This week I wanted to take time to discuss how important and amazing the Brandywine Valley SPCA centers are. They have three different centers: West Chester (PA), New Castle and Georgetown, DE. The centers were founded in 1929 and are Pennsylvania’s first NO KILL shelters! Their sole purpose is to end the suffering of animals and promote their well-being.
Adoption:
At the SPCA, they make the process of adopting an animal very easy and full of love. According to their site, about 13,000 animals enter their facilities a year in hopes of finding a home. They have an Adoption Application that is easy to fill out and helps the center to find an animal that fits what you want. Then, they have adoption counselors that are able to walk you through the entire process. Entering a shelter for the first time can be overwhelming and it is helpful to talk through what to consider. Sometimes persons who work all day want to adopt a 6 month old puppy that needs constant care that they are not able to give. The counselors give you their expertise when adopting an animals. The number one thing that the center recommends when you adopt an animals into a family is to meet with the pet being considered because they will become a member of your family. Also, be mindful of lifestyle according to the dog or cat that you will bring home.
To adopt an animal you must be 18 years of age and obtain a valid Drivers License. When coming to adopt an animal you must have the appropriate carrying equipment such as a grate, carrying case or leash. Fees vary per pet.
Events
Another awesome aspect of this shelter is all the events they organize! Each spring the SPCA holds a 5K run called Walk for Paws. It is their 31st annual run which is incredible. So far about $31,000 has been raised for the shelter and their goal is $100,000! There is the walk/run in the morning and a pet costume in the afternoon! It is an all day event.
My favorite event that the shelter holds is Dollar Dogs. It is when the shelter offers adult dogs for $1 to finally go to a home. This hits home with me because we adopted by dog Daisy when she was a bit older and she was not wanted by anyone else. Thank goodness we got her! It is in April ending on the 22 so if you are interested in adopting please consider an adult dog. As I posted last week, adult dogs already have their personality in place and will not change. Also, they are so cute and will love you so so much.
Finally, the SPCA has an enormous volunteer program. You can volunteer into the administration or the counselor fields. The shelter only asks if you volunteer 4 hours a month and attends a community event every 2 months. You must be 16 years or older to do this. They also run a animal foster program that allows the animals to go home for a little while and possibly return to the shelter with new training techniques.
The SPCA is incredible so please check out their website!!