Animals pat life

Today marks exactly 75 years since Animal Friends began serving the pets and people of the Pittsburgh region! In 1943, a small group of citizens made it their mission to find homes for soldiers’ pets when they left to serve in the war. Our founders took a name that clearly articulated their mission: to serve as friends to unwanted animals. And three quarters of a century later, it’s truly been an incredible journey. Starting in a rented out room in the bottom of the William Penn Hotel, our organization has grown into a bustling, 75-acre campus. Although Animal Friends has accomplished feats in the last 75 years that were nothing short of incredible, we never realized that it would grow into such a visionary, progressive organization that is never satisfied with the status quo. Before no-kill became a movement, our founders had a vision that no animal would ever be unnecessarily euthanized at Animal Friends. And, we remain committed to that premise to this day. We’re constantly str...

Before making her way to Animal Friends, a very pregnant Janis narrowly made it out of a small shelter in Kentucky. Because they were at capacity, they made temporary outdoor kennels for their resident dogs, including Janis. But just as quickly as the shelter had creatively made more space, a forthcoming winter storm was all it took to undo their hard work. And then, it went from bad to worse. Janis had given birth … growing their problem 11-fold. They needed help – and fast. The shelter reached out to a rescue group in our region that transports animals in crisis to partner organizations. That organization then contacted us to see if we could take in Janis and her puppies. We, of course, agreed. And so, Janis with her 11 puppies in tow came to Animal Friends. They immediately went into a loving foster home. Janis was the perfect pet. Her foster family quickly decided that she would become a permanent member of theirs, once her puppies were ready to find homes. But sometimes, things do...