Humane Animal Rescue of Pittsburgh is one of Pennsylvania’s largest nonprofit organizations dedicated to the welfare of animals, pet owners, and the community. North Hills Monthly spoke with Dan Cody, HARP’s acting executive director, to learn more about how the group works to end animal abuse, suffering, and homelessness while caring for animals and inspiring the communities it serves.
North Hills Monthly (NHM): How many animals does HARP rescue and rehome annually?
Humane Animal Rescue of Pittsburgh (HARP): As the region’s largest animal welfare organization, HARP places over 4,000 homeless animals into loving homes each year and treats over 6,000 animals at our two veterinary medical centers. Additionally, HARP’s Wildlife Rehabilitation Center rehabilitates over 4,200 sick, injured, or orphaned wildlife and releases them back into their natural habitats. HARP is grateful for the generous community donations that make this work possible.
NHM: What types of animals does your Wildlife Rehabilitation Center typically treat?
HARP: HARP’s Wildlife Rehabilitation Center specializes in caring for and treating injured, orphaned, or ill wildlife native to Pennsylvania, except for white-tailed deer, venomous snakes, and bears. Since opening the center in 1997, we have served more than 40,000 animals overall. Annually, the center admits over 4,200 patients spanning 140 different species.
This year, quite a few unique patients have come through HARP’s Wildlife Rehabilitation Center, including a Northern Long-Eared Bat, a Peregrine Falcon, and a baby mink. Currently, we are caring for a seven-month-old female American Beaver who was critically injured, including suffering head trauma, during an accident near her lodge. While treatment is ongoing, we hope this beaver will make a full recovery and that we will be able to return her to the wild.
NHM: Can you describe the process of adopting a pet from HARP?
HARP: HARP strives to give every animal a loving home and every animal lover a chance to adopt. Individuals coming to the shelter who are interested in adopting must complete an adoption questionnaire before meeting any animals. This survey, along with any expressed interest in a specific animal, becomes the basis for any additional questions from the adoption team as they begin their “matchmaking.”
At HARP, potential adopters will meet available dogs one-on-one, following a matchmaking process with our knowledgeable adoptions staff. This policy benefits the dogs in our care, who are stressed in the kennel environment, ensuring they meet new people with their best paw forward. It also gives potential adopters a highly personalized adoption experience, so they can discuss how an individual dog’s personality and history may mesh with their home, family, and lifestyle.
Once an individual decides to adopt, they complete the digital adoption contract. Cat adopters receive an adopter bag with Rachael Ray food and an “adoption box” from World’s Best Kitty Litter (including a bag of kitty litter, educational info, and coupons). Dog adopters receive a starter bag of Rachael Ray food, a collar and leash, and one dose each of Heartgard and NexGard.
All animals are spayed/neutered, up to date on vaccinations appropriate for their age, microchipped, and treated with flea/tick prevention. Adopters are also provided with post-adoption resources that offer information on topics ranging from training resources to pet insurance to HARP’s veterinary medical services.
NHM: What low-cost veterinary services do your outpatient centers offer?
HARP: HARP operates two high-quality, low-cost veterinary medical centers for domestic dogs and cats. All pets are welcome, not just those adopted from our shelter! We provide preventative veterinary care, including general wellness exams; vaccinations; dentistry; general soft tissue surgery; illness and injury care; spay and neuter surgeries; and end-of-life care. Although we are not an emergency hospital, we do have the capability to assist with minor, uncomplicated health problems. In line with our mission to decrease pet overpopulation, all animals that utilize our medical centers must be spayed or neutered, or scheduled for spaying or neutering.
NHM: How does HARP engage with the local community to promote animal welfare?
HARP: HARP’s mission extends beyond shelter services through innovative community support programs. Our pet support services and Pet Helpline include free counseling to keep pets with families and offer solutions for behavioral needs, low-cost veterinary care, and pet food assistance. Each year, we distribute over 70,000 pounds of pet food as well as thousands of pounds of cat litter, treats, collars, leashes, crates, and other needed supplies to families facing financial challenges through Ellie’s Pet Food Pantry.
Launched in 2023, our Humane Health Coalition keeps healthy pets and people together. We partner with the Allegheny Health Network’s Center for Inclusion Health, pairing HARP’s veterinary care and pet support with one of the top human-focused health systems in the region, to offer a continuum of healthcare for the animals in our community and the people who care for and rely on them.
Our M.O.V.E.S. mobile veterinary unit is equipped with advanced medical equipment to deliver preventative care, spay/neuter operations, vaccines, microchipping, flea and tick prevention, and transportation to all veterinary centers.
We also offer bi-weekly low-cost vaccine clinics at our domestic shelters. In September, HARP hosted a free microchip event to help ensure the safety and security of local pets. Each year, microchips help HARP reunite countless pets with their families.
NHM: Can you share a few success stories?
HARP: Emmie, a one-year-old dog found emaciated in Riverview Park, received vital care from HARP and is now thriving in her forever home with her rescuer. She even met Pittsburgh Steeler Cameron Johnston, who helped share her story with the community.
In March, HARP took in 22 cats from a hoarding situation in Cambria County, where 59 cats were rescued. Many of these cats suffered from severe neglect and health issues. One notable case is Cyprus, who transformed from a terrified animal to a playful pet and is now enjoying life with his new family.
At our Wildlife Rehabilitation Center, we’ve treated several foxes suffering from mange. After intensive care, including hand-feeding and medication, nine foxes were successfully released back into the wild, some reuniting with their siblings.
NHM: How can residents volunteer to help HARP’s mission?
HARP: HARP values the dedication of its volunteers, offering various opportunities at three locations: East Side Shelter, North Side Shelter, and the Wildlife Rehabilitation Center. Each role has specific training and physical requirements, with options for single-day service for groups and businesses.
Fostering is crucial, as thousands of homeless animals enter the shelters each year. Foster families provide essential care to prepare these animals for adoption, allowing individuals to enjoy the experience of pet parenting without long-term commitment.
Donations of supplies are also impactful. Visitors can explore wish lists on our website to contribute essential items or make monetary gifts to support the animals in our care.
Visit the HARP website at humaneanimalrescue.org to learn more.
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