Brightside: Humane Animal Partners of Rehoboth

REHOBOTH BEACH, Del. – For over 150 years, a combination of non-profit organizations have made it their mission to connect people with animals, build strong relationships with the community, and prevent animal cruelty. Last year, the two organizations combined to create Humane Animal Partners to continue doing just that.

“Our goal is to make sure the animals in our care are going into loving homes after they spend their time with us here,” says Leigh McKinley, Director of the Sussex County branch of Humane Animal Partners.

Humane Animal Partners in Rehoboth Beach is a no-kill animal shelter, birthed from a long-time partnership between the Delaware Humane Association, and the Delaware SPCA. “This facility here is filled with animals that are already spayed, neutered, micro-chipped, and current on age-appropriate vaccinations and ready to go home,” says McKinley.

Although the origins of the organization date back to 1870, McKinley tells us the goal has always remained the same, to connect people with animals, work with the community, and prevent animal cruelty. “We have volunteers that come in regularly throughout the week as early as 8 a.m. They’ll spend multiple hours socializing with the cats, they’ll help clean the litter box, organize the different areas the free roam room, and the cat condos,” says McKinley. She adds, “The more we can get them out interacting with a variety of people, ultimately helps us get them adopted into forever homes.”

While the organization itself serves the state of Delaware, the Rehoboth branch focuses on Sussex County specifically, and it’s not just about finding their animal’s homes. A large part of what they do is aimed at assisting the community with keeping their pets healthy and safe as well. “We find that people are often faced with the decision of feed my family or feed my pet, or get myself to the doctor, or get my animal checked out by the veterinarian.” McKinley adds, ” Folks in the community, while resources are limited here in Sussex County, we know that there’s a great need and we are working to fill it.”

They fill those needs by providing their low-cost veterinary services, free community pet food pantries, wellness events, and providing financial support. Which McKinley says is just not possible without donations from the community, and the time volunteers commit every day. McKinley tells us, “I think right now, active volunteers were close to about 200 that will come throughout the weeks/throughout the months or just participate in events.” She adds, “During the week, we probably have 50 or so volunteers coming through our door doing a variety of things.”

With a growing community and the organization’s growing presence along with it, we’re told there’s nowhere to go but up for humane animal partners. “I also think there’s a lot of potential opportunity for us to be able to support from a more medical standpoint,” says McKinley adds, “We are so lucky that this community has embraced our facility.”

McKinley also says they are opening a mobile unit in 2024, reiterating their mission to get out and help those in the community continue and affordably take care of their furry friends.

For more information on the organization, volunteering, or adoptions, visit their website.