Tag Archives: animal shelter

The Sacramento SPCA Welcomes Jennifer Brent as the New Chief Executive Officer

SACRAMENTO, Calif., Oct. 17, 2024 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — The Sacramento SPCA announced today the appointment of Jennifer Brent as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective October 14, 2024. Brent joins the Sacramento SPCA with more than 16 years of leadership experience in the nonprofit and animal welfare sectors, serving the past 8 years as Executive Director of The California Wildlife Center (CWC), a Southern California nonprofit dedicated to rescue and rehabilitation of native California animals.

Photo caption: New Sacramento SPCA CEO, Jennifer Brent, pictured with Beau, a dog currently receiving specialized care at the shelter.

Prior to CWC, Brent held executive leadership roles at two private foundations supporting the needs of companion animals through spay/neuter and adoption and served as a Commissioner to the Department of Animal Care and Control for the City of Los Angeles.

“We are thrilled to welcome Jennifer to our lifesaving team,” said Susan Gray, Sacramento SPCA Board President. “She has a proven track record of effective leadership and a deep passion for helping animals and people. We are confident that her vision and expertise will guide us into the next chapter of lifesaving work in our community.”

Brent recently moved from Southern California to take on the leadership role at the Sacramento SPCA, a nationally recognized leader for delivering high-quality, low-cost spay/neuter surgeries, along with adoption, wellness, and outreach programs that positively impact more than 40,000 animals each year.

“I am honored to join the Sacramento SPCA and work alongside such a dedicated team,” said Brent. “I look forward to learning more about the needs of animals and people in Sacramento and building on the strong foundation already in place to save more lives.”

Recognizing the vital role of community engagement in the Sacramento SPCA’s work, Brent is eager to gather insights and build collaborative partnerships that enhance the organization’s lifesaving impact.

As the only full-service 100% nonprofit animal shelter in the Sacramento region, the Sacramento SPCA relies on donations from individuals, businesses, and foundations to support their lifesaving work. They are local, independent, and not affiliated with any other SPCA or humane society, including the ASPCA. All funds stay right here in the Sacramento region – helping animals – and the people who love them – in our own communities.

About the Sacramento SPCA:

Founded in 1892, the Sacramento SPCA has been providing homeless animals with individual comfort, shelter, and love for more than 132 years. They provide compassionate medical care to tens of thousands of animals annually and offer a variety of programs and services designed to keep people and pets together for life.

Visit https://www.sspca.org/ for more information and follow on Facebook, Instagram, Threads, and LinkedIn.

NEWS SOURCE: Sacramento SPCA

This press release was issued on behalf of the news source (Sacramento SPCA), who is solely responsible for its accuracy, by Send2Press Newswire. Image, if any, was provided by the news source and not this website or the wire service. Information is believed accurate, as provided by the news source, but is not guaranteed.

To view the original story, visit: https://www.send2press.com/wire/the-sacramento-spca-welcomes-jennifer-brent-as-the-new-chief-executive-officer/

National Nonprofit Petco Love Invests in Sacramento SPCA to Save and Improve the Lives of Pets in the Sacramento Region

SACRAMENTO, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- The Sacramento SPCA was awarded a $15,000 grant investment from national nonprofit Petco Love in support of their lifesaving work for animals in the Sacramento region.

Over the past several years, there has been an increase in pets entering the Sacramento SPCA's care with preexisting behavior challenges. To meet the needs of every pet and ensure they are adopted as quickly as possible, the Sacramento SPCA's Behavior and Adoptions Teams developed new programs to provide these pets with the extra support they need while in the shelter and resources they can go home with as they adjust to life with their new families.

Thanks to the lifesaving investment from Petco Love, both dogs and cats needing extra behavior support will benefit from these new programs. Funds will purchase materials for their in-shelter enrichment as well as items for an "Adoption Success Kit" that will go home with them when they are adopted.

"We are incredibly grateful for Petco Love's continued investment in our lifesaving work," said Sarah Haney, Interim Chief Executive Officer. "Their partnership will allow us to provide customized care for pets needing extra behavior support. With this initiative, the Sacramento SPCA can continue to be a resource for adopters in our community, reduce the number of pets returned to our care for behavioral reasons, and keep as many families together as possible."

Petco Love is a national nonprofit leading change for pets by harnessing the power of love to make communities and pet families closer, stronger, and healthier. Since its founding in 1999, Petco Love has invested nearly $400 million in adoption and other lifesaving efforts. And Petco Love helps find loving homes for pets in partnership with Petco and more than 4,000 organizations - like ours - across North America, with 6.8 million pets adopted and counting.

"Our investment in the Sacramento SPCA is part of more than $15M in investments recently announced by Petco Love to power local organizations across the country as part of our commitment to create a future in which no pet is unnecessarily euthanized," said Susanne Kogut, president of Petco Love. "Our local investments are only part of our strategy to empower animal lovers to drive lifesaving change right alongside us. We launched Petco Love Lost, a national lost and found database that uses patented image-recognition technology to simplify the search for lost pets."

As the only full-service 100% nonprofit animal shelter in the Sacramento region, the Sacramento SPCA relies on donations from individuals, businesses, and foundations to support their lifesaving work. They are local, independent, and not affiliated with any other SPCA or humane society, including the ASPCA. All funds stay right here in the Sacramento region - helping pets - and the people who love them - in our own communities.

For more information about the Sacramento SPCA visit https://www.sspca.org/.

Learn more about Petco Love here: https://petcolove.org/.

About the Sacramento SPCA:

Founded in 1892, the Sacramento SPCA has been providing homeless animals with individual comfort, shelter, and love for more than 132 years. They provide compassionate medical care to tens of thousands of animals annually and offer a variety of programs and services designed to keep people and pets together for life. Visit sspca.org/ for more information and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Threads, and LinkedIn.

About Petco Love:

Petco Love is a life-changing nonprofit organization that makes communities and pet families closer, stronger, and healthier. Since our founding in 1999 as the Petco Foundation, we've empowered animal welfare organizations by investing nearly $400 million in adoption and other lifesaving efforts. We've helped find loving homes for more than 6.8 million pets in partnership with Petco and organizations nationwide. Our love for pets drives us to lead with innovation, creating tools animal lovers need to reunite lost pets, and lead with passion, inspiring and mobilizing communities and our more than 4,000 animal welfare partners to drive lifesaving change alongside us. Is love calling you? Join us. Visit PetcoLove.org or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, X, Threads, and LinkedIn to be part of the lifesaving work we lead every day.

MULTIMEDIA:

Image link for media: https://www.Send2Press.com/300dpi/24-0718-s2p-sacspca-300dpi.jpg

Photo Caption: Staff from the Sacramento SPCA gather with pets and the Adoption Success Kits they will take home in the shelter's Adoption Center.

The Sacramento SPCA was awarded a $15,000 grant investment from national nonprofit Petco Love in support of their lifesaving work for animals in the Sacramento region.

Related link: https://www.sspca.org/

Senior Dogs at Sacramento SPCA Fetch Grant

SACRAMENTO, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- Old dogs have something to wag about this summer, as The Grey Muzzle Organization announces the recipients of its annual grants, and dogs at the Sacramento SPCA are among the winners. The Sacramento SPCA is one of 90 animal welfare groups chosen from 370 applicants to receive a grant to help local senior dogs. The winning groups received $848,000 in grants to help save or improve the lives of at-risk old dogs in their communities.

"This grant will help us give senior dogs like 13-year-old Roxie the veterinary care they need to live happy and healthy lives with loving families," said Dawn Foster, Sacramento SPCA Director of Marketing & Communications. "No one is more grateful or loving than an old dog, and we're looking forward to helping more senior dogs get the second chance they all deserve."

Over the past 15 years, the national nonprofit Grey Muzzle Organization has provided more than $4.6 million in grants to support its vision of "a world where no old dog dies alone and afraid."

"Thanks to the generosity of our donors, we're delighted to help deserving organizations like the Sacramento SPCA make a difference in the lives of dogs and people in their communities," Grey Muzzle's Executive Director Lisa Lunghofer said. "Many senior dogs in the Sacramento region are enjoying their golden years in loving homes thanks to the wonderful work of the Sacramento SPCA."

As the only full-service 100% nonprofit animal shelter in the Sacramento region, the Sacramento SPCA relies on donations from individuals, businesses, and foundations to support their lifesaving work. They are local, independent, and not affiliated with any other SPCA or humane society, including the ASPCA. All funds stay right here in the Sacramento region - helping animals - and the people who love them - in our own communities.

For more information about the Sacramento SPCA visit https://www.sspca.org/.

Learn more about The Grey Muzzle Organization here: https://www.greymuzzle.org/.

About the Sacramento SPCA:

Founded in 1892, the Sacramento SPCA has been providing homeless animals with individual comfort, shelter, and love for more than 131 years. They provide compassionate medical care to tens of thousands of animals annually and offer a variety of programs and services designed to keep people and pets together for life. Visit sspca.org for more information and follow on Facebook, Instagram, X (Twitter) and LinkedIn.

About The Grey Muzzle Organization:

The national nonprofit The Grey Muzzle Organization improves the lives of at-risk senior dogs by providing funding and resources to animal shelters, rescue organizations, sanctuaries, and other nonprofit groups nationwide. For details, please visit https://www.greymuzzle.org/.

Old dogs have something to wag about this summer, as The Grey Muzzle Organization announces the recipients of its annual grants, and dogs at the Sacramento SPCA are among the winners. The Sacramento SPCA is one of 90 animal welfare groups chosen from 370 applicants to receive a grant to help local senior dogs.

Related link: https://www.sspca.org/

Doggy Dashing on June 27 – Walking Together to Save Lives

SACRAMENTO, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- The Sacramento SPCA is hosting their annual Doggy Dash this Saturday, June 27, 2020 - and this year is sure to offer more than just another walk in the park.

Now celebrating its 27th anniversary, the Doggy Dash has grown into Northern California's largest 2K/5K dog walk and pet festival - with a goal this year to raise $185,000 in registrations and donations to support the lifesaving programs that help animals and the people who love them in the Sacramento region. Donations from last year's Doggy Dash helped the Sacramento SPCA provide direct care to more than 35,000 animals in 2019.

With restrictions placed on large groups events due to the COVID-19 health crisis, the Sacramento SPCA shifted its largest community event and fundraiser of the year from a gathering at Sacramento's iconic William Land Park to a virtual experience.

"Just because we can't walk side by side, doesn't mean we can't still walk together to save lives," said Dawn Foster, Sacramento SPCA Marketing and Communications Director.

An estimated 5,000 animal lovers usually gather at William Land Park for this special event each year, with and without their canine companions - to raise funds for animals at the Sacramento SPCA and enjoy pet-friendly vendors, demonstrations, contests, food trucks, beer garden, local entertainment and more!

"During these challenging times, when other shelters have closed their doors and cancelled events, the Sacramento SPCA has found ways to adapt and continue saying 'yes' to the community's animals and the people who love them," said Foster. "Saving lives isn't cancelled - and neither is the Doggy Dash."

Pet enthusiasts living far and wide are encouraged to join the Sacramento SPCA on June 27, 2020 from their neighborhoods, parks and trails for the 2k/5k walk and also connect online to share photos and enjoy the event's live broadcast and pet festival.

For the first time in the Doggy Dash's 27-year history, participation will not be limited by one's zip code. "By participating in our own communities, people and dogs who would not normally be able to participate at William Land Park, can now do so," added Foster.

The virtual event will be kicked off LIVE on the shelter's Facebook page at 9 a.m.; participants will hear from the Sacramento SPCA's CEO, Kenn Altine, meet adoptable animals, say hello to some very special community partners, learn more about how the Sacramento SPCA has continued to save lives during the shelter-in-place and witness a very special kick-off to the 2K/5K walk.

Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/SacSPCA/

Doggy Dashers are encouraged to share photos and video of them and their dogs walking and participating in the event's activities throughout the day using the hashtag #dashreleashed.

As the only full-service 100% non-profit animal shelter in the Sacramento region, the Sacramento SPCA relies on donations from individuals, businesses and foundations to support their work. They are local, independent, and do not receive funding from state or local government agencies.

Supporting this year's Virtual Doggy Dash by walking, sharing or donating will help Sacramento SPCA continue to give more than shelter to the animals who need it most.

To register for the event or donate to help animals in need, visit http://www.sspca.org/dash.

About the Sacramento SPCA:

Founded in 1892, the Sacramento SPCA has been providing homeless animals with individual comfort, shelter, and love for more than 128 years. They provide compassionate medical care to tens of thousands of animals annually and offer a variety of programs and services designed to keep people and pets together for life.

Learn more:
* https://www.sspca.org/dash
* https://www.facebook.com/SacSPCA/
* https://www.instagram.com/sacramento_spca/
* https://www.twitter.com/SacramentoSPCA

MEDIA CONTACT:
Dawn Foster, Sacramento SPCA Marketing & Communications Director dfoster@sspca.org or (916) 802-0915

*PHOTO link for media: https://www.Send2Press.com/300dpi/20-0626s2p-sspca-doggydash-300dpi.jpg
*Photo caption: Participants enjoy event festivities to benefit animals in need during the 2019 Doggy Dash.

The Sacramento SPCA is hosting their annual Doggy Dash this Saturday, June 27, 2020 - and this year is sure to offer more than just another walk in the park. Now celebrating its 27th anniversary, the Doggy Dash has grown into Northern California's largest 2K/5K dog walk and pet festival.

Related link: https://www.sspca.org/

Sacramento SPCA – Giving More Than Shelter – Need for lifesaving work is surging during COVID-19 crisis

SACRAMENTO, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- The Sacramento SPCA announced today that demand for its COVID-related services is surging in May despite an anticipated decrease based on federal stimulus and unemployment payments to Sacramento area residents. The increase in need comes at a time when the organization is preparing to expand programs, including adoptions, as part of the area's re-opening plans.

"Instead of seeing a decrease as people's financial stability was bolstered by the stimulus plans, we are actually seeing a dramatic increase in need for our community's animals so far this month," said Sacramento SPCA CEO, Kenn Altine.

"The amount of free pet food being distributed at our twice-weekly drive-through panty is up 50% in the past two weeks, the number of animals we have placed foster homes has increased 84% since the lockdown was put in place, and the number of calls for people who need help with a sick or injured stray has continued to rise," said Altine.

While the Sacramento SPCA had to adjust their operations due to mandates surrounding COVID-19 in late March, the shelter continues to provide lifesaving care and support to animals at the shelter, hundreds of more animals in foster homes and those still arriving at their doors in crisis.

"As the only shelter in the region offering pet owners a place to take their beloved animals when they have nowhere else to turn; regardless of age, breed, health condition or behavior - closing our doors completely was never a consideration," said Altine. "From March 20 to April 30, the Sacramento SPCA took in 164 animals in crisis and treated more than 20 animals requiring emergency medical care."

Animals like Miss Chonk, who arrived to the Sacramento SPCA as a stray with pyometra, a serious and life-threatening infection. She also had a skin and ear infections as well as problems with her eyes. The shelter's medical team jumped into action to help the sweet girl - she received an emergency spay surgery and medication for her skin, ears and eyes and is now on her way to recovery.

When the shelter in place orders were first issued, the shelter teams worked diligently to find temporary foster homes for as many animals in the shelter as possible so they could focus on the urgent and emergent needs of the community, including animals requiring emergency medical attention.

The shelter reached out to recruit foster families just days before the County order to stay home was issued and in a matter of days, 800 community members volunteered to help. Since March 19, more than 260 animals have been placed in foster homes.

A positive side effect of people being at home is that many of the families fostering animals for the Sacramento SPCA have bonded closely with the animals and expressed interest in adopting. As of May 1, more than 40 animals have been adopted or are in the process of adoption by their foster families.

Because the shelter recognized that many of the people who use their low-cost vaccine clinic had animals at the beginning or half-way through a series of needed shots (canine influenza, distemper, parvo, etc.), they reached out to families and created a way for them to come in for the vital vaccinations while protecting their health and the health of the shelter staff. As a result, more than 500 vaccinations were administered to 376 animals (including booster vaccines for 263 puppies under seven months of age).

In addition to adapting their current programs, the Sacramento SPCA also launched a free pet food pantry to help keep pets and their people stay together and support those who could no longer afford to buy pet food. The twice-weekly drive-through #PAWPantry takes place at the Sacramento SPCA located at 6201 Florin Perkins Road in Sacramento from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. every Tuesday and Friday. As of May 1, more than 900 families have visited the pantry and received more than 12,000 pounds of free pet food.

"As we watched the flood of layoffs wash over our region, we laid the plans for a drive-through pet food distribution to ensure that no one had to contemplate surrendering a pet because they couldn't afford or access food," said Altine. "This resource has been a lifeline for pet owners who weren't sure how they would buy food for their pets, especially as many are still waiting for income assistance."

But what started as a temporary relief program for area residents is now likely to become a long-term program at the Sacramento SPCA. "We thought the need would decrease as the stimulus packages came on line," said Altine, "but the opposite has happened."

Plans for Re-opening

While the Sacramento SPCA has had to restrict the number of people at the shelter, their lifesaving work has continued as an essential community organization. And with Governor Newsom's four-stage plan for how the state can ease stay at home restrictions in the coming months, the shelter is already planning to expand public access to programs in the coming weeks.

"Expanding access to lifesaving programs while maintaining the health and safety of the community and our staff is our highest priority," says Altine. "Our teams will be leaning heavily on technology to expand access through appointment-based processes for pet adoption, low-cost vaccinations, animal support and spay and neuter services."

How Can the Community Help

As the only full-service 100% non-profit animal shelter in the Sacramento region, the Sacramento SPCA relies on donations from individuals, businesses and foundations to support their work. They are local, independent, and do not receive funding from state or local government agencies.

With the Big Day of Giving on May 7, the Sacramento region's 24-hour giving campaign to support local nonprofits - the Sacramento SPCA is asking for monetary donations to ensure that they can continue to support animals and people whenever and however needed. Learn more: https://www.bigdayofgiving.org/SacSPCA

Donations can be made online or by mail to: Sacramento SPCA, 6201 Florin Perkins Road, Sacramento, CA 95828.

Founded in 1892, the Sacramento SPCA has been providing homeless animals with individual comfort, shelter, and love for more than 128 years. They provide compassionate medical care to tens of thousands of animals annually and offer a variety of programs and services designed to keep people and pets together for life.

Learn more and follow:
* https://www.sspca.org
* https://www.facebook.com/SacSPCA/
* https://www.instagram.com/sacramento_spca/
* https://www.twitter.com/SacramentoSPCA

MEDIA CONTACT:
Dawn Foster, Sacramento SPCA Marketing & Communications Director dfoster@sspca.org or (916) 802-0915.

*PHOTO link for media: https://www.Send2Press.com/300dpi/20-0506s2p-sacspca-mschonk-300dpi.jpg
*Photo caption: Pictured, Miss Chonk recovers at the Sacramento SPCA following her lifesaving surgery.

The Sacramento SPCA announced today that demand for its COVID-related services is surging in May despite an anticipated decrease based on federal stimulus and unemployment payments to Sacramento area residents. The increase in need comes at a time when the organization is preparing to expand programs, including adoptions, as part of the area's re-opening plans.

Related link: https://www.sspca.org/

New Cat Cafe Combines Cats and Coffee – What’s Not to Like?

ST. AUGUSTINE, Fla. /ScoopCloud/ -- Small Lives Matter Kitten Rescue Inc., a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization specializing in saving sick and orphaned kittens, announces that they are partnering with Whiskers Cafe, LLC and Bold Bean Coffee Roasters to open Frisky Cat Cafe at 1092 S. Ponce De Leon Blvd. in St. Augustine, Florida. It's a first-of-its-kind cat cafe, combining a coffee beverage cafe with a cat lounge.

After forming the nonprofit kitten rescue in lighting speed from May to August 2019, this small, foster-based rescue surpassed all its goals, nearing 2,500 Facebook followers and saving 103 cats and kittens, in just four short months of operation.

"We're so excited to have this cool new venue," Carla Forrest, founder Small Lives Matter, says. "We hope the community embraces it as much as we think they will."

Frisky Cat Cafe is a unique service business that combines a coffee beverage cafe with a cat lounge where patrons can visit with cats whiling drinking their favorite beverage. People are encouraged to pick a day and time to visit with and play with the adoptable kitties in Frisky's Cat Lounge. People can visit for an hour or attend one of the specialty classes - Cats and Yoga or Kitten Palooza. There are a variety of different experiences from which to choose.

This new local, St. Augustine cafe will offer a variety of coffee beverages and bakery items. The coffee beverage cafe is a completely separate space from the cat lounge and all food is prepared off-site and packaged by The Knead Bakery.

The newly remodeled space is clean and chic. Furry friends, Nordic styles, comfy velvet furniture, luxe pillows, floor futons and coffee tables all add to the relaxing and inviting vibe.

"Our cafe cats are skilled furry therapists. Our customers meet, play, relax and cuddle with highly social, 'pawsome' cat residents and adoptable rescue cats by purchasing a cat experience," Forrest says.

The cat experiences fund the cafe's cozy environment and offer a unique therapeutic experience for cat lovers while sustaining a stimulating and comfortable home for lovable homeless cats until they are adopted. Proceeds from adoptions goes to Small Lives Matter Rescue to help fund their mission to save underage kittens and unwanted adult cats whose lives are ending at local shelters.

About Frisky Cat Cafe

Scheduled to open in February 2020, the Frisky Cat cafe is a cat lounge plus a cafe where great coffee and a fun and entertaining environment is created for its customers and cat residents.

Visit: https://www.friskycatcafe.com/

About Small Lives Matter Kitten Rescue Inc.

Small Lives Matter Kitten Rescue is committed to saving and finding homes for thousands of vulnerable kitten orphans that will die without their life-saving intervention. The nonprofit advocates education for sterilization and surrender prevention to end the kitten cycle. Their rescue is devoted to homeless kittens and providing the love and care they deserve.

Visit: https://www.thekittenrescue.org/

Watch a YouTube video:
https://youtu.be/BJh6elppj6I

MEDIA CONTACT:
Carla Forrest
of Frisky Cat Cafe
+1-904-923-7796
carlaforrest@thekittenrescue.org

Small Lives Matter Kitten Rescue Inc., a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization specializing in saving sick and orphaned kittens, announces that they are partnering with Whiskers Cafe, LLC and Bold Bean Coffee Roasters to open Frisky Cat Cafe at 1092 S. Ponce De Leon Blvd. in St. Augustine, Florida. It's a first-of-its-kind cat cafe, combining a coffee beverage cafe with a cat lounge.

Related link: https://www.friskycatcafe.com/

ACCT Philly Hires New Executive Director and Announces Additional Updates at the Shelter

PHILADELPHIA, Pa. /ScoopCloud/ -- The Animal Care and Control Team of Philadelphia (ACCT Philly) Board of Directors today announced Aurora Velazquez as the new Executive Director of the City's animal shelter. Velazquez will begin her new role on November 4, 2019.

Velazquez comes from the Animal Care Centers of NYC, most recently serving as the organization's Chief Operating Officer. Throughout her tenure, she spearheaded the organization's focus on surrender prevention and community-oriented services. She also played a key role in developing and driving programs which resulted in a 25 percent reduction in intake of cats and dogs since 2014 and huge strides in lifesaving, achieving a placement rate of 92.5 percent in 2018-ACC of NYC's highest ever.

Prior to joining the ACC of NYC in 2011, Velazquez mentored agencies around the country on the operational aspects of establishing high quality, high volume spay/neuter clinics, including staff management, policy development and metrics analysis. She brings more than 15 years of experience in animal sheltering operations including management, operational and leadership expertise.

"ACCT has faced significant challenges for many years. With an intake of more than 18,000 animals annually, a tight budget and aging building, finding the right leader to take ACCT to the next level was a daunting task," said Marsha Perelman, chair of the Search Committee and a member of ACCT's Board of Directors since late 2018. "There are many improvements that are planned for or in progress at ACCT, and I'm thrilled that someone with Aurora's experience and leadership skills will oversee the implementation of them. Having an executive director with Aurora's knowledge and experience is a huge win for the animals, for the organization and for the city."

"I'm tremendously honored to have been selected for such an important role, at such a pivotal time," said Velazquez. "I'm eager to get in there, learn from the ACCT team, and work with the community to help realize all the potential this organization has, so we may better serve the animals and people of Philadelphia."

The organization also announced earlier today the successful completion of a two-day intensive training by national shelter medicine experts aimed at facilitating the implementation of new procedures that will improve shelter operations, reduce the length of stay for its animals, and ensure that animals in its care receive top-level care and compassion. In addition, ACCT recently broke ground on the construction of a new welcome center, funded by a generous grant from the Petco Foundation.

This comes on the heels of the news that the City's Vector Services, currently sharing the West Hunting Park facility, will be relocated and ACCT will be able to utilize an additional 9,000 square feet in the facility in late winter. As part of ongoing improvement, the organization will also replace its outdated kennels and the drainage system in early 2020.

As the Executive Director of ACCT Philly, Velazquez will oversee these improvements to the city's only open admission shelter and will work with life-saving, medical and adoptions staff and community partners to continue to strengthen the organization and help Philadelphia's homeless pets.

Learn more at: http://www.acctphilly.org/

The Animal Care and Control Team of Philadelphia (ACCT Philly) Board of Directors today announced Aurora Velazquez as the new Executive Director of the City's animal shelter. Velazquez will begin her new role on November 4, 2019.

Related link: http://www.acctphilly.org/