Rescue director hopes to tame homeless pets spike
The new executive director of Humane Animal Rescue of Pittsburgh has a tall task — slowing the number of pets showing up at the nonprofit’s two shelters in the city.
On Monday, Dr. Ariella Samson 33, of Squirrel Hill, was named as the nonprofit’s executive director.
Interim executive director Gerry Delon had led the organization since Dan Rossi left in early 2022.
Dr. Samson formerly worked as Humane Animal Rescue’s assistant executive director of veterinary services and shelter operations.
“Dr. Samson is a proven leader who cares deeply about shelter medicine and the animals in our care,” said David Grubman, chairman of HARP’s board of directors.
“Under her leadership, we fully expect that Humane Animal Rescue of Pittsburgh will continue to grow and flourish.”
With an annual budget of about $10 million, the rescue operates animal shelters in the North Side and Homewood as well as a wildlife rehabilitation center in Verona.
Currently, the rescue has about 300 animals in different stages of care and some are available for adoption, said Michele Frennier, director of marketing.
The rescue’s shelters were near capacity last month.
With funding from Fragasso Financial Advisors of Pittsburgh, they waived adoption fees on Sept. 15-16, resulting in 130 adoptions of dogs, cats, rabbits and other pets, Ms. Frennier said.
In her new role, Dr. Samson will focus on decreasing the number of pet intakes by increasing pet retention and the human-animal bond.
Intakes of animals at the rescue’s two pet shelters increased by 14% from August 2022 to August 2023, with 3,946 and 4,493 intakes respectively. During that time, there was a 35% surge in pet surrenders and a 28% uptick in stray animals, according to Dr. Samson.
It’s a nationwide problem, she said. Hardships such as housing, inflation and vet bills are making it more difficult for some people to keep their pets.
“Instead of being a place to intake animals that people can’t take care of anymore, we want to help as many people with their pets as possible,” Dr. Samson said in a phone interview Monday.
The rescue already offers a mobile vet van, spay and neuter vouchers, microchips for quick identification of lost animals and a pet pantry where owners can get food, toys, leashes and crates. The rescue wants to build on those resources and reach more pet owners, she said.
Dr. Samson earned a doctorate of veterinary medicine with honors from the University of Illinois and completed an internship in shelter medicine at the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia.
She has worked for six years at the shelter and has an extensive background in animal health and welfare, according to the rescue’s news release.
“I am truly honored to take on this role and continue my journey of advocating for the welfare of animals,” said Dr. Samson in the news release.
“I am deeply committed to HARP’s mission, and I look forward to working with our dedicated team, volunteers, donors and the community to further our impact and help even more animals find loving homes.”
Humane Animal Rescue of Pittsburgh is one of the largest animal welfare organizations in Pennsylvania.