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For nearly 80 years, Animal Friends has served as a center of hope and healing for homeless animals in Pittsburgh and the surrounding region. Since the organization’s founding in 1943, Animal Friends has supported millions of pets and people and has grown from “the shelter in the Strip District” to a full-service companion animal resource community located on a 75-acre campus in Ohio Township, just north of downtown Pittsburgh.

Each day, Animal Friends provides rescue, rehabilitation and rehoming for pets in crisis, a diverse collection of educational, therapeutic and outreach programs, and pet retention resources for people who love their pets but have fallen on hard times and are struggling to give them the care they need.

Simply put, Animal Friends is saving lives ... and so much more.

At the forefront of Animal Friends’ lifesaving work is a vision of a humane and compassionate future for every animal friend –two-and four-legged alike. This vision is about so much more than providing adoption services for homeless animals.

Outreach Programs

Animal Friends’ approach to supporting the pets and people of the region has long been rooted in promoting the animal-human bond through outreach, education, and therapeutic programs. These programs include Humane Education opportunities that engage the next generation of animal lovers; Therapets certified pet therapy teams that offer compassionate support to those in need; Animal Friends for Veterans which continues the organization’s longstanding commitment to the brave individuals of our military; and more.

Pet Retention

The best place for a pet to be is in the comfort of a home with a family to call their own. That’s why Animal Friends believes in a holistic approach to pet retention that helps to keep companion animals out of shelters and in loving homes where they belong. Through initiatives like Friends for Life and the Chow Wagon Pet Food Bank, Animal Friends eliminates barriers and provides a safety net for struggling pet owners. And, by offering low-cost spay/neuter, vaccines, wellness, and specialized procedures at their Animal Wellness Center, they are making veterinary care affordable and accessible for more pet owners.

Lifesaving Operations

Each year, Animal Friends cares for thousands of animals in crisis who have nowhere else to turn. Their Humane Society Police Officers investigate reports from the community and offer safe haven to animals who are victims of abuse, cruelty and neglect. Animal Friends also partners with organizations on a local, regional and national level to give second chances through transport initiatives. Animal Friends also serves as a resource for pet owners who have no choice but to surrender their beloved pets due to circumstances beyond their control. With experienced and credentialed medical and behavioral staff, each dog, cat, and rabbit who comes through the doors receives individualized care and support to set them up for success.

The animals need you now.

This lifesaving work cannot continue without your support. You can help Animal Friends continue its commitment to the pets and people of our community who are in the greatest need of support. Please consider making a life-changing donation to Animal Friends at ThinkingOutsideTheCage.org.

Your gift will save lives ...and so much more. Donate here.

STORY AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY ANIMAL FRIENDS