Brandywine Valley SPCA takes over DC animal control services

Here’s what you need to know if you’re looking to adopt in the District.

WASHINGTON — A new year is bringing changes to animal care and control services in the District. The Humane Rescue Alliance’s D.C. contract ended at the end of 2024 after 45 years. Now, Brandywine Valley SPCA (BVSPCA) in Pennsylvania is taking over as part of a partnership with DC Health.

Effective Wednesday, BVSPCA will oversee all aspects of animal control, care, medical services, field operations and adoptions within the District. The organization will assume control of the city’s animal shelter located at
1201 New York Ave NE. This facility will be open for adoptions and community services starting Thursday, and will immediately serve as the hub for Animal Control services. The public can now reach DC Animal Control and the BVSPCA in D.C. by calling 202-888-PETS (7387).

To support this initiative, DC Health has procured a 30,000 sq. ft. space located at 4 DC Village Lane SW, which is currently being renovated to the specifications of the BVSPCA’s needs to temporarily accommodate overflow from the New York Ave facility and provide more resources to the community and pets in need.

RELATED: ‘We are grateful!’ | DMV community steps up to solve Humane Rescue Alliance’s dog shelter crisis

RELATED: DC Health ends contract with Humane Rescue Alliance after 45 years

As the District’s animal care and control contractor, BVSPCA is responsible for the following:

Animal field services, complaint investigations, and shelter operations
Animal transportation and adoption programs
Working to reunite pets with their owners by providing lost and found resources
Dangerous dog investigations, veterinary care, spay/neuter services

“We are proud to bring our expertise in animal care, progressive sheltering policies, and lifesaving programs to the nation’s capital,” said Adam Lamb, CEO of Brandywine Valley SPCA. “We now need the community, more than ever, to help support this work by getting involved. Adopt, volunteer, foster, or donate and join us on our mission to help animals in need.”

Through demonstrated best practices, the BVSPCA will work to shorten shelter length of stays, and implement progressive programs such as community cat programs and enrichment and behavior programs for shelter animals, to increase lifesaving, with the goal of bringing the District to no-kill status.

For more information on the new venture, visit Brandywine Valley SPCA’s website here.

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