Delaware Humane Association pets put into foster care to prep for new shelter

This weekend dozens of dogs and cats were fostered as Delaware Humane Association prepared to move into a new building next door. 

Foster families filled the lobby of DHA Saturday and Sunday to pick up the animals, often more than one.  Now that the building is closed to the public, the staff will spend the next few weeks moving supplies to its new facility.

A New Beginning

Founded in 1957, DHA prides itself as the state’s “premiere non-profit no kill animal shelter and adoption center.”  In addition, DHA provides veterinary care to the dogs and cats on site, including spay/neuter services.  For almost a year now, construction workers have been building Delaware Humane Association’s new home which will be next door to its current facility in Wilmington. 

DHA wokers like operations assistant David Owens are excited for the move. He said that DHA has placed 90 percent of its animals into foster care, a necessary move so that Delaware Humane can focus on the transition. 

“This building is completely old.  It is basically collapsing in on us,” Owens said. 

The new shelter will provide more space and a more efficient work flow in a modern setting.  The kennels will create a more stress-free environment for the dogs, and the cats will have more access to sunlight.

Getting acquainted

As the staff packs up and determines what to bring into the new shelter, the remaining animals will be provided the same care and veterinary services as before.  DHA will not be taking in any more animals, except for emergencies, during this time.  Afterwards, the staff and animals will get accustomed to the new building. 

“It’s all new to all of us.  So we’re going to have to learn where things are and how things are set up.”

The new shelter is expected to open to the public on December 2.  Delaware Humane Association is located at 701 A Street in Wilmington, DE.