DHA seeks donations to help renovate Rehoboth adoption center
Delaware Humane Association, a statewide animal welfare organization with adoption centers in Rehoboth Beach and Wilmington, will soon begin a complete renovation of its Rehoboth adoption center in the Midway Plaza Shopping Center.
Three years ago, DHA opened its Rehoboth site to better serve Sussex County. DHA’s mission of “making friends for life” is partially fulfilled by matching dogs, puppies, cats and kittens with their forever families. The DHA Rehoboth center also contributes to the community with low-cost pet vaccine clinics and pet food pantries. Staff and volunteers assist with food banks, host social gatherings for all pet lovers, and widen community engagement through partnerships with local businesses. DHA Rehoboth accounts for about a third of all DHA’s adoptions and has a dedicated community of over 100 volunteers who walk, train, socialize, and foster the animals in need.
DHA is currently seeking community support to assist with a planned renovation of the Rehoboth adoption center. This project will allow DHA to meet increasing demand for adoptable pets in Sussex County in a safe and comfortable environment, and enhance the overall adoption experience for both pets and families. The renovated center will further enable DHA Rehoboth to rehome animals whose families can no longer care for them.
The new space will follow a fear-free design using stress-reducing colors and kennel layouts to reduce sight lines of other dogs and cats. Improvements include: new, easier-to-clean kennels; separate rooms for adopters to meet and interact with the animals; isolation areas for animals needing special care; and a washer and dryer so DHA staff can clean all the necessary linens used to care for animals on site.
DHA will house dogs and cats in foster homes and use an online adoption process so adoptions can continue without disruption during the renovation process. Potential adopters should go to the DHA website, delawarehumane.org, to view available animals and fill out an animal-specific application form. For dog adoptions, DHA staff will set an appointment for the applicant to safely meet the animal at the outdoor fenced-in play area behind the center. Special meet and greets will be set up for cat adoptions.
Foster families are critical to DHA’s adoption services during this process, and DHA is actively looking for more foster families. No experience is necessary to save the life of a homeless animal, and no other volunteer work is required. DHA provides all necessary supplies; foster families provide the love. Anyone interested in fostering a dog or cat can apply at delawarehumane.org/volunteer/foster-care-program/.
DHA has a strong fundraising campaign underway to support the renovation and has already raised more than half of its $300,000 goal. However, critical support is still needed from the Delaware community to get DHA over the finish line. Contributions can be made to the Campaign for Rehoboth Paws at delawarehumane.org/rehoboth2020.
