About Us

Established in 2019, the NEPA Animal Welfare Collaborative is a collective of animal shelters, rescues, advocates, and sanctuaries in the region that are interested in coming together to advance various causes in animal welfare and to increase the collective resources available to these agencies.

News & Accomplishments

NEPA Animal Welfare Collaborative Expands Efforts to Support Animals Across Northeastern Pennsylvania

11.22.24

Affordable Veterinary Care

In March 2023, the Collaborative, in partnership with Indraloka Animal Sanctuary, launched the NEPA Rescue Veterinary Clinic in Dalton. This state-of-the-art facility provides accessible and affordable veterinary care, addressing a critical gap in animal healthcare services in the region.

Spay/Neuter Initiatives

Additionally, in March 2023, the Collaborative received a transformative grant from Bob Jones’ Dog Trust to promote canine spay/neuter initiatives. The funding enabled the distribution of over 150 spay/neuter vouchers, directly supporting responsible pet ownership and reducing the region’s stray dog population.

Addressing Feral Cat Challenges

In response to a rising feral cat population, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Collaborative launched a Trap-Neuter-Release (TNR) initiative in partnership with the NEPA Rescue Veterinary Clinic. In August 2024, three dedicated clinic events provided free spaying, neutering, vaccinations and veterinary care for over 100 feral cats in Lackawanna County. The program has successfully mitigated concerns around disease transmission, wildlife interactions and neighborhood disruptions caused by feral cats.

Scranton Area Community Foundation

The NEPA Animal Welfare Collaborative is a project of The Scranton Area Community Foundation. 

The Scranton Area Community Foundation is on a mission to enhance the quality of life for all people in Northeastern Pennsylvania through the development of organized philanthropy.

With over $100 million in assets under management and over 370 charitable funds, the Scranton Area Community Foundation has served as a steward, grantmaker, charitable resource, and catalyst for change since 1954.

The Foundation leads various initiatives, including Women in Philanthropy, the Center for Community Leadership and Nonprofit Excellence, NEPA Moves, and the NEPA Animal Welfare Collaborative. Additionally, the Foundation hosts and facilitates NEPA Gives and the NEPA Learning Conference.

The Scranton Area Community Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, tax-exempt organization confirmed in compliance with National Standards of U.S. Community Foundations. More information about the Scranton Area Community Foundation can be found at www.safdn.org.

Governance

Committees of the Animal Welfare Collaborative

Steering Committee

  • Designs Collaborative structure (Governance)
  • Develops the standards for the Collaborative
  • Develops scope of overall work plan and budge

Feral Cat Committee

  • Aids in developing our new feral cat program
  • Will help with operations during TNR event
  • Will help educate the public on trapping cats

Resource Mapping & Website Committee

  • Helps to develop list of resources
  • Aids in mapping out the structure of our new website
  • Helps to connect those in need to resources

Advocacy Committee

  • Participates in advocacy events and shares materials in a professional development session with all members
  • Helps to plan educational events for the Collaborative as well as group trips to conferences
  • Works to inform legislators about animal welfare issues and priorities

NEPA Animal Welfare Collaborative Code of Ethics

Vision: The NEPA Animal Welfare Collaborative will set the standard for all animal welfare initiatives in NEPA and will work together as a collaborative with other partners and community members, utilizing available resources to improve both the care and lives of animals.

Mission: The NEPA Animal Welfare Collaborative will work on initiatives aimed at ensuring animals in NEPA achieve a happy and healthy life—free from abuse and neglect.

To promote communication that is honest, respectful, and transparent, understanding that there are different philosophies, opinions and views that arise while seeking solutions.

To treat other Collaborative members with dignity and respect, on a professional and personal level, even if we disagree.

To act professionally and cordially when representing the NEPA Animal Welfare Collaborative.

To not let personal opinions, interfere with the NEPA Animal Welfare Collaborative’s vision or mission.

To oppose all forms of discrimination on the basis of age, race, creed, sex, ethnicity, color, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, handicap or religion.

To foster a belief and support in the intrinsic dignity and sanctity of animal life.

To support the perspective that all animals are entitled to be free from suffering, abuse and exploitation and to work towards alleviating that suffering.

To work to prevent cruelty to animals and to foster a belief in treating animals with kindness.

To set the standard in values, decisions, conduct and behavior for the care and treatment of animals.

To remain focused on the animal’s welfare, while understanding the limits of a rescue’s resources by not accepting more animals than it has the legal authority, space, time or financial means to care for.

To support the establishment of rescue organizations as 501(c)(3) public charities OR as not-for profit entities whenever possible.

To serve as advocates for environmentally sound practices