Animal Welfare

In Washington County, there are more than a dozen Animal Welfare organizations providing support to domestic animals, primarily dogs and cats, and some horses.

Impact

• The Washington Area Humane Society’s 2023 Impact Report shows that over 4,000 animals were directly impacted by their programs, and over 550 animals were provided with lifesaving care.
• On January 21, 2024, an act amending Pennsylvania’s Dog Law was put into effect. These changes require more transparency from dog sellers and changes in licensing fees. - American Kennel Club
• From January 2024 to July 2024, Marie Exotics Reptile Rescue has reported taking in 12 tarantulas, 92 birds, 45 turtles/tortoises, 91 lizards, 102 snakes, 9 gators (7 of which were sent to zoos/sanctuaries), and 12 other small animals.

Strengths

• Pet Food Banks
  
• Strong Social Media Presence
• Success Stories
• PA Dog Law Amendments

Challenges

Funding remains a major issue among animal welfare organizations in Washington County, with private donors the dominant funding source for most organizations. Many organizations are very small, with operating budgets less than $300,000, and in the current inflationary period, are struggling to meet their operating needs. Currently, most organizations do not have the workers or volunteers to provide sufficient care to the growing animal population and the county lacks enough spay/neuter clinics to handle overpopulation.

Properly educating new pet owners on the needs and ongoing costs of caring for their animals has proven to be a challenge, especially for low-income families. The Washington College of Law reports that low-income families are disproportionately isolated from animal care and would provide their pets the proper care if they had the financial means. Of our survey respondents, 46% demonstrated an interest in providing financial and other resources for these families, providing some optimism for animal welfare organizations.

One of the challenges discovered in the focus group is the lack of veterinarians or veterinarian assistants in the county. The Mon Valley Career & Technology Center is addressing this issue with a new Veterinary Science program, which will introduce students to the field and assist them in finding employment opportunities after graduation.

There is a lack of effort to protect wildlife in the county. Other than Animal Control and other state-wide organizations, Washington County has few options when it comes to the safe handling of wildlife. The nearest wildlife rehabilitation center, Wildlife Works, is located in Westmoreland County, and operates a rehabilitation and release program. Wildlife Works also serves surrounding counties, but its small operating budget limits its ability to fully address the need.

Rescued agricultural animals, such as horses and cows, lack the required open space while in the re-homing process. Focus group members expressed a desire for a staging facility to house these animals while receiving treatment or awaiting rehousing. Of survey respondents, 69% expressed an interest in visiting and/or supporting such a facility if it were to be developed.

For complaints regarding stray animals, please contact Washington County Animal Control at 724-746-4344.