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 $750,000 operating budget annually.
Our major costs are:

• Veterinary care
• Medical supplies
• Kennel supplies
• Spay/Neuter expenses
• Insurance
• Utilities
• Payroll.

Statistics
In 2004, Northampton County SPCA sheltered 3366 pets, of which 2115 were strays.

• 369 were returned to their owners
• 528 dogs were adopted
• 984 cats were adopted
• 30 other pets (rabbits, ferrets, hamsters, guinea pigs, rooster and chicken) were adopted
• 508 investigations were completed of which 69 were cruelty cases resulting in the seizure of the animals

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.

Lost & Found Services
Each year, hundreds of anxious owners visit our shelter, fill out reports, and are soon reunited with their lost pets.

Investigations of Cruelty, Neglect and Abuse
Our trained investigator checks out all reports. We're able to resolve most cases through education and follow-up visits, but when conditions warrant, we prosecute.

Rescue and Emergency Services
We provide round-the-clock, 24/7 rescue and emergency assistance to homeless animals in distress.

Reducing the Tragic Overpopulation of Pets
The sad truth is that there are far more animals than there are loving homes for them. We conduct an ongoing campaign to encourage the neutering of all pets. With the cooperation of local veterinarians, we fund a low-cost pet neutering/spaying program for low income families.

Sadly, as a last resort, we do euthanize animals who are too sick or have aggression issues and cannot safely be placed in a home.

We never euthanize an animal because of lack of space. We do not, under any circumstances, send any animal to laboratories for experimental use.

Humane Education
Through schools and community groups, we teach compassion and respect for all animals, as well as the responsibility of pet ownership, pet care, training, health and the importance of neutering.