The History of The Humane Society of Pensacola
Years of Service to the Community

The Humane Society was started in 1942 with Articles of Incorporation being filed February 3, 1943. Located in downtown Pensacola, it served multiple purposes – animal sheltering, checking in to cruelty cases and picking up stray animals. In 1949 the Society moved from downtown to its present location. The masonry building was only 31 ft. by 45 ft.!

In 1981 the City of Pensacola contracted with Escambia County to provide the animal control services of investigating cruelty cases and picking up stray animals. Shortly thereafter, the Humane Society became a “No Kill” facility – that policy remains in force today.

In 1985 a building fund was started for the current building, which is 5,500 square feet. With a lot of hard work, sweat and tears by many individuals funds were raised. The bricks making up the front patio represent many of the contributions to this fund. Lisa Levin-Davidson and her father, Pensacola lawyer David Levin worked tirelessly in late 1987 to raise the last needed funds. The new building was dedicated in January, 1988 in the name of Lisa’s deceased husband, a 29 year old Navy jet pilot whose F-14 fighter jet crashed for unknown reasons in June, 1987 in North Carolina. Lt. Bill Davidson, whose friends called him “Hawkeye”, was one of the Navy’s best. Bill was a very gentle, loving person and spared no luxuries to his and Lisa’s four dogs; he dreamed of becoming a Blue Angel. In his memory and in recognition of his love of animals the building is known as the Lt. William Morgan Davidson Pet Adoption Center.