Spotlight On

Mission:
The Washington Humane Society's mission is to protect the animals of the District of Columbia from cruelty and harm. This is achieved through Humane Education in area schools, Humane Law Enforcement, Animal Control Services, and Community Outreach in two animal shelters and off-site adoption events.

Background:
The Washington Humane Society (WHS) was chartered by Congress in 1870 to enforce the anti-cruelty laws, and has spent the 135 years since fulfilling its original mission. Though the tools for doing so have grown and changed, the nonprofit organization continues to be devoted to the basic premise that no animal should be subjected to abuse or neglect. WHS even initiated legislation making animal cruelty a felony.

At different times in its history, the Society was also charged with protecting the welfare of children, and the organization continues to act on behalf of children by publicizing the link between animal abuse and child abuse, and providing humane education to community groups and public schools. It is a belief that through teaching care for animals, DC residents can become better, more benevolent citizens altogether.

Current Programs:
WHS operates two shelters in the District, both with open admission policies. No animal is turned away. The Georgia Avenue shelter also houses the Humane Law Enforcement Division, and the New York Avenue shelter houses DC Animal Control. WHS operates a web site that is updated regularly, featuring pictures and bios on adoptable animals. It also has information about the Humane Education Program, a section for those seeking animal-friendly housing in the area, and a page just for kids.

WHS also runs the following programs:

• The Adoption Program is one of the organization's highest priorities. WHS is the single largest adoption agency in the District. In 2003, WHS found safe, loving homes for more than 3,000 animals. Through a screening process and home visits, WHS ensures that potential adopters are ready to take on the challenge of having a new companion animal in the home. The organization works hard to prepare adopters for life with their new companion, and sees to it that the placement is a compatible match for both adopter and adoptee.

• Several times a month, WHS staff and volunteers take animals from the shelters to local shops or pet supply retailers and host adoption events. Local residents shopping at the stores are introduced to WHS and encouraged to look in to adopting a shelter animal. The organization also takes the opportunity to talk about the benefits of spaying or neutering companion animals.

• The Humane Education Program serves as a way to stop abuse before it starts. According to the National PTA Congress, "Children trained to extend justice, kindness, and mercy to animals become more just, kind and considerate in their relations to each other." Students learn how to interact with animals respectfully, which in turn teaches them love, loyalty and compassion. The program teaches children how to speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves; it teaches them responsibility.

• WHS Humane Law Enforcement Officers are on call 24 hours a day, answering the needs of abused and neglected animals throughout the District. In 2003 alone, its Officers investigated 1,700 cruelty cases and issued 20 arrest warrants. Their dedication to rescuing animals in need finds them climbing fences, crawling under cars and braving extreme weather conditions to keep animals out of harm's way.

• Animal Control answers over 14,000 calls for help per year. Operating out of their home on New York Avenue, Animal Control is on call 24 hours a day and deals with everything from health questions to calls about strays and wildlife that need help. They also perform emergency rescue services for wild and domestic animals and dispense information about behavioral issues. Most importantly, Animal Control provides low-cost spay and neuter services and preventive medicine for District residents year-round.

Funding Needs:
With the exception of its Animal Control operations, the Washington Humane Society is funded entirely by private contributions. WHS shelter operations, workers' salaries, Humane Education and Law Enforcement programs are funded exclusively by individual donors who support the organization's mission to protect and defend animals.

All of its programs and facilities are in need of expansion, especially the shelters, which struggle to house all of the surrendered, lost, and rescued animals in need of help at any given time. No call for help goes unanswered, and no animal is ever turned away. We need to ensure that this statement will continue to be true in the years ahead.

The "Spotlight On" highlights the activities of a different 501(c)3 nonprofit organization serving the Metropolitan Washington, DC community. The selection of organizations for the "Spotlight On" is based on criteria such as programmatic interests, geographic focus, and size, to ensure the broadest possible representation of the region's nonprofit sector.

If you'd like to see your NPO in the "Spotlight," e-mail a description of your organization, following the above format, to dclibrary@foundationcenter.org, with "Spotlight Submission" in the subject line.