Spring offers a chance for warmth, growth, and new beginnings. Humane Pennsylvania (HPA) is offering that same chance by hosting a three-day fee-waived adoption event, generously sponsored by A.J. Himmelsbach, NP (Dermatology), who works for DermDox Dermatology Centers in Wyomissing, PA. From Friday, March 31st until Sunday, April 2nd, ALL dogs, cats, and critters at the Berks and Lancaster County adoption centers will be free to safe, loving homes. It’s time to spring forward and come full circle with new and old shelter friends! As Ralph Waldo Emerson once said, “Old and new make the Warp and WOOF of every moment.”
Adoption weekend sponsor A.J. Himmelsbach, and his wife Kate, know the feeling of coming full circle all too well. Himmelsbach began supporting the animals and the organization while practicing dermatology in 2013, which was the same year the Humane Society of Berks County and the Humane League of Lancaster County merged to become Humane Pennsylvania.
A.J. and Kate showed their support and dedication by attending HPA’s Art Auction and using their Christmas funds – originally meant to purchase each other’s gifts – to donate toys and food to shelter pets during the holidays, before leaving Reading in 2018. The Himmelsbachs moved back to the area in 2022 when A.J. began practicing with DermDox Dermatology Centers in Wyomissing. Welcoming new and old patients to his practice has inspired Himmelsbach to spread awareness and encourage the community to give a homeless pet a second chance.
After returning to the area, A.J. and Kate were set on sponsoring a Humane Pennsylvania adoption weekend for one very important reason. “Shelter Pets, bottom line, don’t deserve to be there in the shelter,” said Himmelsbach. “The only way to help and support that idea is to do something about it.”
Adopters wishing to provide a loving home for shelter animals during this sponsored event are encouraged to visit the adoption center campuses or HumanePA.org. All potential adopters are required to go through Humane Pennsylvania’s adoption screening process (approval is not guaranteed).
Adoptions Include:
- Humane Pennsylvania’s 30-day Adoption Health Supplement
- Spaying or neutering (before adoption)
- Vaccinations (including current rabies vaccination) and de-worming medication
- Flea treatment
- Microchipping and chip registration
- Free 1 lb. bag of Science Diet pet food
Adoption Locations and Details:
Lancaster Center for Animal Life-Saving
Hours of Operation: 9 AM – 5 PM (Adoption Hours: 10 AM – 4 PM)
Location: 2195 Lincoln Hwy E, Lancaster, PA 17602
Freedom Center for Animal Life-Saving
Hours of Operation: 9 AM – 5 PM (Adoption Hours: 10 AM – 4 PM)
Location: 1801 N. 11th Street, Reading, PA 19604
To view Humane Pennsylvania’s available adoptable animals, visit Humane PA – Available Pets (HumanePA.org) or meet them in person during scheduled operating hours. For more information about adoptions, please contact the Lancaster Center for Animal Life-Saving at 717-393-6551 or [email protected]; or the Freedom Center for Animal Life-Saving at 610-921-2348 or [email protected].
Humane Pennsylvania is an innovative national leader in animal welfare, with adoption centers, accredited non-profit veterinary hospitals, emergency animal rescue services, community pet assistance programs, an animal-focused charitable foundation, and a free, public dog park.
