America's First Animal Shelter Found In Bucks Co.: Phun Philly Phacts

BENSALEM TOWNSHIP, PA —It's the oldest animal shelter in the nation.

The Women's Animal Center has even trademarked itself as "America's First Animal Shelter."

The center, based in Bensalem, was founded in Philadelphia by 30 trailblazing women, led by the "courageous and formidable Caroline" Earle White, on April 14, 1869.

They established the Women's Humane Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, now called Women's Animal Center.

Concerned by the cruel manner in which strays in Philadelphia were captured and killed, the women successfully petitioned the mayor to take over the municipal pound as their initial order of business, repurposing it as the first facility in the United States for sheltering and rehoming animals, said Karen Lash, the center's director of development and communications.

"The founders of Women's Animal Center used what little voice they had to speak on behalf of the voiceless," Lash said. "The lives of millions of animals saved since the formation of America's First Animal Shelter are the reason to pay tribute to those who made it possible 156 years ago and reason to show gratitude to those who make it possible today."

In addition to its standing as the first animal shelter and adoptions program, Women's Animal Center also pioneered the nation's:

• First humane education programs.
• First free veterinary clinic.
• First anti-vivisection society.

Women’s Animal Center provides a variety of services to pets and people: Pet adoptions, veterinary hospital, dog training, educational community programs, and a pet food pantry to help families in need. Learn more at: www.womensanimalcenter.org.