YORK COUNTY, Pa. — The York County SPCA helps animals go from homeless without hope, to full of life in forever homes.
"Every single day we see stories of animals come in stray and injured," said YSPCA communications director Kristen Dempwolf. "To see their transformation is so impactful, and it's what motivates me every day. I hope it will motivate our community to give back."
Dempwolf says fundraising through Give Local York is critical to the nonprofit's mission.
"We are York County's no-kill animal shelter," said Dempwolf. "So everything we raise through GLY goes back into our efforts to remain a no-kill animal shelter. This year specifically, we've had record-high stray canine intake. So all the dollars raised will help fund our canine efforts."
This year, their goal is to get 600 individual donors and to raise $100,000. Dempwolf says that will go toward expanding their canine leadership team and so much more.
"Not only do we do adoptions, but we are investigating and prosecuting animal cruelty offenders," said Dempwolf. "We have a high volume, low cost spay/neuter clinic. We are educating the public around animal services issues."
While they primarily work with dogs and cats, their care extends to all domestic animals in need.
Dempwolf says your donation, no matter how big or small, is lifesaving.
"Seventy percent of our income comes from individual donors," she said. "We need our community to support us so we can remain no-kill."
And even if you can’t make a financial donation, you can still make a difference by volunteering. You can help by walking dogs, cuddling cats or becoming a foster.
"When you foster, you're saving two lives.," said Dempwolf. "The life of the animal in your home, and the life of the animal we now have space for in the shelter."
On Friday, May 3, the YSPCA is hosting a community "paw-ty" at the shelter to celebrate Give Local York. It will be held from 4 to 8 p.m. at the shelter, located at 3159 Susquehanna Trail North in York.