Humane Pennsylvania, the region’s largest partnership of animal welfare organizations, reached a new milestone last year, achieving an 85 percent live-release rate for cats, a 98 percent live-release rate for dogs and a 100 percent live-release rate for other animals. The national benchmark for being considered a no-kill shelter is a 90 percent save-rate.

“This success is a credit to the dedication and hard work of our incredible staff and volunteers,” says Chief Operating Officer Damon March, adding that Humane Pennsylvania’s leadership and the care provided by the Humane Veterinary Hospitals of Lancaster and Reading are also factors in the accomplishment.

“When I started in animal welfare 20 years ago, thousands more animals died in shelters each year right here in Pennsylvania,” explains President and Chief Executive Officer Karel Minor. “Ninety percent plus save-rates were a fantasy then. In 2014, we showed that by working together, we can make them a reality.” Humane Pennsylvania was created in January 2014 as a merger between the Humane Society Berks County and the Humane League of Lancaster County.

For more information, visit HumanePA.org.