We are excited to announce that boards of the Animal Rescue League and Wildlife Center (ARL) and the Western PA Humane Society (WPHS) approved a merger of the two animal welfare organizations, effective January 1, 2017. We are excited to create one, dynamic, industry-leading animal welfare organization in Pennsylvania. It’s a new beginning that builds on the strength and passion of both organizations for the wellbeing of animals.

“Over the years, the Animal Rescue League and the Western PA Humane Society have become more alike with regard to philosophies on animal welfare and the programs and services we offer,” says Joseph Vater, Esq., President of the Board of Directors, Animal Rescue League. “A merged organization will provide greater efficiencies in animal care processes, staff training and bringing best practices to one organization. We will be able to save more animals and serve more animals.”

Dan Rossi, currently the executive director of the ARL, will be the CEO of the merged organization, and David Grubman, currently President of the Board of Directors of the Western PA Humane Society, will be chairman of the new Board of Directors.

“Our two organizations have a long history of collaboration,” Grubman says. “Now, by building on the strengths of each group, we will create a singular, more powerful voice that will enhance our outreach to the western PA region. It will be beneficial to adoptions, animal care, animal control and fundraising.”

With the merger, the locations of each organization will remain open. WPHS is located on the North Side, and ARL expects to move by year end from its current location to its new facility, both in the East End. ARL’s Wildlife Sanctuary in Verona also will remain open. 

Work will begin immediately on the integration of the two organizations. “We have a lot of details to work out,” says Rossi, “but we will be launching this new organization with a talented, compassionate staff and a phenomenal group of volunteers. We’re excited about the expanded capacity and potential and the broad array of programs and services that will be under one organizational umbrella.”