HARRISBURG, Pa. — Editor's note: The above video is from March 1.
The Humane Society of Harrisburg Area is striving to become a no-kill shelter, and now it has the numbers to show it is well on its way.
The Humane Society says it reached a 94% live release rate in February, a milestone on its path to No-Kill Harrisburg.
“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.”
The organization points to personnel and policy changes as part of the reason for their success. Some of the changes include:
- Appointing Lamb as the new executive director
- No longer labeling dog breeds
- Expanding adoption hours
- Implementing open adoption policies for all animals, removing many of the barriers to adoption
- A partnership with Brandywine Valley SPCA and other shelters in Pennsylvania
HSHA says it celebrated 127 adoptions in January and 174 in February within the first few months of these changes, up from a historic rate of about 74 adoptions per month and 82% live release rate in 2023.
The organization's Veterinary Resource Center also expanded its 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.
“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.”
There are more improvements planned for this year, including climate control in kennels, new outdoor play yards and low cost spay/neuter/vaccination services.
“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.”
In 2024, HSHA says it hopes to end the year with a 92% annual live release rate, care for 2,800 animals, perform 5,000 spay/neuter surgeries and serve family pets with 5,000 wellness visits.