount Vernon Road.

To mark this historic milestone, the Allsop Family Humane Society will host a Ribbon Cutting and Grand Opening Celebration on Thursday, August 20, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. at the organization’s newly dedicated Busse Campus. The event is free and open to the public. Community members, supporters, and members of the media are invited to attend the ribbon cutting, tour the newly completed spaces, meet adoptable animals, and experience the transformed campus firsthand.

The Grand Opening marks the culmination of a four-year construction journey and the successful completion of the organization’s Expanding Our Pawprint Capital Campaign, a multi-year effort made possible through the generosity and dedication of donors, volunteers, community partners, and supporters throughout the region.

The rebrand follows a transformational gift from the Steve and Mary Beth Allsop Voice of Hope Foundation, providing an opportunity to recognize their extraordinary generosity while continuing to advance our mission and serve a vital role in the community. In recognition of their support and lasting impact, the Cedar Valley Humane Society is officially becoming the Allsop Family Humane Society. 

The organization’s Mount Vernon Road property will also now be known as the Busse Campus, in recognition of a generous gift from the Busse Foundation. The generosity of the Allsop and Busse families, along with the support of hundreds of other donors and community partners, helped make the campus transformation possible.

The completed Busse Campus brings together three key spaces designed to better serve animals and the people who care for them:

• The new Adoption Center provides a modern, welcoming environment where pets and families can begin their adoption journeys.

• The renovated Pet Services Center, formerly the organization’s shelter building, expands capacity for animal intake, medical services, daily care, and community programs.

• The Moloney Community Center, which opened in 2023, serves as a hub for education, community connection, and programs that strengthen the human-animal bond.

Together, these spaces create a comprehensive campus designed to expand services, enhance the standard of care for animals, and provide greater resources for pets and people throughout Eastern Iowa.

“This project has truly been a community effort,” said Lonnie Viner, Executive Director of the Allsop Family Humane Society. “Hundreds of people believed in this vision and helped make this transformation possible. We are incredibly grateful to every donor, volunteer, staff member, and community member who played a role in creating a campus that will serve pets and families for many years to come.”

The Grand Opening also marks an important moment in the organization’s long history of serving animals in the community. Founded in 1901 as the Linn County Humane Society, the organization grew alongside the community and later became known as the Cedar Valley Humane Society as its services expanded. While its name has evolved over the years, its purpose has remained constant: providing compassionate care, advocacy, and lifesaving services for animals in need.

“While our name is changing, our purpose never will,” said Viner. “The same dedicated team, the same compassionate care, and the same commitment to animals and our community remain at the heart of everything we do. This new chapter represents the incredible impact that can happen when a community comes together around a shared mission.”

As the Allsop Family Humane Society begins this next chapter, the organization looks forward to building on its 125-year legacy while continuing to create a community where animals are valued, people are supported, and the human-animal bond is strengthened for generations to come.

The Allsop Family Humane Society invites the entire community to join in celebrating this exciting milestone and to experience the new spaces made possible through the vision, generosity, and support of the community.

Grand Opening Celebration

Date: Thursday, August 20, 2026

Ribbon Cutting: 12:00 p.m.

Location: Allsop Family Humane Society – Busse Campus

7411 Mt. Vernon Road SECedar Rapids, IA 52403

The event is free and open to the public. Guests are invited to attend the ribbon cutting, tour the new Adoption and Pet Services Centers, meet adoptable animals, and learn more about the programs and services available throughout the campus.