Women’s Animal Center is hosting its Spring Open House at the center, 3839 Richlieu Road, Bensalem, on Saturday, April 13, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and celebrating the organization’s 155th anniversary.
The community is invited to learn about Women’s Animal Center’s services, including community programs, pet adoptions, AAHA-accredited veterinary hospital, dog training and more.
The open house, presented by Laurel Hill, will feature fun and educational activity stations, including dog treat decorating for the adoptable shelter pets, themed raffle baskets, Story Tails Read to a Shelter Pet, storytime and book sales/signing with author Ricky Dean, Dog Licensing and Safety courtesy of the Bucks County Treasurer’s Office, Amigurumi by Alonna crochet creations, and event partner Laurel Hill to spotlight their pet services and present a $15,000 partnership contribution in honor of Women’s Animal Center’s 155th anniversary to support the organization’s lifesaving mission for animals in need.
The open house is free to attend. Proceeds raised from the basket raffle fundraiser and author book sales/signing will support safe shelter, nutritious meals and medical care for the shelter pets waiting for their forever homes, and available for adoption at the open house.
This is a people-only event, unless adopting a shelter pet or visiting the veterinary hospital for a scheduled pet appointment.
This year marks the 155th anniversary of the Animal Sheltering and Adoptions movement in America. It began with 30 women led by Caroline Earle White, who formally joined forces on April 14, 1869, in Philadelphia to establish Women’s Humane Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, now called Women’s Animal Center, America’s First Animal Shelter.
Concerned by the cruel way stray animals were captured and killed, the founders 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 as the first Animal Shelter and Adoptions Program, Women’s Animal Center also pioneered the nation’s first humane education programs; first free veterinary clinic; and first anti vivisection society. The founders of Women’s Animal Center, led by White, used what little voice they had to speak on behalf of the voiceless, and this lifesaving work continues today.
Call 215-750-3100 or visit womensanimalcenter.org for more information.
