Humane Animal Rescue of Pittsburgh and Animal Friends Collaborate to Find Animals Loving Home

Humane Animal Rescue of Pittsburgh (HARP) and Animal Friends announced a new groundbreaking collaboration today. Through the “Adopt Local” campaign, the two organizations hope to bring greater awareness of homeless animals in need and finding them their forever homes. The campaign will include digital and social placements as well awareness events designed to encourage pet lovers to make local animal shelters their first choice when acquiring an animal companion.

As the two largest animal welfare organizations in the region, Animal Friends and HARP are hoping to improve the lives of thousands of animals by matching them with loving homes and encouraging the public to Adopt Local. Local shelters, including Humane Animal Rescue of Pittsburgh and Animal Friends, are experiencing a surge of animals in their care.

Animal intakes are on the rise at both organizations, with animal surrenders and strays up by more than 20%, compared to same period in 2021. A number of factors are contributing to the growing numbers; from the drop in adoptions after the high demand experienced during the pandemic, financial challenges facing many families, to spay and neuter services interrupted by the pandemic. No matter the reason, the need for adopters and foster homes is greater than ever. Both HARP and Animal Friends also offer resources including pet food pantries, low-cost veterinary services and other supportive services to help keep pets in their loving homes.

“Humane Animal Rescue of Pittsburgh has been committed to animals and the community for nearly 150 years, providing services to tens of thousands of domestic and wildlife animals each year,” said Gerry Delon, HARP’s executive director. “HARP is pleased to be working with Animal Friends in helping to find these animals new families and a place to call home in our community. We believe that by working together we can accomplish more and change the lives of thousands of animals each year in the Pittsburgh region.”

“It’s true that together we can do so much more. That is why Animal Friends is proud to join with Humane Animal Rescue of Pittsburgh to promote shelter adoptions through our new collaborative Adopt Local campaign,” said Animal Friends’ President & CEO Kathleen Beaver. “We know that joining forces to share this important adoption message will save more lives and make our region and even more compassionate place to live for all of our animal friends.”

This is not the first time these organization have worked together. Most recently, Animal Friends and HARP partnered with several other Western PA rescue organizations to rescue 25 beagles from the Virginia-based Envigo facility, which bred the dogs for the laboratory industry.

About Animal Friends

Since 1943, Animal Friends has been a progressive leader in animal welfare in southwestern Pennsylvania and beyond, serving companion animals and the people who love them with their lifesaving mission and humane programming. Their 75-acre campus serves as a center of compassion and hope for thousands of animals each year through rescue and rehoming, low-cost veterinary and wellness care, behavioral resources, and educational and therapeutic experiences that strengthen the animal-human bond. Animal Friends’ vision is a humane and compassionate future for every animal friend. Learn more at thinkingoutsidethecage.org

About Humane Animal Rescue of Pittsburgh

Humane Animal Rescue of Pittsburgh is one of the largest animal welfare organizations in Pennsylvania, providing services to tens of thousands of animals each year at our two domestic shelters and fully-licensed wildlife rehabilitation center. The organization continues the nearly 150-year legacies of its predecessors providing care and enhanced services to domestic and wild animals alike. Learn more at HumaneAnimalRescue.org