Formed in 1913, The Center for Animal Health and Welfare (formerly the Northampton County SPCA) is a private organization. We are not affiliated with any other SPCA or ASPCA. We are not a government agency, but are a non-profit organization with a 501c3 status.
In 2003 we committed ourselves to saving lives and became a no-kill shelter. We are dedicated to providing a safe and healthy environment for animals. We have improved our foster program, increased adoptions and offer a low-cost spay/neuter program.
Fund raising, donations and bequests make up 90% of our income and we apply for many grants. Adoption fees, relinquishment fees, memberships and agreements with some of the local municipalities, to take in their strays, generate the rest of our revenue. Although we greatly appreciate the help from the municipalities that do support us, not all do. Northampton County contributes about $5,000.
Financials
We are responsible for a $900,000 operating budget annually.
Our major costs are:
Veterinary care
Medical supplies
Kennel supplies
Spay/Neuter expenses
Insurance
Utilities
Payroll.
Adoption
We make every effort to find loving homes for these scared and lonely pets. We do not set a fixed time limit on animals, but keep them for as long as they remain adoptable.
Upon visitation, all potential adopters are asked to fill out a "Meet your Match" form by answering 8 simple questions for either a cat, dog or both, depending on what type of new family member is ideal. This program helps staff match adopters with animals that best meet what would be the best fit for their household based on activity level, special needs and any personal restrictions. After the questionnaire is complete, each potential adopter will have the opportunity to work with a staff member to meet matches in the hopes of finding their "Perfect Match".
Once an individual has been matched, an application is filled out to apply for that specific animal. CAHW's application consists of a simple double-sided page that asks for information regarding landlords, veterinarian information for animals currently in the home, 2 references that are non-related to the adopter, as well as a handful of multiple choice questions regarding who/what the new animal needs to get along with and what circumstances would the adopter need to return the animal, if any. The Center for Animal Health and Welfare does not typically do same day adoptions, but ideally applications are completed within 72 hours. We ask that the adopter inform their landlord, Vet, and references that we will be reaching out and to expect our call.
Once an application is completed and approved, the adopter can schedule an appointment to pickup the animal within 72 hours of approval. CAHW does not hold animals due to the increase need for intakes and since being a no-kill shelter, we can only take in as many animals as are adopted out.
Upon pickup, the adopter will receive all the medical information that the pet has received while in the care of CAHW including any blood work that has been completed. Each animal has the following upon adoption, unless otherwise advised by our veterinarian: spay/neuter, microchip, felv/fiv or 4DX test, up-to-date on vaccines (Rabies, Bordetella, Distemper), and up-to-date on dewormers and flea treatment. Each adoption includes a contract that must be signed by the new owners that states they are taking on the care of the animal including any medical and that they have 90 days to return the animal.
Adoption fees range per kind of animal; however typically cats range from $25 - $200 depending on age and breed, while dogs range from $50 - $300 depending on age, size, and breed.
