New Castle’s Faithful Friends Animal Society is in its 25th year of service. (Photos courtesy of Faithful Friends)
NEW CASTLE — Faithful Friends Animal Society is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year, marking a major milestone in its mission to care for homeless pets across Delaware.
The nonprofit, which moved into its new state-of-the-art shelter just last year, says the expanded space has dramatically improved conditions for both animals and staff. But this summer, the organization is facing its toughest challenge yet.
Despite the improved facility, the shelter is currently filled beyond capacity. Faithful Friends is caring for 346 cats—116 of them kittens—along with 70 dogs, some of which are being temporarily housed in office spaces due to a lack of available kennels.
The shelter’s critter room is also overflowing, requiring additional cages to accommodate a surge in guinea pigs and rabbits.
“Summer is our most challenging season,” said Jane Pierantozzi, executive director. “We are crowded. Adoptions slow down due to vacations, but the number of animals needing refuge skyrockets.”
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The shelter attributes the spike in abandoned pets to rising housing costs and inflation, which are making it harder for families to care for their animals.
This crisis follows a difficult year for Faithful Friends. In 2024, the shelter battled a serious virus outbreak in its dog department. Community donations helped them recover, and the organization is once again turning to the public for support.
Faithful Friends has set an ambitious fundraising goal for August, with $125,000 still needed through its Annual Appeal and Medical Fund to continue its lifesaving work.
How the community can help Faithful Friends
- Donate: Make a contribution at faithfulfriends.us or by mail to 165 Airport Road, New Castle, DE 19720.
- Adopt or Foster: Every adoption creates room for another animal in need.
- Participate in the 15th Annual Faithful Friends 5K & Mutt Mile: Scheduled for September 28, participants can form teams, walk in honor of their pets, and help raise funds. Sponsorship opportunities are also available for local businesses.
- Host a Shelter Happy Hour: Invite friends or colleagues for a behind-the-scenes visit and help spread awareness.
Faithful Friends have shared a video message thanking supporters and showing the impact of community involvement, viewable here.
As the shelter celebrates 25 years of giving pets a second chance, leaders say they remain committed to never turning an animal away.
Raised in Doylestown, Pennsylvania, Jarek earned a B.A. in journalism and a B.A. in political science from Temple University in 2021. After running CNN’s Michael Smerconish’s YouTube channel, Jarek became a reporter for the Bucks County Herald before joining Delaware LIVE News.
Jarek can be reached by email at jarek@dimgrey-peafowl-504880.hostingersite.com or by phone at (215) 450-9982. Follow him on Twitter @jarekrutz and on LinkedIn.
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