Expand care space for pets owned by individuals in crisis such as owners who lose their home in a fire, victims of domestic abuse fleeing for safety, and seniors unexpectedly hospitalized and unable to afford pet boarding.House a pet food pantry for those in our community struggling to feed their pets.Provide an enhanced visitor experience with new and better space for Humane Education as well as for AWA’s community partnerships for senior citizens and individuals with learning or physical disabilities.Be able to adopt more dogs and cats, train and rehabilitate additional behaviorally needy dogs and cats, care for more injured and ill dogs and cats that other shelters ask AWA to transport in and aid each year, and add a neonatal intensive care room for kittens during “kitten season.”.
#AWA VOORHEES FREE#
AWA launched comprehensive and free humane education and pet therapy programming in the 1960s, opened the region’s first public spay /neuter clinic in the 1970’s, and in the last decades, AWA’s progressive lifesaving programs have directly resulted in the reduction of stray animal impoundment to other area shelters and, therefore, lowered the euthanasia rates of pets in our community. Over its 70 years, AWA has offered diverse community programs designed to improve the lives of pets and people. We appreciate what AWA does for the animals and are proud to be AWA adopters, volunteers, and donors for over thirty years.” “He overcame his past and today he is a certified Pet Therapy dog. “He is the best companion Al and I could have hoped for,” Barbara shares. They responded to AWA’s plea for foster volunteers to care for Winston since the abused animal needed time and love to recover.įrom the moment Winston entered the Dragon’s home he has been their loving loyal friend. Winston was rescued during a cruelty investigation and came to AWA severely underweight, suffering from pneumonia, and unfamiliar with any life other than that of living in a dirty wire cage.Īt that time Al and Barbara were looking for a dog to adopt. The Dragons adopted their beloved Winston after nursing him back to health. Houston is a life-long resident of West Deptford.Richmond shared that in the last decade, the number of homeless senior, behaviorally, and medically needy dogs and cats has nearly doubled. In addition to being an avid animal-lover, she is also passionate about engaging with her community, holding the position of Secretary for the Gloucester Commission for Women, and a dedicated Philadelphia sports fan. She holds a Bachelor of Science and Master’s degrees in English from Rutgers University. While at the Philadelphia Zoo she helped steward the creation and advancement of multiple programs and exhibits including the award-winning ZooCrew teen volunteering program and Hamilton Family Children’s Zoo. Prior to that, she was with the Philadelphia Zoo for 16 years where she held several roles including Director of Education. Houston most recently held the position of Director of Education with the Elmwood Park Zoo in Norristown, Pa., where she was instrumental in it becoming the first zoo in the nation to become Autism Certified. Houston joins the AWA team with more than 20 years experience working to advance the human-animal bond.
AWA has been saving animals for nearly 75 years and under Laura’s leadership we are confident that we are laying the foundation for the success of the next 75.” “Her passion for animals, knowledge of the local community, and expertise in animal welfare and zoology are the perfect combination to guide us to the next chapter of Building a Place Where Happiness Begins. “We are thrilled to welcome Laura to the AWA,” said Jonathan Furlow, AWA Board Chair. In her role, she will oversee all shelter and clinic operations and strategy, management of the staff, programs and services, and fund-raising. VOORHEES – The Animal Welfare Association (AWA) May 31 announced it has named Laura Houston as executive director, reporting to the AWA Board of Directors.