Business Details
26 Years
experience
Your Trusted Partner for Animal Welfare in New Castle, DE
Faithful Friends was founded in 2000 with a mission to champion animal welfare and lead policy change in Delaware. Our advocacy exposed a 90% euthanasia rate in public shelters, catalyzing reforms that saved thousands of adoptable pets. We operate a No Kill shelter and community veterinary clinic, prioritizing the safety and well-being of animals while providing resources for pet owners. Our programs include low-cost spay/neuter services, pet therapy, emergency foster care, and a free pet food bank. With over two decades of experience, we focus on reducing pet relinquishment through education, community outreach, and direct care.Our team combines veterinary expertise with compassionate advocacy to address systemic issues in animal welfare. We maintain transparency in operations, allocating 82% of our budget to community programs. Our leadership has shaped state legislation, including Delawares Animal Shelter Standards Law and spay/neuter mandates. We collaborate with volunteers, donors, and partners to create a compassionate ecosystem for animals and their caregivers.
Services
Adoption Services
Foster Care Programs
Spay/Neuter Clinics
Pet Therapy Sessions
Veterinary Care
Pet Food Bank
Behavior Counseling
Community Outreach
Animal Advocacy
Volunteer Training
Details
- Year established: 2000
Highlights and features
- We have led animal welfare reforms in Delaware for over 20 years.
- Our No Kill shelter ensures safe, long-term care for adoptable pets.
- We offer low-cost veterinary services, including spay/neuter and vaccinations.
- Our community programs have served over 11,000 pet owners annually.
- We provide 24/7 Pet Life Line counseling for pet care and behavioral issues.
What people say
Lifesaving adoption services
Affordable veterinary care
Dedicated staff
Community-focused programs
Well-maintained shelter
Services
Adoption Services
Our adoption program matches homeless pets with loving families through personalized counseling and behavioral assessments. We provide medical care, vaccinations, and spay/neuter services for all adoptable animals. With over 1,600 successful adoptions annually, we ensure each pet finds a suitable home through rigorous screening and post-adoption support.
Spay/Neuter Clinics
Low-cost spay/neuter surgeries prevent pet overpopulation and improve animal health. Our clinic performs 2,200 procedures annually, offering subsidized rates for qualifying pet owners. Services include pre-surgical exams, anesthesia, and post-operative care, with community cat TNR programs reducing stray populations humanely.
Veterinary Care
Our community clinic provides affordable wellness exams, vaccinations, and non-emergency treatments. Services include dental care, parasite prevention, and chronic condition management. We prioritize accessibility, offering sliding-scale fees and mobile clinics to underserved areas, serving over 5,000 pets annually.
Foster Care Programs
Temporary foster homes provide critical care for animals requiring medical recovery, socialization, or behavioral training. Volunteers receive supplies and medical support while giving pets a chance to thrive before adoption. Over 1,000 animals benefit annually from our foster network.
Pet Therapy Sessions
Certified therapy animals and handlers visit healthcare facilities to improve emotional well-being through human-animal interaction. The program serves over 50 facilities, offering comfort to seniors and individuals with disabilities while promoting animal-assisted healing techniques.
People
Jane Pierantozzi
Executive Director
Founder of Faithful Friends, Jane has led animal welfare reforms in Delaware for over two decades. She spearheaded legislation reducing shelter euthanasia rates and established the states first spay/neuter fund.
Shannon O'Neill
Director of Development & PR
Shannon oversees fundraising and public relations, managing donor engagement and sponsorship initiatives to expand the organizations community impact.
Dr. Rob Lawrie
Veterinary Medical Director
Dr. Lawrie leads medical operations, ensuring high-quality care for shelter animals and community pets while mentoring veterinary staff in best practices.
Alison Romano
Volunteer & Community Affairs Manager
Alison coordinates volunteer programs and community outreach, fostering partnerships that enhance pet retention and owner education efforts.
Dr. Karen Sweeney
Shelter Medicine Veterinarian
Dr. Sweeney specializes in shelter medicine, implementing protocols that improve health outcomes for over 1,800 animals annually through preventive care and disease management.
Questions
What adoption services does Faithful Friends offer?
We provide pet adoption with behavioral assessments, medical care, and post-adoption support. Over 1,600 animals find homes annually through our program.
Do you offer low-cost spay/neuter services?
Yes, our clinic offers subsidized spay/neuter surgeries starting at $70 for cats and $160 for dogs, including pre-surgical exams.
How can I volunteer?
Volunteer opportunities include animal care, event support, and foster parenting. Complete an application and attend orientation to join our team.
What veterinary services are available?
We provide wellness exams, vaccinations, non-emergency treatments, and dental care. Emergency services are not offered—see local partners for urgent care.
How does the foster program work?
Foster volunteers provide temporary care for animals needing medical recovery or socialization. We supply food, medical care, and training resources.
Can I donate to support your mission?
Yes, donations fund shelter operations, community programs, and veterinary care. Monthly giving options and corporate sponsorships are available.
Videos
Reviews (7)
Leon Matthews
Jun 21, 2022
Report
We really Appreciate all the hard work that you all put in caring for our dog The treatment is impeccable and we are so grateful for everything you have done for us sincerely the Matthews
Ariel Mack
Jun 04, 2022
Report
Faithful friends is not only an affordable place for your furry children, but most importantly a trusting place to take your furbabies.
Melissa Elliott
May 29, 2022
Report
The adoption process is so easy and the staff are friendly. We completed the application online and were able to bring this handsome boy home with us with ease. Graphite has been with us for 2 days and he is already getting comfortable in his new home and is very affectionate!
Kimberly Ogden
May 12, 2022
Report
This is a wonderful place. It's a blessing to be able to go there for help. They are in dire need of pet food donations. Due to the pandemic I know a lot of shelters and rescues are struggling to feed the fur babies they care for every day.
Dalton Pyle
Apr 11, 2022
Report
This is the 2nd dog we have adopted here n would go back again. The facility works under somewhat difficult surroundings and they make the best of it. I believe they genuinely care for the animals. TY to l of you for hard work n dedication
Jamie Doughty
Jan 22, 2022
Report
I recently went for a vet appointment. The nurse was very friendly and knowledgeable. The doctor, I believe it was Dr. Sweeney, is the sweetest veterinarian. She answered all my questions and was so informative. I've never felt so comfortable talking to a doctor! I was also so surprised when they came out of the appointment to let me know how good Luna (my cat) did. I thought she was going to be a terror!
The one downside was the experience with the front desk. The older woman was on the phone while the two younger girls were just sitting on their phones laughing. I don't know if maybe the front is run by volunteers? But it was weirdly unprofessionally and I felt awkward in the lobby.
The one downside was the experience with the front desk. The older woman was on the phone while the two younger girls were just sitting on their phones laughing. I don't know if maybe the front is run by volunteers? But it was weirdly unprofessionally and I felt awkward in the lobby.
B. McKnight
Apr 28, 2021
Report
This place is wonderful. My cat was sick with a really serious infection, the surgery she needed would have cost four thousand dollars elsewhere. I didn't have that kind of money, and had it not been for Faithful Friends I would have had to put her down. They did the surgery for less than a quarter of the cost, took great care of her, and were there for me the next day when I had questions about her recovery. I'll definitely be back. I can't say enough good things about them, I'm so appreciative of everything they did.
