Humane Rescue Alliance

Yesterday, Councilmember Robert White introduced the Pets in Housing Act in the Council of the District of Columbia to reduce housing barriers for pet parents in DC. “There are far too many people in DC who face the devastating decision of whether to relinquish their pets due to housing bias and the scarcity of pet-friendly accommodations,” said Lisa LaFontaine, President and CEO of Humane Rescue Alliance. “Each time a family must give up a beloved pet, a piece of our community fabric is torn. We are thankful for Councilmember White’s leadership and recognition that DC residents consider pets to be integral family members. We will work closely with his team to pass this legislation so more families can stay intact.” The bill proposes: • Capping pet security deposits at $300 and pet rent at $25 a month. • Banning nonrefundable pet fees for residents with low incomes who live in subsidized housing. • Banning breed-specific restrictions or fees. • Ensuring at least one low-barrier shelter for people experiencing homelessness with pets. This bill could significantly impact the lives of many people and animals in our community. If passed, this bill could: • Decrease pet surrenders due to housing issues. • Support people experiencing homelessness by allowing them to keep their pets. • Increase accessibility for residents to keep their pets, regardless of breed. We’ll keep you updated on the progress of this important legislation. Together, we can make DC a more pet-friendly place! 

Exciting News from Animal Care Expo!   We're thrilled to share that several of our dedicated team members had the opportunity to attend the The Humane Society of the United States Animal Care Expo, joining more than 2,500 animal welfare professionals for a week of learning, networking and innovation.   We are proud to highlight the incredible presentations delivered by our team:   🦝 Building a Network to Save Wildlife, presented by Lauren Crossed: Lauren's session focused on the importance of creating a robust network of agencies, volunteers and wildlife rehabbers to ensure the best care for our wild neighbors. By building a team of knowledgeable professionals, we can provide the most humane advice and support in both everyday and challenging situations.   🩺 The Future of Access to Veterinary Care is Now: In-Home Medical Care Through Field Services, presented by Dr. Kelsey Gerbig and Chris S.: Dr. Gerbig and Chris shared insights into how our Field Veterinary Program delivers veterinary care directly to homes. Their session highlighted the collaboration with animal control and humane law enforcement to prevent pet surrenders and keep families together.   The Animal Care Expo was an incredible experience, offering educational workshops, learning labs and valuable networking opportunities. We're inspired and ready to implement new ideas and continue improving the lives of animals and the people who love them.   #AnimalCareExpo #WildlifeNetwork #FieldVeterinaryCare #AnimalWelfare #Teamwork   ---   Connect with us to learn more about these initiatives and how you can get involved!

Happy National Volunteer Week! We're beyond grateful to our more than 1,000 volunteers and foster parents who power our mission by dedicating their time, love and energy to animals in D.C. and the people who love them. Volunteers are the heart and soul of our organization, and their selflessness makes a world of a difference. From doing laundry and walking dogs to writing adoptable animal profiles and fostering, our dedicated volunteers are critical to the success of our mission. To our volunteers: your passion and commitment inspire us every single day. Without you, we wouldn't be able to do what we do. Thank you for being the positive force behind everything we accomplish! Join us in celebrating our amazing volunteers this #NationalVolunteerWeek! And if you want to join our pack, learn more at https://lnkd.in/eZNguauC.

🐾 Prepare to be moved by this heartwarming story featured on The Dodo 💖 Alison's journey from hardship to finding love and companionship in her golden years is a true testament to the transformative power of rescuing a shelter pet. 😊 At Humane Rescue Alliance, we're dedicated to advocating for all animals, especially those who may be overlooked. 🌟 Every animal deserves a loving home, and stories like Alison's reaffirm our unwavering commitment to our mission. Despite being severely injured, surrendered, and an older pup, Alison may have been overlooked by some. But thanks to the decision of her mom, Cole, Alison found the love and home she deserved. Cole's life, along with her dog walker Seth, was enriched by Alison's boundless love, showcasing why every animal deserves a chance. This heartwarming tale, highlighted by The Dodo, exemplifies the joy that comes from adopting a shelter animal. Share some love to Cole and Seth in the comments, or share your own heartwarming adoption stories. Read about Alison's inspiring journey here: https://lnkd.in/eTEcaFXx 💙 #HeartwarmingStory #SeniorDogLove #HumaneRescueAlliance #AdoptDontShop 🐾

Stories like Moe's are the driving force behind our work.   Our field services team rescued Moe, a 3-month-old puppy, along with 30 other dogs from a Northeast DC home on Valentine’s Day following a tense standoff that injured three DC Metropolitan Police Department officers.    Thanks to the dedication of our team and the incredible support of our community, Moe and many other pups rescued that day are now happily settling in loving homes.   Read the full story in The Washington Post: https://lnkd.in/eXcputEi

We are excited to welcome Jason Jaffery, as our Chief Development Officer. In this role, he will be responsible for leading fundraising strategies and efforts for all HRA locations. Throughout his thirty-year career in philanthropy and non-profit public service, Jason has served mission-driven organizations dedicated to long-term social change. Working on advancing causes such as providing housing for people with HIV and AIDS, increasing access to emergency food for economically disadvantaged families, and providing free medical care in at-risk communities. In addition to his work as a philanthropic professional, Jason is an artist whose works have been shown in galleries in Washington DC and New York City. He lives in DC with his wife Amanda, and their cats Terry and Georgia (featured in pic.)

🌟 Celebrating Black History Month at HRA! ✨ Our HRA team has come together to honor, recognize, and celebrate the achievements, contributions, and struggles of Black individuals throughout history. This reflection extends beyond this specific month, fostering an ongoing commitment to inclusivity and cultural appreciation. 📚 We believe in the power of education, shedding light on important historical figures, events, and movements that shape our world. This commitment aims to create a workplace that is equitable, respectful, and supportive for every member of our team. 🙌 To our BIPOC staff, we acknowledge the significance of showcasing your heritage, voicing your experiences, and recognizing your invaluable contributions. This ongoing commitment is a testament to the continuous growth and empowerment of our BIPOC team members. 🐾 #HumaneRescueAlliance #BlackHistoryMonth #CelebratingDiversity

In 2023, our team focused on providing compassionate care to thousands of animals who came through our doors and expanding programs and services to keep people and pets together. Join us for a review of our highlights from 2023 with our President and CEO Lisa LaFontaine and learn about the many ways your support changed the lives of people and animals. Tune in online on February 21 at 5 pm ET. Register here: https://lnkd.in/ewgJZK3s

🎉 Last week, we celebrated one year of the Field Vet Program! 🐾🚐 Behind the scenes of this incredible journey are Dr. Gerbig and Stormy, a dynamic duo radiating love and compassion for every furry friend and their owners. 💙 Witnessing their day-to-day, you can feel the warmth and comfort they bring to the community members they are helping. Dr. Gerbig and Stormy not only provide top-notch care but create an environment where pet owners feel heard, comfortable, and supported. ✨ Whether it's a routine check for those facing financial or mobility issues, a sick visit, or an ear to listen, they extend beyond veterinary care, offering a wealth of resources. The community's gratitude is felt within every stop the team makes - they're like celebrities on the streets! They are always ready to share their mission and guide others towards the support they need. Here's to a year of making hearts and tails wag! 🌟🐕👩⚕️ #FieldVetProgram #CommunityGratitude #PetWellness

❤️ Our hearts are full, y estamos muy agradecidos. ❤️ Our day began with a boil water advisory and a flurry of communications as our staff began to assess the situation and what it would mean to the animals in our care and the rest of the staff. We asked for help and our community SHOWED UP, FAST! 🏃🏽♀️🏃🏻♂️We cannot thank them enough for their kindness and urgency. A special thanks to DC Water and HSEMA (Homeland Security & Emergency Management Agency) for coming to our aid as well. 🥰 We are so proud to have a community that gives of their time and resources to keep us and the pets thriving.  #thisiscommunity #ourstaffthanksyou #showingupforeachother #thisishowwedoit