Alanna Gillis

Staff Writer

amg7393@psu.edu

National Animal Shelter Appreciation Week is November 7-13, 2021. National Animal Shelter Appreciation Week intends to recognize the millions of shelters across the country that care for displaced animals. There are many shelters in Erie that operate under no-kill guidelines. A no-kill shelter is one that will not euthanize healthy or treatable animals. Typically, euthanasia in these shelters is reserved for animals who are terminally ill or those who are deemed dangerous to public safety. 

The Erie Humane Society is a non-profit, no-kill, independent animal shelter local to Erie. According to the Erie Humane Society website, their goal is to “help orphaned, injured, and abused pets by focusing our efforts on rescuing, rehabilitating, and rehoming; keeping them safe, providing shelter, care and nutrition, and helping them lead happy, healthy lives.”

In addition, they consult with professionals in the animal field. According to the website, “We have on-site veterinarians that are in our shelter multiple times each week, and we rely on their professional recommendations. We also have a behavioral specialist on staff, and will consult with certified trainers for behavioral evaluations when we feel necessary.” 

As of November 2021, the Erie Humane Society has facilitated the adoption of 1,277 pets into loving homes. Aside from providing adoption photos, volunteer opportunities, and foster options, the Erie Humane Society also provides other resources that people can use to help animals in their community. These resources include directions to a winter-ready DIY stray cat shelter, an Animal Cruelty hotline to report cruelty, helpful FAQ answers, volunteering options and events that help to raise funds for the shelter..  

The ANNA Shelter is another no-kill, non-profit shelter in Erie. They offer adoptions of dogs, cats, horses, and other critters, as well as per surrender by appointment. They have many upcoming fundraisers that can be viewed on their website. The shelter is “named for Anna – a Shitzu mix that was brought into the local police impound and was scheduled for euthanasia. Our director spotted her and took her in.” 

Orphan Angels Cat Sanctuary and Adoption Agency are a great cat-only shelter. They believe that every cat deserves a chance for a good life. 

“At Orphan Angels, our foster and adoption programs aim to place homeless cats, including those with special needs, FIV, and FeLV, in loving forever homes. We believe that every cat is adoptable; some just require a little more time, patience, and understanding than others to find the perfect match,” reads the mission statement on their website. 

They rely on community donations of many kinds: monetary, supplies, tin cans for recycling, and time. They state that, “If you can’t adopt, there are many ways you can help out your local shelter.” 

Always, but especially this week, it is important to remember that animals deserve safety and respect. There are many things that someone can do to make sure their animals are being cared for properly. The first is simple: do not adopt or foster if the animal will not receive the time and care it needs. Next, make sure that all their hunger and playtime needs are being met. Aside from basic survival needs, animals also require exercise-which can be achieved in the form of play! 

This week, in celebration of National Animal Shelter Appreciation Week, give something back to the community. Whether it be a monetary donation, time, supplies or even just making sure the pets in your life are happy and healthy, National Animal Shelter Appreciation Week deserves to be celebrated.