I reached out to the Beaver County Humane Society last week and in my conversations with them and animal control, I was put in contact with a Dusty Popovich of Animal Finders of Beaver County PA.  If you have a missing pet or know of someone who has lost their beloved fur baby, this is the organization to call.  What an amazing group of dedicated individuals who are helping to save lives.

Animal Finders of Beaver County PA is a 100% volunteer Facebook group dedicated to finding lost pets, reuniting them with their loving families and keeping them safe.  They have over 8,000 volunteer members from many different cities, counties, and states.

When a pet is missing or a stray is found, they spring into action.  They contact the owner or finder and gather as much information as possible.  They post a description, picture, and flyers of the lost/found pet, along with how and where the pet went missing or has been found.  They then alert everyone in the group that they know in that area so they can share with friends, family, and any groups they belong to.  They also ask all other members of the group to share a picture and description of the missing pet on their sites.

Available members will travel to the area the pet went missing, hang flyers, and physically search for the lost pet. If necessary, at times they will set humane traps which has been a great success in catching those animals that have been missing for a significant amount of time.

They also provide support and guidance to owners and finders during the emotional and difficult time that their pet is missing. Several times a day members scour Facebook, Craigslist, and other pet selling sites to determine if the missing or stolen pets are posted for sale. If owners cannot be located or if the pet is no longer wanted, they assist in finding them a safe place until they can find a forever home.

All members are the eyes and ears to the success of this group. They search, find, reunite and support animal rights. Why? Because our fur babies are part of our family and all of the dangers that exist for lost pets. Animals cannot speak for themselves, so we speak for them. Their goal is to keep animals safe!

I appreciate the time Dusty took to educate me on this important organization and took the time to answer all of my questions. I have never lost an animal but if I did, it is reassuring to know these kind people exist. The responsibility is not placed solely on Dusty’s shoulders but is a team effort. Animal Finders of Beaver County PA is a 501 Non-profit running on donations. Due to the Coronavirus, they recently started Animals of Beaver County Helping Hands helping elderly people who have animals and cannot get out of the house with receiving dog and cat food, sanitizers, and other miscellaneous supplies. Donations are needed and much appreciated.

I asked Dusty about fundraisers and what items they needed on a daily basis. She explained it is quite costly to keep things running especially when equipment needs fixed and cages need built. They hold fundraisers such as picnics throughout the year but at this time, all have been cancelled which is putting a strain on them financially. Not only are they fighting to keep animals off the streets but also work with the Woman’s Shelter extending their help for Beaver County Domestic Violence victims. See my previous post https://twoadorablelabs.com/pets-and-domestic-violence/ on Pets and Domestic Violence. Most of the time, an abuser does not allow proper care for the animal. When the abused enters the shelter with their pet, Animal Finders steps in to assist in taking the animals to the vet for updated shots, physical exams, and most importantly getting their animal in a safe environment. They are also in much need of donations for kennels and a kennel license. No pet goes without treatment whether it be a lizard, a cat, dog, no animal is discarded.

I wanted to know how to donate and what items they need. If you would like to donate, checks can be sent to the following address. And remember, if you can’t donate, they are always looking for people to foster. Every little bit helps. I told her that emotionally I can’t handle the torment of seeing these abuse cases, of animals being tortured but I can help in other ways. She said that every little bit helps and they are so grateful for everyone’s support no matter what it is.

Please help and donate to:

Animal Finders of Beaver County PA
PO Box 1273
Aliquippa, PA. 15001

Monetary donations will go to helping pay for:

Cameras
Batteries for cameras
Updating broken equipment
NEED large trailer to carry larger crates – Much needed!
Cages
Kennels
Towels

Also, per their “Calendar Contest” post, you can pay via PayPal @ Dustyp168@gmail.com, PLEASE USE FRIENDS AND FAMILY to avoid fees or send checks, made out to Animal Finders of Beaver Co, PA to PO Box 1273, Aliquippa, PA, 15001

If you would like to know more about the organization, follow them on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/groups/animalfindersobeavercountypa/