About and visit
About Action For Animals Humane Society
A 501(c)(3) non-profit, no-kill shelter on Route 217 just outside Latrobe, rescuing and caring for abused, neglected and stray dogs and cats since 1983.
Our mission
What no-kill means here
Action For Animals Humane Society was founded in 1983 to shelter and provide care for abused, abandoned and stray dogs and cats of Westmoreland County. We adopt animals into responsible homes and vigorously promote the spaying and neutering of all pets to eliminate the cruelty of animal overpopulation. We are a non-profit, non-government funded, no-kill shelter that keeps animals free from the threat of unwarranted euthanasia.
A no-kill shelter is one with a save rate of 90% or higher. AFA has never euthanized a single animal for space, or for any reason other than suffering from a terminal illness or severe, untreatable aggression. We come to that decision only after exhausting every option, including advice from veterinarians, licensed behaviorists and trainers, or placing the animal with a foster group able to rehabilitate it.
All adoptable animals stay with us for as long as it takes to find a second-chance family. Every animal's life is precious to us, and each one is loved and cared for until a permanent family is found.



Visit
Hours and how to find us
Shelter: 386 Route 217, Latrobe, PA 15650
Mail: P.O. Box 814, Latrobe, PA 15650
We get at least 3,000 calls and emails a month with a small staff. If you reach voicemail, please leave a message. We reply within 24 to 48 hours.
- General questions: info@afashelter.org
- The shelter: afahs@aol.com
- Events and donations: admin@afashelter.org
- Board of directors: board@afashelter.org
| Visiting and adoption | Tuesday to Saturday, noon to 4 |
|---|---|
| Lobby | Monday to Saturday, 9 to 4 |
| Spay and neuter clinic | By appointment only. Call 724-539-2544. |
| Closed | Sundays and holidays (no visiting on Mondays) |
Our people
Staff and board
A small staff cares for the animals every day, and an all-volunteer board raises the money and sets shelter policy.
Staff
- LuAnn Hutcheson, Shelter Manager
- Nicole Peltz, Site Manager
- Tricia Mucci, DVM, Veterinarian
- Mary Bowser, VMD, Veterinarian
- Brandon Holmes, DVM, Part-Time Veterinarian
- Jenny Steel, Kennel Manager
- Jen Brown, Assistant Kennel Manager
Executive board
- Leanne Seighman, President
- Alison Cestello, Vice President
- Misty Enos, Co-Treasurer
- Lisa McCracken, Co-Treasurer
- Betty Rushbrook, Secretary
- Catharine M. Cathey, Recording Secretary
- Robert Hall
- Melissa Kilkeary
- Ted Prettiman
- Anna Visconti-Peagler
- David Vogle
Advisory board
- B.J. Beckner
- Eric Bononi, CPA, Esq.
- Dr. Mary Bowser, VMD
- Dr. Hank Croft, Jr., VMD
- Maryann Eidemiller
- Laura Guskiewicz
- David McCleary
- Kelly McCleary
- Dean Miller
- Dr. Tricia Mucci, DVM
- Heather Oates
- Sharon Peck
- Mary Prettiman
- Rita Whiteman
Get involved
Join the board, or help at an event
We aren't taking volunteers at the shelter right now. Our all-volunteer board has openings: directors raise funds and set shelter policy, and meet the third Tuesday of every other month at 6:30 PM in Latrobe. Volunteers also help at fundraising events, shot clinics and raffle ticket sales.
Email the boardCareers
Working at the shelter is a rewarding career where you'll make a difference in the lives of homeless animals. Listed openings:
- Kennel Attendant, Latrobe, full or part time
- Veterinary Technician, Latrobe, full time