Via Facebook

The Washington Humane Society and the Washington Animal Rescue League announced today that they are merging into one yet-to-be named organization.

The merger brings together two organizations that were founded more than 100 years ago (WHS in 1870 and WARL in 1914). The merger will create the “first end-to-end animal care organization” in a major U.S. city, according to the groups. A new name will be forthcoming in the next few weeks.

“By unifying the District’s two iconic animal welfare organizations, we are creating a model organization that can tackle the systemic challenges facing animals in our region and nationally,” said Lisa LaFontaine, who was the president and CEO of the Washington Humane Society and will hold those same positions in the new organization.

The boards of both groups have approved the merger and the organizations have been working for months to come together. “This merger will allow us to save more animals, help more animals, protect more animals, and find more animals permanent loving homes,” said Roger Marmet, who was the chairman of the WARL’s board and will hold the same position in the merged organization. Joining forces should help solve some resource challenges, and, leaders say, help them increase the number of animals they can save.

Combined, the new organization will have five facilities:

• 15 and 71 Oglethorpe Street NW – Adoption, behavior and training, and veterinary care
• 1201 New York Avenue NE – Adoption and animal control services
• 7319 Georgia Avenue NW – Adoption
• 7315 Georgia Avenue NW – Humane law enforcement
• 1001 L Street SE – Spay and neuter services and vaccinations