Lehigh Valley Humane Society wins its second consecutive no-kill excellence award

ALLENTOWN, Pa. — The Lehigh Valley Humane Society announced Sunday that it had received its second No-Kill Excellence Award. To receive the “no-kill” title, a shelter typically must meet a 90% save rate for its animals, with the Lehigh Valley Humane Society reaching 91%. This means that, generally speaking, the only animals euthanized in these shelters are those suffering from an untreatable ailment or those that cannot be safely rehabilitated due to severe aggression.

On its website, the organization states, “We firmly believe in providing every healthy and adoptable animal with the opportunity to find a forever home. Euthanasia is considered only as an absolute last resort, in cases of severe illness or unmanageable behaviors.”

Best Friends Animal Society, the organization that granted the No-Kill Excellence Award, is a leader in progressive animal welfare. It tracks and organizes the data shelters provide and calculates their successful live-release rate.

It also provides grants and support for new programs that the shelters foster. There are about 4,000 animal shelters in the United States, and many of those shelters are tracked by Best Friends Animal Society.

Jackie Folsom, chief development officer for the Lehigh Valley Humane Society, emphasized that shelters that haven’t yet received a “no-kill” title are often unfairly vilified by the community. “They are usually reacting to the burden that the community has placed on them,” Folsom said. She also mentioned that local shelters can only function with the help of their neighborhood.

This community shelter was founded in 1906 as a safe haven for homeless animals, with the mission to prevent cruelty toward both animals and children in the area. In 1954, the shelter built its primary location on Dixon Street in Allentown. Originally named the Lehigh County Humane Society, it renamed itself to include the entire Lehigh Valley as its outreach grew.

In 2025, the shelter took in over 3,000 animals. Of the 3,000, over 1,600 were adopted into forever homes. The organization’s mission statement focuses on providing the best possible care to animals and their owners, regardless of financial barriers. Its Community Cat Program spays and neuters free-roaming cats in Allentown at no charge to residents.

The Lehigh Valley Humane Society cites its vision for the future as follows: “We will work to reduce the number of homeless animals in the Lehigh Valley by educating the community, offering low-cost medical services, and through our adoption processes.”

The organization has a summer full of events showcasing its adoptable animals and raising funds for future projects and upkeep.

On June 18, it will host a “Yappy Hour” at Seven Sirens Brewing Co. featuring a select food and drink menu, adoptable puppies and giveaways.