Humane Animal Rescue of Pittsburgh
Caring for Animals, Serving and Inspiring Communities
At Humane Animal Rescue of Pittsburgh (HARP), we believe our humanity emboldens our compassion toward all living creatures. Our mission is to save lives, strengthen the bond between pets and people, and inspire meaningful change across our region.
Our Commitment to Care
As one of Pennsylvania’s largest nonprofit organizations, we are dedicated to the welfare of animals and the people who love them. We operate as an Open Door organization with Managed Admissions, ensuring that every animal in need finds a safe place, whether they are a domestic pet or a member of our local wildlife community.
How We Help
We provide comprehensive support through two low-cost, high-quality veterinary medical centers and a licensed Wildlife Rehabilitation Center. Our team of dedicated staff, foster families, and volunteers works tirelessly to provide medical care, behavioral enrichment, and a second chance for thousands of animals each year. We believe in providing the care they need and the love they deserve.
Your Adoption Journey
Bringing a new companion into your home is a deeply personal and joyful experience. Our thoughtful, one-on-one matchmaking process is designed to help you find the perfect fit for your lifestyle and history. We guide you every step of the way to ensure a strong, lasting bond between you and your new best friend.
Join Us in Making a Difference
Every adoption opens up a kennel, creating space for another animal to find safety and a brighter future. We invite you to browse our available animals online or visit our East Side or North Side locations to meet your next companion. Together, we can foster a more humane and compassionate community for all.
- Compassionate animal care
- Professional and friendly staff
- Restrictive adoption/visitation policies
8/13 - These 5 dogs — including a father and son — play hard and love harder
Shelter Soulmates is a monthly column spotlighting animals waiting for forever homes at Pittsburgh area shelters and rescues. In addition to descriptions...
5/7 - Bobs from Skechers is donating $500,000 to help shelter pets this May
Bobs from Skechers is donating $500,000 this May to help shelter pets. Shop Bobs shoes to support Best Friends Animal Society for National Pet Month.
5/1 - Pittsburgh-area animal shelter offers half off adoption fees for service members, veterans
The annual initiative offers active-duty service members and veterans 50% off adoption fees for adult animals during National Military Appreciation Month.
10/7 - A little patience can go a long way with a pup who’s building his confidence! Meet our @HARPsaveslives Pet of the Week Apalachicola! At 1 year and 2 months old, this playful little guy enjoys his toys, attending playgroups, and has made a lot of progress developing his confidence since arriving as a stray. Give him a little time and let this sweet boy show you just how far he’s come! 🐾
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9/29 - Had an awesome morning with my Shelter Break Buddy-Mosey❤️ we took a long walk in Lawrenceville. We stopped at Afters Cafe @afters.cafe for coffee and then to Ivy’s Ice Cream @ivysdoggieicecreampawlor for some peanut butter ice cream with berry compote 😀
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9/21 - We’re halfway through Spay-a-Thon and right in the thick of it! Today, veterinarians, veterinary technicians, and volunteers are working together to provide spay and neuter services that make a lasting difference for animals across our community. And now, we refuel. Pizza is up next! A huge thank you to VEG and our generous sponsors who donated funding, resources and talent to make today possible, and to every volunteer giving their time, expertise and care. Spay-a-Thon is bigger than a day of surgeries. Accessible spay and neuter helps prevent unplanned litters, reduces pressure on shelters and rescues, and strengthens the animal welfare infrastructure our entire community depends on. We’re halfway there. Fueled by an incredible team, a whole lot of compassion and, very shortly, pizza. @veg
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9/17 - Why do shelter dogs get ball pits? Because enrichment is more than playtime. New smells, textures and experiences give dogs opportunities to explore, problem-solve and use their natural instincts while they’re in our care. And our volunteers are an integral part of making enrichment like this happen. From walks to playtime to giving our dogs new ways to engage with the world, they help make every shelter day a little better. Think dog walking might be your thing? DM us the word WALK to take our Dog Walking Vibe Quiz and find out.
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