Youngwood-based Hospaws assists pet owners facing medical issues

Hospaws is a Youngwood-based organization that offers foster care or assistance to pets whose owners are in need of medical care.

In an effort to help more people and their pets, the nonprofit organization is seeking a facility to temporarily house pets until their owners are able to resume care for them.

“We believe no one should have to give up a pet due to a medical condition or hospital stay,” said Valerie Hogel, the organization's president.

As a shelter volunteer at Animal Friends of Westmoreland and One Dog at a Time, Hogel said she became aware that some people with medical conditions felt they had to give their pets.

“People don't want to give up their pets, but sometimes they just don't feel they have any choice,” she said.

Hospaws was founded in March 2014 by a small group of friends and family who recognized the important role pets play in their owners' lives.

“Pets give a unique, emotional support — something people cannot understand,” said Franny Petras, an organization volunteer.

“That support can help you get over a lot of obstacles in life,” she said.

The group has 15 volunteers, eight of which are available to foster.

“We never thought it would take off like it did,” said Hogel, who added that she often has a hard time keeping up with the demand for foster families.

There is a lot involved with running the organization, such as ensuring volunteers are bonded, insured and have had background checks, she said.

“It's been a learning process, but when you see the relief and gratitude from someone you've helped, it makes it all worth it,” Hogel said.

Ideally, Hogel would like to have Hospaws operating with a house and fenced-in yard, she said.

“I want the animals to be comfortable in an at-home setting, instead of being kenneled,” Hogel said. “I want a yard for them to run around in, and couches and chairs for them to lay on.”

A “Go Fund Me” webpage has been set up to assist with the costs of obtaining housing.

Contributions can be made by visiting the site at gofundme.com/hospaws-org.

To date, more than 30 pets have been saved from being separated from their owners.

“It may not seem like a huge number, but to those 30 pets, it means not being surrendered or euthanized just because their owner needed help for a while,” Hogel said.

Hospaws runs solely on donations and fundraising events, as no fee is charged to care for the animals, so donations are always greatly appreciated, Hogel said.

The organization's next fundraiser – the third annual Greensburg Moose Golf Outing — is slated for Aug. 15 at Norvelt Golf Club in Mt. Pleasant Township.

More information about the event, which will benefit Hospaws and SOS Animal Rescue, can be obtained on the Hospaws Facebook page.

“Hospaws provides a much-needed service to the community of pet lovers,” said Robin Stewart, shelter manager for Animal Friends of Westmoreland.

“It's great for people to have another option instead of having to surrender their pets to a shelter. Ideally, family members would pitch in to help out for temporary care of pets, but it's surprising to see how many people don't have that kind of support. Hospaws fills in when family can't,” she said.

Hogel said all situations are different. She has had pets in her care anywhere from two days to six weeks, she said.

In some situations, volunteers go into homes to care for the pets, in others they must be relocated while their owner gets medical care.

The organization, which is always in need of foster families and supplies such as pet food and flea treatments, can be reached at 724 787-7304.

Cami DiBattista is a contributing writer for Trib Total Media.