The year 2024 has been a defining chapter in the history of the Humane Society of Harrisburg Area. Less than a year after setting our goals and inviting the community to join the No-Kill movement in Central PA, national leader Best Friends Animal Society has recognized us for becoming a No-Kill Shelter. Thanks to your unwavering support and our collective dedication, we met and exceeded our lifesaving mission.
We are thrilled to announce that HSHA has officially merged with Brandywine Valley SPCA following an affiliation agreement at the start of 2024. Joining this nationally recognized leader in animal welfare provides us with invaluable resources and expertise that have been instrumental in our growth. We are proud to be part of the BVSPCA family.
At HSHA alone, we cared for 3,261 homeless animals in our shelter, an 82% increase over 2023. We averaged 63 animals arriving weekly, half of whom came to us as strays. Our 94% live release rate increased 11% over 2023, meaning expanded lifesaving and joy to countless homes.
At HSHA, we also expanded our work by engaging the community, ensuring healthier communities, cutting down on unwanted litters, and keeping pets in their loving homes. Volunteers gave selflessly of their time, clocking 20,993 hours supporting our work. We performed 4,685 spay/neuter surgeries, nearly five times the number of surgeries in 2023. We also performed 4,876 wellness exams for local family pets, provided free vaccines for 638 family pets, and distributed an incredible 25,200 pounds of free pet food, offering much-needed assistance to families in need.
Across the entire Brandywine Valley SPCA footprint, including the Harrisburg area, its campuses in Eastern Pennsylvania, Delaware, and South Jersey last year, together cared for 20,596 homeless animals in our shelters with an average of 56 animals arriving daily, half of whom came to us as strays. Despite the challenges that come with serving as one of the only open-access shelters in our Pennsylvania regions and the entire state of Delaware, we maintained an inspiring 93% live release rate.
Volunteers clocked an astounding 140,417 hours supporting our work. We performed 31,027 spay/neuter surgeries, provided free vaccinations for 3,044 family pets, and distributed 75,200 pounds of free pet food.
It’s thanks to your belief in our work that we can continue to grow, and we’re excited to celebrate our new partnership that expands BVSPCA into Washington, DC, marking a major step forward in our mission to transform animal welfare.
This collaboration builds on our success in South Jersey, Delaware, eastern and central Pennsylvania. By extending our life-saving initiatives, we’re bringing essential programs and services to more pets and their families.
Now, in partnership with DC Health, BVSPCA is becoming the largest multi-state animal welfare organization. We are committed to introducing our proven No-Kill standard to Washington, DC. Together, we’ll set lifesaving goals and ensure that pets and pet families have the support they deserve.
Thank you for believing in our mission, and joining us to create a future where every community strives to be a No-Kill community.