Animal Friends of Westmoreland

Animal Friends of Westmoreland's focus has been to rescue, rehabilitate and rehome homeless dogs, cats and rabbits while inspiring and encouraging the public to become animal advocates. Our mission is to be a voice for those who cannot speak and we embody those words everyday as we step in for the voiceless.

Animal Friends of Westmoreland has gone on to help thousands of displaced dogs and cats find loving, forever homes. We have served over 2500 animals and more than 12,000 people since opening our doors to the public. That number continues to grow daily! In a focused effort to keep expenses down and to stretch every donation, we only employ two full-time and one part-time staff.

Bridging the gap, we have over 200 active volunteers who put forth over 25,000 hours annually. Our amazing team of volunteers walk dogs, care for cats and interact with the rabbits 3 times a day, 365 days a year. They also help with fundraising, maintenance, administration work, cleaning and errands to name a few. The heart behind our mission and dedication of our founder, board, staff and volunteers have is truly why our organization is uniquely different.

We are making a big impact in our region but there are still so many animals that need our help. We are completely out of room at our current facility and the desire to build a larger shelter has become more than a want, it's an immediate need. More space gives us the ability to help even more animals.

We have been tirelessly searching for land to build a new shelter. A place that would allow us room to build and room to grow. By the end of 2016, our goal is to have secured land to continue and grow our mission.

Our vision is to help ALL animals. A new shelter to house dogs and cats until they are placed into a forever home as well as barns for horses, cows, pigs, chicken, goats and other farm animals providing them sanctuary where they can heal and live in a safe, compassionate and loving environment.

Not only will the sanctuary provide solace for the animals we rescue but it will be a place for children and people of all ages to come and heal from past abuse and pain. We feel it is imperative for children to experience kindness, compassion and empathy; not only for themselves but for all living beings for only then can we end violence and abuse.

In addition to saving the lives of animals, our programs will work with at-risk youth from the inner-cities, group homes, mental health facilities, foster homes and schools to teach children kindness, compassion. A place where they can feel safe and experience love. A place where they can meet animals that have also experienced abuse, neglect, abandonment and pain.

We may be different on the outside but on the inside we are the same. All living beings, human and animal, deserve respect and a life free from abuse.

We ask for your help. Without your contribution and support, none of our work would be possible.