HARRISBURG, Pa. — The Humane Society of Harrisburg Area announced this week that it has achieved another milestone in the path to No-Kill Harrisburg, reaching a 93% Live Release Rate for the first quarter of 2024.
The organization, which has roots in the community for more than 100 years, said it celebrated 478 adoptions and performed 862 spay and neuter surgeries aimed at slowing the number of unplanned litters in the community over the three-month start to the year.
HSHA celebrated 127 adoptions in January, 174 in February and 177 in March, reaching a 95% Live Release Rate for March.
Historically, HSHA said, monthly adoptions have been averaging around 74 before the organization's recent affiliation with Brandywine Valley SPCA.
HSHA held a Live Release Rate of 82% last year, the organization said.
HSHA’s Veterinary Resource Center performed 154 spay and neuter surgeries in January, 297 in February and 411 in March.
Before 2024, the average number of monthly surgeries was 79, according to HSHA data.
“We are so proud to reach these lifesaving benchmarks, but the work is just beginning and we need the community to join us by volunteering, fostering, adopting, attending and supporting our events, and making donations,” said Adam Lamb, HSHA executive director. “It takes resources and community support for us to expand our programs and services, invest in direct improvements to the shelter to enhance living conditions for the animals in our care, and continue to find ways to save animals on the fringe of adoptability.”
In its first large community fundraising event since affiliating with Brandywine Valley SPCA, HSHA invites animal lovers and families to come out for a day of family fun to support this lifesaving work.
Walk for Paws will be held at Harrisburg Area Community College from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, May 4.
Walk for Paws is packed with exciting activities for the whole family, pets, and people to enjoy. The event includes a 5k color run and a 1-mile walk, yoga with puppies, live DJ, inflatables, dog costume contest, face painting, balloon twisting, yard games, vendors, food trucks, adoptable animals and so much more.
Walk for Paws is meant to boost community involvement in HSHA’s growth, help raise vital funds for new improvements at the shelter, including climate control for the dog kennels, and ensure care for the thousands of animals who rely on HSHA for the promise of a brighter future.
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 us at Walk for Paws to walk beside us for the animals who are counting on us every day.”
Participants are encouraged to register now and start their online fundraising. Registrants who raise a minimum of $75.00 receive a Walk for Paws t-shirt. Find more information and register today at WalkforPawsHarrisburg.com.