The Pennsylvania Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (PSPCA) has been serving the city of Philadelphia for since 1968. The PSPCA is a shelter, located at 350 East Erie Avenue, that feeds and cares for homeless or unwanted animals. They provide low cost veterinary care for companion animals, adoption for homeless animals and spray and neuter to prevent unwanted births.
The PSPCA has served its community well. According to Ross DiBartelo, a life saving counselor at the PSPCA, about a couple thousand animals could get adopted each year.
“Monthly we try to hit a couple hundred. In the winter, storms threw us back a little bit,” said DiBartelo
There are ways that the community can serve the PSPCA. This nonprofit organization accepts donations, such as blankets for their animals to lay on, cat and dog toys and treats, newspaper and peanut butter.
Allyson Wurst, the director of humane education for the PSPCA, explained various aspects of operations.
“We make treats for the dogs,” said Wurst, adding that they use peanut butter, oats and cinnamon.
There are numerous opportunities for people to get involved. Volunteering or becoming a foster parent are two great example. Volunteers, like Chaz Lopez, get trained on how to handle cats and dogs. They take the animals for walks, feed them and shower them with a lot of affection.
Wurst has revived the outreach program at the PSPCA. She goes out to schools, camps and senior citizens homes to teach the public about animal handling. Groups can also come to the facility to get a tour and get up close and personal with some furry friends.
There is always something going on at the PSPCA. There are plenty of reasons and opportunities for the community to lend a helping with an organization that has been serving them for nearly 50 years.
-Text, images and video by Leslie Smith
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