Washington Animal Rescue League – Washington Humane Society Merger

Why are you merging into one organization?

WHS and WARL have worked together since the early part of the 20th century, when WHS

brought rescued animals to WARL for shelter. Throughout the decades the two organizations

have collaborated to benefit the animals of our community. Over the years, we have become

more alike with regard to philosophies on animal welfare and the programs and services we

offer. Both organizations have adopted the rising trends in animal welfare: managed intake,

less restrictive adoption policies, pet care assistance for pet owners in need, and being more

holistic community organizations.

As we continued to move forward in our evolution, it became very apparent that we could work

together much more closely and effectively to create one, dynamic, industry-leading animal

welfare organization in the Nation’s Capital.

What will be the name of the new organization?

The merged organization will have a new name and brand that will represent its expanded

capacity and potential, and the broad array of programs and services under one organizational

umbrella. We are in the process of developing the new name and will announce at a later date.

Who will be leading the merged organization?

Current WHS CEO Lisa LaFontaine will be the CEO of the merged organization and current WARL

Board Chair Roger Marmet will be the Chairman of the Board. WARL CEO Bob Ramin will be

leaving the organization, but has agreed to stay on as a consultant during the initial stage of the

merger transition.

Will there be a new Mission for the organization?

New mission and vision statements will be developed in the near future, and will reflect the

strong foundation and the exciting future of this combined organization.

What are the benefits?

Benefits for animals:

One organizational population means efficiencies in animal care processes, staff training, and bringing best practices to one organization. The organizations already transfer animals between their facilities. One organization means less time coordinating between two groups and more time proactively planning for animals’ needs and futures.

On-site Medical staff will be available to see all animals, reducing the need and cost for regular outside medical tests for shelter animals that can now be done in-house.

Expanded behavior and training offerings for animals while in the shelter and foster care as well as for pet owners and their owned animals.

With combined staff we will have one message for adoptions, outreach, etc. This will help reduce the time in shelter for most animals, allowing the new organization to help even more animals that we do separately.

Taking expertise and programs at the two organizations and putting them to work at one organization for more animals in need.

Benefits for the community:

Humane Education programs will benefit from additional staffing, multiple locations and a broader reach.

Better combined resources for spay/neuter, medical care, and food banks will serve more people and their companion pets more efficiently and effectively.

Training classes expanded to multiple locations, providing more opportunities for area residents and their pets.

A singular, more powerful voice will enhance our outreach to the Washington, D.C. region, benefitting adoptions, animal care, animal control and fundraising. A combined capital campaign will also be more effective with a singular voice.

Benefits for the bottom line:

Administrative costs will be reduced due to the efficiencies of one organization

Increased cost-savings will be realized as purchasing will be concentrated

Donors will no longer be forced to choose between two organizations but rather can support one industry-leading local organization

Will your locations change?

Currently, Washington Humane Society operates facilities on New York Avenue NE (adoptions

and animal care/control) and Georgia Avenue NW (adoptions and behavior/learning center), as

well as a spay/neuter clinic on L Street SE.

The Washington Animal Rescue League has facilities at 71 Oglethorpe Street NW and 15

Oglethorpe Street NW for adoptions, behavior and training and medical.

All of these facilities will remain in operation for the near future, and will be re-evaluated as we

move forward.

The WHS executive offices on MacArthur Blvd. will be eliminated and the staff located there

will move to Oglethorpe Street.

Are there plans for expansion of locations or programs?

Both organizations have previously launched capital campaigns for future expansion. Those

campaigns will be combined and a new expansion plan will be developed in order to construct a

state-of-the-art expanded facility in Southeast DC near the Navy Yard, while ensuring necessary

improvements are made to the Oglethorpe property

One of the great benefits of the merger is increased effectiveness for programs.

Similar programs in each organization can be augmented: Adoptions, Humane Education, Community Outreach, and Spay-Neuter/Medical will benefit from combined resources and staffing.

Programs unique to each organization (animal care/control, humane law enforcement, training programs) will benefit from combined resources.

How will donations/contributions work now?

With this merger, donors and contributors for both organizations will no longer be forced to

decide which deserving organization to support with their generous donations. One of the

great benefits to merging will be the elimination of the public confusion between the two

organizations.

In addition:

One voice for animal welfare in the city will be a stronger voice.

The combined organization will have the ability to share marketing, advocacy, and

fundraising resources, thereby creating an efficient system that provides more in

charitable animal care for those who might not otherwise be able to afford veterinary

visits.

A singular voice working with corporations and applying for grants and foundation

funding will eliminate the competition and confusion between the two organizations.

Will there be additional hiring?

We will evaluate the combined organizations as we move forward and determine if any

changes should be made within the organizational structure. It should be noted that the

organizations are not reducing programs or animal capacity; together we become one larger

organization. This is a time of growth for a newly created organization.

Both organizations currently have openings that will be filled and we will evaluate our future

needs.

What’s the timeline?

This merger will be completed as expeditiously, efficiently and effectively as possible, while

maintaining the industry-leading, life-saving care and comfort both organizations have long-

provided for animals.