Delaware Humane and Delaware SPCA announce intent to merge

Delaware Humane Association and Delaware SPCA announced that their boards of directors have voted to begin a merger process to combine the two organizations.

This merger will result in an empowered organization that will better serve animals and people in Delaware and the surrounding region, provide greater access to programs and services, and have a deeper impact.

The integration process is expected to conclude this fall pending completion of the legal process, allowing Delaware SPCA and DHA to fully combine business operations within the coming year.

As long-standing animal welfare leaders in Delaware, Delaware Humane and Delaware SPCA will work to expand upon their shared goals of ensuring the safety and well-being of companion animals through temporary housing and adoption, spay and neuter procedures, and affordable veterinary services. Operations will continue at each organization’s current locations in Wilmington, Stanton/Newark, and Rehoboth Beach.

The merger will result in a greater ability to innovate, centralize, reduce duplication of services and simplify access to services. Both organizations are nonprofit, no-kill agencies sharing complementary missions to support animals and people in Delaware and the greater region, and that will continue.

Delaware SPCA and Delaware Humane have been collaborating for many years on animal transports, pet food pantry events and resource sharing. This long history of collaboration positions the organizations well for a smooth merger process.

After the merger, DHA Executive Director Patrick Carroll will serve as chief executive officer, and Delaware SPCA Executive Director Anne Cavanaugh will serve as chief operating officer.

Board members of both Delaware SPCA and Delaware Humane said they have full confidence in these leaders’ skills, talents and experience to see the process through and support the future vision of the combined organization.

Delaware Humane’s board of directors is led by President Michele Ahwash, and Delaware SPCA’s board president is Rep. Kim Williams, D-Marshallton.

“I am incredibly honored to lead this combined organization which, collectively, has served people and animals in Delaware for more than 200 years. We will bring together our strengths and resources, and continue to do great things throughout the state and region,” said Carroll. “I look forward to working with Anne, and the Delaware SPCA board and team.”

“We couldn’t be more excited to combine our experience and resources with the DHA team to continue our lifesaving work,” said Cavanaugh. “By coming together as equal partners offering complementary services, we expect to multiply our collective impact, ultimately helping more animals and people in Delaware.”

During the transition period, both Delaware SPCA and Delaware Humane’s day-to-day operations, programs, and services will continue as normal, without interruption.

For more information, go to delawarehumane.org and delspca.org.