Being a real estate agent and an avid animal lover, I fully grasp the significance of finding a home that accommodates all family members, including our furry companions. As a result, my team and I take immense pride in supporting
Humane Animal Partners (HAP) and their endeavors to enhance the lives of animals within our community. We firmly believe that every pet deserves a nurturing and caring environment, and we're thrilled to assist in making that a reality.
At HAP, a merger of the former Delaware Humane Association & Delaware SCPA, the team is committed to enhancing the lives of homeless pets by creating a secure and cozy haven for them to flourish in. However, their mission extends beyond this as they tirelessly work towards finding these animals loving forever homes by matching them with responsible and compassionate owners. In addition to providing a pet food pantry, HAP offers additional services such as low-cost spay/neuter clinics and veterinary care, making a significant contribution to the community.
I am delighted to introduce Keith Hassett, the volunteer coordinator at HAP's Wilmington location, who has graciously shared his experiences and insights on why volunteering at an animal shelter is so crucial.
1. I noticed you've been with HAP for 14 years. What inspired you to join the organization and what about it keeps you there? What is your favorite part of the job / what inspires you?
My wife and I stumbled across DHA after we got our first dog, Manny; a long-haired chihuahua. After attending several events with Manny, we eventually became involved with DHA in an official capacity for a number of large fundraising events including chairing several events.
In 2017, I was in-between jobs when DHA posted a job for Community Outreach Manager. Since this is what I had essentially been doing as a volunteer, it was a no-brainer to get paid for it!
My favorite part of the job is giving people a positive experience, whether it's a corporate or school visit, a fundraising event or being a part of other organizations' fundraisers like the Brandywine Festival of the Arts, or Agricultural Day at UD. What keeps me going is giving a voice to those who cannot speak for themselves.
2. What type of services you provide and how many/types of animals do you help?
HAP is not only an adoption center, we help the community in other ways such as hosting a drive-up pet food pantry at various locations around the city, offering low-cost vaccine clinics once a month (i.e. just shots) as well as low-cost wellness services by appointment only.
We routinely find approximately 2000 cats and dogs homes annually before the merger, and our combined numbers this year with the Stanton campus is close to 4000 cats and dogs finding their final homes.
3. What supplies do you need / how can people make donations?
Monetary donations can be made via this our secure webpage (click here to donate).
Supplies can be purchased & sent directly to the shelter via our Amazon Wishlist or can be dropped off in person at one of our three locations.
More specifically the kennel and cattery staff have the following items listed as high priority needs:
Slow feed dog bowls, small and large - metal
Leashes – Any length or make (No retractable, please)
Dog Gentle walk harnesses – Medium
We would like to invite you to make a difference by dropping off much-needed supplies at our office located at Berkshire Hathaway Fox & Roach, 88 Lantana Drive, Hockessin,
DE 19707.
Our office is open Monday - Friday 9am to 5pm. There will be a donation box available until March 21st to collect your generous contributions.
If Keith's words have inspired you to take action, we encourage you to consider volunteering your time and energy with us on March 22nd at 9:15am. Chris Black and Crystal Gode will be joining Keith and the HAP team at their Wilmington location: 701 A Street, Wilmington, DE 19801. We would love to know who plans to attend, so please RSVP by emailing Crystal Gode at crystalgode.spotlight@gmail.com.
We would be delighted to have you join us in supporting HAP's mission to improve the lives of homeless animals in our community.