FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Haven for Animals Announces New Partnership with Human Animal Support Services (HASS)
The Project Aims to Transform the Shelter System through Innovative Programs and Services
Fairhope, AL (May 19, 2025) – The Haven for Animals has been selected to be a Partner Organization of the Human Animal Support Services (HASS) project. This international coalition is designed to transform the animal sheltering system with innovative solutions and unite with human service organizations to support both people and pets in need.
Recognizing a desperate need for pet support and social services, organizations across the country came together to create HASS by reimagining a welfare system that solved pet and people problems alike. By embracing four distinctive pathways, The Haven will provide a range of services and solutions to better support the people and pets of Baldwin County. These include services that expand the shelter’s capacity for care within communities and address key issues Americans face daily such as economic hardship, access to veterinary care or housing-related challenges.
The Haven is among an elite group of more than 300 progressive animal welfare industry professions to become partner organizations. HASS also actively collaborates with top industry leaders such as the Humane Society of the U.S., Shelter Animals Count, National Animal Care & Control Association and more.
“We are honored to be part of this collaboration of innovative shelters having goals so closely aligned with our community vision,” says Michael Graham, Executive Director of The Haven. “Fairhope and surrounding cities will join a fantastic roster of elite cities in this initiative that are paving the way for a new model of animal sheltering in the U.S.”
“At the heart of the HASS project is collaboration,” said Elkie Wills, Director of HASS. We welcome all animal welfare organizations to mobilize the movement for change and work together to support both ends of the leash.”
For more information on The Haven HASS initiatives, please visit havenforanimals.org. For more information about HASS, go to humananimalsupportservices.org.
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About The Haven for Animals
Founded in 2000, The Haven is a nonprofit, no-kill animal shelter based in Fairhope, Alabama, dedicated to ending pet homelessness through rescue, adoption, foster care, and community outreach. By partnering with local animal control shelters, The Haven saves cats and dogs at risk of euthanasia and provides them with medical care, shelter, and love until they find forever homes. The organization also offers spay/neuter programs, pet retention support, and public education to promote responsible pet ownership. Learn more at www.havenforanimals.org.
About Human Animal Support Services (HASS):
The Human Animal Support Services (HASS) project is a movement seeking to revolutionize the animal welfare industry by leading with and embracing a community support model. By providing both private and municipal animal shelters with equitable access to data-driven resources, education, and implementation tools, HASS aims to create pathways toward unified support systems for pets and their people in every community. HASS encompasses a network of more than 1,500 animal and human welfare professionals. A project facilitated by Austin Pets Alive! (APA!), HASS’s 41 pilot shelters and 300+ partner organizations have joined the movement by committing to implement the HASS model. To learn more, visit www.humananimalsupportservices.org.