Second year of The Rescue Effect brings together shelters and rescues nationwide to place more animals into loving homes and reduce the length of time animals are spending in shelters
HARRISBURG, PA (SEPTEMBER 4, 2025) – The Humane Society of Harrisburg Area (HSHA) and the Brandywine Valley SPCA (BVSCA) Lancaster Dog Adoption Center are joining animal shelters and rescues across the country to participate in the ASPCA’s Rescue Effect campaign to raise awareness about the importance of pet adoption and place more animals into loving homes. During this effort, HSHA and the BVSPCA Lancaster Dog Adoption Center will offer waived adoption fees for all animals the weekend of September 6 and 7.
Most shelters across the country are full with nearly six million dogs and cats entering shelters and rescues in 2024, and animals, especially dogs, are often staying longer in care before being adopted. Choosing to adopt helps the animal you take home and supports many more by freeing up space and resources. Animal shelters have pets of all sizes, ages and an array of wonderful personalities.
“By removing financial barriers, we open the door for more families to welcome a loving pet into their lives and help more animals find the homes they deserve,” said Adam Lamb, HSHA and BVSPCA CEO. “Thanks to the support of the ASPCA, we are able to offer this waived fee adoption event.”
Launching in August and continuing through October, The Rescue Effect is the ASPCA’s national campaign dedicated to helping organizations increase adoptions and engage the public. This year, the ASPCA is providing $2 million in grants to cover adoption fees and support operations at many participating shelters and rescue groups across the country with some holding fee-waived adoption events.
For more information about HSHA visit humanesocietyhbg.org, or learn more about the ASPCA’s Rescue Effect campaign at ASPCA.org/TheRescueEffect.
About the Humane Society of Harrisburg Area HSHA’s mission is to build a better community for pets and people. In 2024, HSHA became a no-kill shelter, achieving 94% live release rate. 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.
About the ASPCA® Founded in 1866, the ASPCA® (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals®) was the first animal welfare organization to be established in North America and today serves as the nation’s leading voice for vulnerable and victimized animals. As a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit corporation with more than two million supporters nationwide, the ASPCA is committed to preventing cruelty to dogs, cats, equines and farm animals throughout the United States. The ASPCA assists animals in need through on-the-ground disaster and cruelty interventions, behavioral rehabilitation, animal placement, legal and legislative advocacy, and the advancement of the sheltering and veterinary community through research, training, and resources. For more information, visit www.ASPCA.org, and follow the ASPCA on Facebook, X, Instagram and TikTok.
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