April 14 marks the 153rd anniversary of Women’s Animal Center. It was in 1869 that the Animal Sheltering and Adoptions movement began in America when 30 women in Philadelphia joined forces to establish the Women’s Humane Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.
Concerned by the cruel manner in which strays on Philadelphia streets were captured and killed, they successfully petitioned the mayor to take over the municipal pound as their initial order of business, repurposing it as the first facility in the U.S. for sheltering and rehoming animals.
In addition to standing at the first Animal Shelter and Adoptions Program, Women’s Animal Center, now based at 3839 Richlieu Road in Bensalem, also pioneered the nation’s first humane education programs, first free veterinary clinic and first anti-vivisection society.
Although living during an era that constrained their status as second-class citizens with minimal rights, the founders of Women’s Animal Center, led by the courageous and determined Caroline Earle White, used what little voice they had to speak on behalf of the voiceless. The power of their message continues to be told today through the daily life saving work of more than 3,500 animal shelters currently in operation across the country.
It’s estimated that 85 million American households are now shared with pets. Where once cats and dogs roamed the streets destined for a cruel fate in pounds or at the hands of abusers, America is today one of the most impassioned nations of pet lovers on the planet, and where over 3 million cats and dogs were adopted from shelters in 2021 alone.
Women’s Animal Center provides dog training, enrichment programs, behavioral and veterinary resources, youth programming and humane education. Its Veterinary Hospital provides affordable high-quality veterinary care to families in need, allowing more animals to stay in their homes and out of shelters. The hospital is among just 12 percent nationwide to be accredited by the American Animal Hospital Association. All proceeds raised through veterinary service fees support the shelter of surrendered and stray animals under the organization’s care.
Visit womensanimalcenter.org or call 215-750-3100 for more information.
