PetNet: Foster housing for pets in need.

A Free Service Provided by The Humane Society of Berks County.

PetNet has been recognized by Harvard's John F. Kennedy School of Government as a "Government Innovation" program.

Sometimes even the best pet owner needs a little help.  When they do, PetNet is there.  When disaster strikes, whether it is a house fire, a personal catastrophe, domestic violence, or a hurricane, pet owners are often faced with an unthinkable dilemma: choosing between their own safety and that of their family or abandoning a beloved family pet.  Thanks to the Humane Society of Berks County’s PetNet program, that decision can be made a little easier. 

PetNet was originally formed as a way to help victims of domestic violence flee their abusers by providing foster care to pets who could not be taken into domestic violence shelters.  Since then the program has expanded to help the pets of owners who are temporarily in need of emergency housing for a variety of reasons. Often, simply providing emergency housing to a pet for a day, week, or month can mean the difference between a pet being given up to an animal shelter and remaining with their human companion. 

Temporary housing is provided both at the Humane Society of Berks County and by a network of dedicated pet foster homes.  In addition to shelter, pets receive food from the PetNet food bank, necessary pet supplies, and basic vaccinations and medical care.  All are provided at no cost to the pet’s owner. 

Those requiring PetNet services are generally referred by emergency management agencies, government health and welfare agencies, domestic violence centers, and hospitals.  If you know of an organization that could benefit from becoming a PetNet partner, know of an individual that may require PetNet services, or would like to support PetNet through donations of unopened pet food, new pet supplies, or financial contributions, please contact the Humane Society of Berks County Operations Director, Damon March at (610) 921-2348, ext.18.

PetNet is a program offered in partnership with Berks Women In Crisis (BWIC), which provides services for victim of domestic and sexual violence.  If you or someone you know may need BWIC assistance, click here to visit their website.

Download the PetNet informational brochure here*.

View the 10-08-07 WFMZ 69 news story on PetNet here.

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