WASHINGTON (DC News Now) — Some changes are coming to the District’s animal care and control services this new year.
The Humane Rescue Alliance previously fulfilled the city’s animal control duties for nearly 45 years; however, their contract with DC Health expired in September. It was then extended until Dec. 31, 2024, as DC Health decided whether to continue outsourcing various services.
On Jan. 1, the Brandywine Valley SPCA (BVSPCA) announced that in a new partnership with DC Health, the organization will now handle all aspects of animal control, care, medical services field operations and adoptions within D.C.
Starting on New Year’s Day, the BVSPCA will also assume control of the city’s animal shelter, located at 1201 New York Ave. NE. On Thursday, the shelter will open for adoptions and services, serving as “the hub for Animal Control.”
To support the new partnership, DC Health has obtained a 30,000-square-foot space at 4 DC Village Lane in Southwest. The space is being renovated to help BVSPCA temporarily accommodate overflow from the New York Avenue facility, according to a release.
As D.C.’s animal care and control contractor, BVSPCA is now responsible for:
- Animal field services, complaint investigations and shelter operations
- Animal transportation and adoption programs
- Working to reunite pets with their owners by providing lost and found resources
- Dangerous dog investigations, veterinary care and spay/neuter services
The BVSPCA said it would work to shorten shelter stays and implement “progressive programs,” such as community cat programs and enrichment and behavior programs for animals, to work towards bringing D.C. to a “no-kill” status.
The organization was founded in 1929 and was the first open-admission no-kill shelter in Pennsylvania and Delaware.
In 2023, the group cared for more than 17,000 lost, stray, owner-surrendered, abused and neglected animals with a 93% “live release rate,” according to a release.
“We are proud to bring our expertise in animal care, progressive sheltering policies, and
lifesaving programs to the nation’s capital,” said Adam Lamb, CEO of Brandywine Valley SPCA. “We now need the community, more than ever, to help support this work by getting involved.
Adopt, volunteer, foster, or donate and join us on our mission to help animals in need.”
The public can contact DC Animal Control and the BVSPCA by calling 202-888-7387.
