about us
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The Erie region has regarded the Humane Society of Northwestern Pennsylvania as caretaker and steward over its companion animals for well over one hundred years. We have a long history of excellent care that has evolved and adapted to community standards and needs. Today, we incorporate the best practices and most advanced working philosophies of the shelter industry. The Humane Society is committed to continual improvement.
The Humane Society is the only open-access shelter in the region. This means, we do not turn away any animals brought to us. Before you bring an animal to our shelter, please visit our Intake Page to get more information on intake fees and agreements.
Northwestern Pennsylvania enjoys the distinction of having one of the finest animal shelters in the nation. Our new animal shelter opened in early 2004; it is a modern, efficient design equipped for increased capacity, improved animal care and customer service.
Our shelter operations are funded solely with the generous support of friends and supporters, as well as revenue generated from adoption and service fees. We are a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization. Our care of the animals–including shelter, feeding, veterinary care, spaying and neutering, vaccinations, grooming, temperament testing, and the cleaning and maintenance of the kennels and all other shelter elements–are entirely self-supported.
A grant from the County of Erie does fund a portion of our Cruelty Investigation Division. The Humane Society maintains a team of cruelty officers to enforce the Pennsylvania Cruelty Laws that prohibits and protects against the abuse, neglect and cruel and inhumane treatment of domesticated animals. Our sworn cruelty investigation officers provide intervention, education and enforcement at great cost savings to law enforcement agencies and the public.
Our Mission
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To provide shelter care and adoption services to find secure, loving homes for unwanted animals.
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To provide a humane alternative for people who can no longer care for their companion animals.
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To provide community education and information promoting responsible pet ownership.
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To prevent the abuse, neglect and cruel treatment of domesticated animals.
Our Facility
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When first entering our shelter, you will come into our front lobby. Employees at the front desk are available to answer any questions you may have. We often have cages set out for the smaller kittens, and the dogs take turns playing behind our front desk (they are really being socialized, but don't tell them)! There are also two private adoption rooms to accommodate intakes and adoptions.
Open to the public, we have 30 dog kennels. All kennels have heated floors when the weather turns cold. Six of those kennels are located in the Small Breed/Puppy room. The other 24 kennels are separated into an East Wing and a West Wing. When the weather is nice, garage doors provide fresh air for the dogs during the day. Each large breed kennel has two adjoining rooms for the dog to walk through, a Kuranda Bed, fresh blankets, toys, food, and a water bowl which refills automatically. The Humane Society property extends back to Walnut Creek, which is great for dog walks! We also have three dog parks, two of which are open to the public. Click Here to check them out!
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For our cats, we have 32 cages in our Cattery Room, and also 6 cages for Millcreek &
Summit strays. Each cage contains a litter box, cat bed or blankets, toys, and food & water bowls. We also have a Cat Lounge room where some of our cat residents are free to roam
and play!
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We also have a retail gift shop located in our front lobby. We sell a variety of items for both dogs and cats including beds, collars, toys, treats, crates, feeding bowls, and other fun accessories. Anything you purchase from our gift shop will help the animals of the Humane Society!
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