Pet Search fundraising for new kennel
Volunteers at the Washington-based animal rescue and foster organization Pet Search are encouraged by the strong support shown by the community for their ongoing $100,000 fundraising drive to build a new kennel facility.
The 501(C)(3) nonprofit has raised over $33,000 since the campaign debuted in November, according to founder Sherry Knight, which has already funded the first steps of construction.
Knight said the group has seen a surge in owner-surrendered pets since the pandemic, many of which require vaccinations and/or specialized medical attention.
Chief among these issues has been canine parvovirus, Knight said, which is a highly infectious disease that attacks white blood cells and the gastrointestinal tracts of all dog species, but particularly puppies, according to the American Veterinary Medicine Association.
The disease is spread through direct contact with infected dogs and their feces, and requires intensive treatment to ensure survival.
Knight said the upcoming 36- by- 60-foot kennel located at 915 Jessop Place in Washington will have the capacity to safely isolate infected puppies while they receive appropriate care.
The kennel will have space for 16 adult pets plus a wash area in addition to the puppy isolation room, she said.
Since Pet Search is a foster-based rescue, the isolation kennel will dramatically reduce the risk of infecting other animals when rehoming dogs infected with parvo, Knight said.
So far, Pet Search is nearly one third of the way to reaching its $100,000 goal, with additional donors encouraged to come forward.
Knight said the support from the community has been encouraging, saying their contributions are going toward the construction of a “great asset” for pets in Southwestern Pennsylvania.
Pet Search is seeking both individual and business patrons to contribute to the campaign, with several levels of sponsorship packages available.
More information on Pet Search and the kennel campaign can be found at https://petsearchpa.org/.