Message from Deputy Mayor Elizabeth Stamler | July 23, 2021

Now that we are in the "dog days of summer," there’s no better time to highlight the local shelter that also provides our Township with animal control services, the Plainfield Area Humane Society (PAHS). 

Started in 1933, PAHS is responsible for "caring for and rehabilitating stray, abandoned and unwanted animals… [and] PAHS provides programs on pet care and responsible ownership for scout, school, church, business and library groups…" (pahs.org). 

In the event your dog gets loose in Scotch Plains, PAHS will pick it up. 

The main reason that it is so important to have your dog licensed with the town is so we know that your dog belongs to you. Keep a look out for our rabies clinic later this year (we missed 2020 due to COVID). You can contact our Township Clerk's office for more information. (908-322-6700 Ext. 311) 

On August 11, Scotch Plains will be holding our first-ever Dogust event to celebrate all our canine residents but specifically those who were rescued and don't have an exact known birthdate. 

There will be food vendors, music, community groups, treats, and activities for dogs and their human companions. We will be collecting supplies on behalf of PAHS and another local rescue group, Best Friend Dog and Animal Adoption. 

It is so important to highlight the large number of homeless animals in our country. While the number of companion animals entering US animal shelters has declined, there are still approximately 1.5 million shelter animals euthanized each year (aspca.org). Please consider fostering or adopting your next pet. 

“Saving one dog will not change the world, but surely for that one dog, the world will change forever.” - Karen Davison 

For more information, visit PAHS.org.