Less than three months into its affiliation agreement with Brandywine Valley SPCA, HSHA is celebrating record adoptions and lifesaving
HARRISBURG, PA (MARCH 14, 2024) – The Humane Society of Harrisburg Area is proud to announce a milestone in the path to No-Kill Harrisburg, reaching a 94% Live Release Rate for the month of February.
Less than three months into its affiliation agreement with Brandywine Valley SPCA, and appointment of Adam Lamb as the new executive director, HSHA is already seeing positive results from the implemented changes and new leadership.
Within the first months, HSHA dropped breed labeling of shelter dogs, expanded adoption hours, and implemented open adoption policies for all animals, removing many of the barriers to adoption. The organization celebrated 127 adoptions in January, 174 in February, and reached that 94% Live Release Rate for the month. Historically, monthly adoptions have been averaging around 74 prior to the affiliation, and HSHA held a Live Release Rate of 82% in 2023.
“We are proud to have reached this benchmark measure of success, but the work has just begun, and we are committed to fighting to maintain this level of lifesaving,” said Adam Lamb, HSHA executive director. “We’re focused on expanding our community programs and services, investing in direct improvements to the shelter to enhance living conditions for the animals in our care, and continuing to find ways to save animals on the fringe of adoptability.”
As part of the expanded services, HSHA’s Veterinary Resource Center has increased hours and capacity for new clients, performing 154 spay and neuter surgeries in January and 297 in February. Prior to 2024, the average monthly surgeries was 79.
More investments and improvements are planned this year, with added climate control for the dog kennels and new outdoor play yards to increase enrichment for shelter dogs. HSHA is also committed to expanding services for community cats, offering low cost spay/neuter and vaccination services to cut down on the number of unplanned litters, especially as the warmer weather moves in.
HSHA will continue working with the municipalities in Dauphin, Cumberland, and Perry Counties to care for lost and stray pets and victims of cruelty and neglect with its Humane Law Enforcement department. At the same time, HSHA is also expanding partnerships with local shelters, by transporting animals in need of a better chance for adoption. Already this year, HSHA has welcomed animals from shelters in Berks, Luzerne and McKean counties in Pennsylvania, expanding its lifesaving reach in the Commonwealth.
“This is an exciting time for the animals and pet families of Central PA,” said Aspasia Yeager, HSHA Director of Operations. “We’re already seeing the positive lifesaving impacts of these new policies, and how we can continue to grow, save more lives, and reach more of our community with vital resources, while operating more efficiently to keep the focus on the animals who are counting on us.”
Goals set for 2024 include ending the year with a 92% Annual Live Release Rate, caring for 2,800 animals, performing 5,000 spay/neuter surgeries, and serving family pets with 5,000 wellness visits.
“We can’t take on ambitious goals like this, and continue to expand lifesaving for the animals of Pennsylvania without the support of the community,” Lamb said. “We invite residents to join the movement by adopting, volunteering, fostering, choosing our VRC for your pet’s health needs, and supporting our work with donations.”
Find all of the ways to get involved by visiting humanesocietyhbg.org.
About the Humane Society of Harrisburg Area
The Humane Society of Harrisburg Area is a nonprofit organization dedicated to building a better community for pets and people through compassion, protection, education, and collaboration. HSHA accepts homeless animals regardless of their breed, age, medical condition, or behavioral condition. However, HSHA does not euthanize adoptable animals due to lack of space or length of stay. The shelter assists thousands of animals each year through its residential care and adoption program, low-cost veterinary clinics and Veterinary Resource Center, pet food programs, and counseling services. Learn more at humanesocietyhbg.org.