Our Roots, Our History, and Our Mission
PA PETS was founded in 1984, and by 1987 we received our 501(c)3 non-profit designation to support a clear and simple goal: to ensure that every dog and cat in our community is a wanted pet.
PA PETS in supported 100% by our volunteers. We have no paid Directors, Program Managers or staff. We do not receive municipal or government funding. We raise our revenue to support our two spay/neuter programs through:
– The PA PETS Thrift Store
– Client Co-payments
– Individual Donations
– Grants
– Fund-raising events
Our Low-Cost Spay/Neuter Program for pet dogs and cats offers financial assistance to limited-income residents of Columbia and Montour Counties to spay/neuter and vaccinate their pet dogs and cats.
Our TNR Program, launched in 2012, has expanded our spay/neuter and vaccination support for outside, homeless (community) cats in ten counties in North-Central Pennsylvania. Through both programs, PA PETS provides a lifeline for both pet owners and community cat caregivers.
Since 1987, PA PETS has spayed/neutered and vaccinated over 46,000 cats and dogs, including over 11,500 outside, homeless cats that have been spayed/neutered and vaccinated since 2012 when our TNR Program was launched.
Leadership and Governance PA PETS is guided by a volunteer Board of Directors committed to transparency, innovation, and compassion. Our board members have a diverse range of expertise in animal welfare, nonprofit management, and community outreach to ensure the long-term success of our programs. This is a Working Board, and all our Board members also provide volunteer support for PA PETS programs.
Key Volunteers as our Program Managers: We also recognize the essential role of our Program Managers, who started out as volunteers and are now utilizing their experience to manage daily operations of both PA PETS Spay/Neuter Programs, the PA PETS Thrift Store, our webpage and social media, and our community outreach and fundraising events. Our Program Managers direct daily operations, support all our PA PETS Volunteers and clients, and serve as the face of PA PETS in the community.
Honoring and Remembering
Celebrating the Legacy of Joanne “Jo” Wright
Founder and Past President, PA PETS, Inc.
August 15, 1937 – December 2, 2024
Joanne “Jo” Wright was a visionary, a tireless advocate, and a beacon of hope for animals in need.
In 1983, Jo founded PA PETS because she saw a pressing need to act. At the time, the local shelter euthanized 85% of the animals that were surrendered or found—not because they were suffering or terminally ill, but simply because there were too many without homes. Jo’s heartbreak was profound and it sparked her determination to make a difference.
She rallied a small group of like-minded individuals to raise awareness and funds to address the plight of unwanted animals by submitting letters to local newspaper editors, having a PA PETS logo created, selling t-shirts, hosting quilt sales, holding auctions, and running benefit horse shows. PA PETS also conducted obedience classes and offered free pet education in schools, retirement homes, and civic organizations to increase visibility and support for PA PETS.
Celebrating the Legacy of Joanne “Jo” Wright
August 15, 1937 – December 2, 2024
Our community lost Jo in December 2025, but her legacy lives on through PA PETS.
By 1984, Jo had purchased an old grocery store in Bloomsburg and, along with her colleagues, transformed it into the PA PETS Thrift Store. Thanks to the dedication of PA PETS Volunteers, this store is thriving four decades later and is a vital source of funding for veterinary expenses.
In 1985, she persuaded local veterinarians to adopt a fee schedule for spaying and neutering services. This effort, though challenging, yielded significant results—a 10% decline in needless animal deaths reported by the local shelter that same year.
PA PETS officially became a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization in 1987, and by 1990, they had already spayed or neutered 1,000 animals. By 1995, that number grew to 4,236.
In 2012, Jo turned her attention to the region’s homeless and feral cats. Recognizing their plight — living in barns, alleyways, or hidden under bridges without consistent shelter or food — Jo launched the PA PETS “Feral” Program. With the help of PA PETS volunteers, she spearheaded a Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) initiative to prevent the unchecked growth of outside, homeless cat populations. This program is flourishing today, thanks to the commitment of PA PETS Volunteers and the individual citizens in our region who trap, transport and recuperate the cats, along with feeding and sheltering them.
On PA PETS’ 40th anniversary, the organization has spayed or neutered an incredible 46,000+ animals, including over 11,500 outside, homeless cats—thanks to Jo’s vision and unwavering perseverance. This extraordinary achievement began with one woman’s determination and the support of a small but dedicated group of volunteers to join her in working toward a lofty goal. Together, their commitment to saving animal lives has left an indelible mark on our region.
In Jo’s honor, we carry her legacy forward, striving for a world where every animal has a chance at love and companionship. Her life’s work reminds us that one person’s passion can ignite change and create a legacy that touches countless lives.
Thank you, Jo, for your tireless efforts and the example you set. May your legacy inspire us all.
Celebrating the Legacy of bARBARA cRAWFORD
Barbara Crawford
PA PETS Thrift Store Manager until her death in 2015.
In Honor of your dedication to all the animals and to PA PETS.
We miss you!
Leadership and Governance
Our organization is guided by a volunteer Board of Directors committed to transparency, innovation, and compassion. This is a Working Board, and all of our Board members also provide volunteer support for PA PETS programs.
Board of Directors
Our board members bring a diverse range of expertise in animal welfare, nonprofit management, and community outreach to ensure the long-term success of our programs.
Key Volunteers as our Program Managers
We also recognize the essential role of our Program Managers, who started out as volunteers and are now utilizing their experience to manage daily operations of both PA PETS Spay/Neuter Programs, the PA PETS Thrift Store, and our community outreach and fundraising events. Our Program Managers direct daily operations, support all of our PA PETS Volunteers and clients, and serve as the face of PA PETS in the community.
