Samantha is among the animals impacted by Brandywine Valley SPCA’s new agreement.
Leadership of Brandywine Valley SPCA (BVSPCA), Animal Adoption Center (AAC), and both governing boards, led by BVSPCA Board President Crystal Crawford, and AAC Board President Kathryn Lambert, have approved entering into an affiliation agreement. The partnership expands BVSPCA’s lifesaving reach into New Jersey, making it the only Animal Welfare Organization in the country to operate in three states.
Together, BVSPCA and AAC will join to expand life-saving initiatives in a unified effort and create positive change for animals in need across the tri-state area. Shared resources, management, and governing oversight will begin immediately under Adam Lamb’s leadership for both BVSPCA and AAC.
“We’re excited for the future, as we enter into this partnership to join the efforts of our dedicated staff and volunteers with the expertise of the Brandywine Valley SPCA to elevate our level of care for the animals we serve,” Kathryn Lambert, AAC Board Chair said.
The small, struggling shelter, which began its progressive no-kill operation in 1990, will benefit immediately from an infusion of resources. The building will eventually be named in honor of long-time animal welfare advocates and supporters of BVSPCA, Tatiana and Gerret Copeland. Mrs. Copeland has pledged a generous lead gift to support much-needed financial stability and support to this partnership and the South Jersey pet community.
“We see a real opportunity for growth and a need in this area of South Jersey, and we are committed to taking the steps necessary to bring our proven track record as a leader in animal welfare, and progressive programs and services into this community where there is still work to be done,” said Adam Lamb, BVSPCA and AAC Chief Executive Officer. “We are grateful to the Copelands, who have supported us along our journey of growth in Delaware, Pennsylvania, and now into New Jersey. We’re counting on those in the South Jersey community to embrace the partnership by supporting AAC through adopting and donating, not only financially, but also with their time by serving as volunteers and fosters.”
This new affiliation agreement highlights mobilization efforts for the Brandywine Valley SPCA, expanding no-kill initiatives and progressive programs from Delaware and Pennsylvania, where the BVSPCA began nearly 100 years ago in Chester County, into New Jersey. BVSPCA currently operates and cares for more than 17,000 lost, stray, owner-surrendered, and abused and neglected animals in Chester, Delaware, and Montgomery Counties in Pennsylvania, as well as the entire state of Delaware, while maintaining a 93% live release rate.
This year, BVSPCA has also extended life-saving initiatives into Central Pennsylvania with its affiliation with the Humane Society of Harrisburg Area (HSHA), serving Dauphin, Cumberland, and Perry counties. Since the affiliation, HSHA has seen increased lifesaving and has met the no-kill benchmark of more than 90% save rate for 8 months in a row.
Other recent BVSPCA work in Delaware helped create the first No-Kill state in the country and led to Delaware’s only in-shelter Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at BVSPCA’s state-of-the-art Copeland Center for Animal Welfare in New Castle, supported, in part, by a generous donation from Tatiana and Gerret Copeland.
The partnership with AAC increases Brandywine Valley SPCA’s footprint as the largest multi-state animal welfare organization, and only to operate in three states, and bolsters vital community resources, such as free vaccine clinics, low-cost vet care, and spay and neuter campaigns to reach even more animals and pet families across the tri-state area.
Brandywine Valley SPCA continues to act as a national mentor for animal welfare organizations in progressive initiatives, collaboration, embed programs, disaster preparedness and response, emergency response strategies, and matching adopters with shelter animals locally and across the country. The nation’s largest adoption event, the BVSPCA-led Mega Adoption Event held in Pennsylvania, Delaware, and Texas, has led to more than 18,000 adoptions.
Brandywine Valley SPCA and Animal Adoption Center welcome adopters, donors, fosters, and volunteers to join this effort in expanding resources and care for animals across the Commonwealth. Donations can continue to be made to the respective organizations. Find the nearest location to support at theaacnj.org and bvspca.org.
