The Humane League of Lancaster County Announces the Supporting Animals & Families in Emergencies – SAFE Haven Program As the month of September comes to an end, so too does National Disaster Preparedness Month. The Humane League of Lancaster County knows that in spite of good intentions to prepare for an emergency, unfortunate events can occur to anyone at any time which may prevent a responsible and loving pet owner from being able to temporarily care for their pet. As such, the Humane League of Lancaster County announces the launch of its Supporting Animals & Families in Emergencies, or SAFE Haven program, which allows the pet owner a respite from caring for their pet after an emergency, free of charge for up to thirty days, in an effort to assist them in getting back on their feet. “By providing this service, it often means the difference between a family having to give up their pet to an animal shelter for adoption or being with the family once the crisis is over,” stated Karel Minor, President & CEO of Humane Pennsylvania, the Humane League of Lancaster County’s parent organization, “It brings me and the staff great joy knowing that we not only prevented a pet from being given away or surrendered, but that we were also able to help a family in their time of need.” SAFE Haven was originally implemented at the Humane Society of Berks County as a way to help victims of domestic violence flee their abusers by providing foster care to pets who could not be taken into domestic violence shelters. The program has since expanded and now includes those effected by personal catastrophe such as a fire or flood, patients requiring a stay at a hospital or rehab facility with a prognosis for recovery and military personnel on temporary assignment or relocation, among others. “Since the Humane League and the Humane Society of Berks officially merged at the end of last year, we’ve been really excited to bring and expand some of our programs in Lancaster,” stated Minor. SAFE Haven provides temporary housing either at Humane Pennsylvania’s animal shelter network, the largest in Pennsylvania, or by a network of dedicated pet foster homes. In addition to shelter, pets receive food, pet supplies, and basic vaccinations and medical care all at no cost to the pet’s owner. Those requiring SAFE Haven services are generally referred by emergency management agencies, government health and welfare agencies, domestic violence centers, or hospitals. The program has been recognized as a “Government Innovation” program by Harvard’s John F. Kennedy School of Government. Any organization wishing to partner with SAFE Haven or any individual with any questions, should contact the Humane League of Lancaster County at (717) 393-6551.
Posted on: Wed, 01 Oct 2014 18:00:00 +0000
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