The Humane Society of Harford County was formed in 1947 by a dedicated group of citizens in Fallstown (Fallston) led by Mrs. Elsa Voss. Mrs. Voss spearheaded efforts to provide temporary housing for animals that once lived in comfortable homes. Many of these animals were abandoned or left as strays when their guardians were sent to war or relocated out of the area. The group also noted that adult dogs and cats roaming free in the county were reproducing at will.

As the homeless animals continued to multiple and roam the county, they became a nuisance. The larger and more aggressive dogs gathered in packs and searched for food. Sheep, chicken and other tame farm animals fell prey to the packs of dogs. Mrs. Voss intervened by gathering some of these dogs and housing them in an improvised home near Jarrettsville.

By 1948, Mrs. Voss and a group of her friends found a permanent home for the pets in an old farmhouse on Connolly Road. Kennels with indoor and outdoor runs were added to the farmhouse. The residents of the property, Mr. and Mrs. Boniface, served as caretakers and kennel workers for the facility. Word soon spread about the facility and more animals were brought to the shelter until it was filled to capacity.

Six years later, in 1954, a large wooden box where unwanted animals could be placed was located at the front door of the farmhouse. The box had windows to provide ventilation and was separated with walls. Animals were later placed in a kennel for adoption.

People who adopted pets were charged between two and three dollars for each animal. This fee also made them a member of the Humane Society. Many adoptable animals were provided care for several months.

Twelve more kennels, with indoor and outdoor runs, were added in 1961. A decade later a front lobby with a reception area was added to the building. Today, the Humane Society remains in the same buildings, with minor modifications.