The Animal Haven in North Haven is Celebrating 75 Years

The Animal Haven in North Haven is celebrating 75 years of saving animals. They released a newsletter thanking all those who make their mission possible.

The newsletter said the following

"A haven where stray dogs, cats, and other small animals may be given temporary shelter—this was the founding mission of The Animal Haven back in 1948. And now, seventy-five years later? Not much has changed! It’s the philosophy that still guides us today.

Whether you adopted an animal, donated toys and supplies, generously contributed to our cause, attended an event, or spread the word about our work, your support ensures The Animal Haven can continue caring for Connecticut’s animals in need.

Over the next twelve months, we’ll share just a few—seventy-five, in fact!—of the lives, you can help us treat and place in loving homes this year:



• Our board secretary, Courtney, doesn’t like to play favorites, but Neegan holds a special place in her heart; give him a follow—and a home!

• Cous Cous, the cat, is having an extremely cute identity crisis; he thinks he’s the new puppies’ daddy! He’s an early contender for the Dad of the Year Award!

• Sure, Mario and Gidget may look like the Odd Couple, but this bonded pair will surely melt your heart. Mario, rescued from the Yulin Festival in China, is timid around strangers, but Gidget is helping him learn to trust those who want to love and care for him.

• Unfairly scheduled to be euthanized for being unable to use her litterbox, Iggy is the fluffiest cuddle bug around. And guess what? She’s improving her bathroom habits every day! Never underestimate the power of shelter love.

• Have you been keeping up with Duke? His new chapter is just beginning, and his mobility progress inspires us daily. Just look at that smile!

As always, thank you for however you choose to support The Animal Haven. We can’t do it without you, and we hope you’ll keep an eye out for more 75th birthday fun and celebrations this year!"

Donate here in honor of the 75th anniversary!

But on a more personal level, I wanted to ask different staff members and volunteers about what Animal Haven means to them. The following words are from those that have participated in caring for the animals.

Michelle DeRosa, Shelter Manager

With all the craziness that happens in the life of a shelter manager, there is a lot to sit and think about. Michelle shared about balancing those emotions.

"One of my close friends today described me pretty accurately.. She stated that when I get angry about something I am passionate about I have no filter. Exact words "I back up like a feral cat in a corner and fight like hell" I thought about it all day, and it is so true for so many different reasons.

Anger is a weird emotion and can consume your life... However it is misjudged

Many people made you think it wasn't ok to get angry when you were younger..

Many people made you think to be "professional and hold yourself" when you get angry, and never show it.

Many people (my favorite lol) say "You letting them know you get angry gives them satisfaction, and you lose"

Anger is ok.. It makes you fight for what you believe in, it gives you the spark of not caring what other people think...

Am I an angry feral cat? Absolutely. Everyone who knows the real me knows I go from 0-100 in a matter of minutes.

Do I work on it daily? I try... However I would rather be a feral cat who trusts only a few, and stands up for what they believe in or stands up for themselves or their friends/staff/animals etc. then back down because it's not "appropriate"

At the end of the day, you have to believe it is worth getting angry and fighting for something you so believe in... No matter what the consequences are.."

Michelle is an absolute inspiration to me and others. She will not stop fighting for these animals, no matter what.

Taylor Jacques, Assistant Manager

Taylor has been at the shelter for 3 years this year. When asked what Animal Haven means to her, she shared the following. “The Animal Haven means so much to me in so many ways. Having the ability to form bonds with the animals over the last 3 years is truly heartwarming. Taking in difficult cases and medical emergencies are never easy but they are always worth it! Don’t get me wrong, we have devastating times but we always get through it as a team. Every human who walks through our doors and helps out in any way makes such an impact on all of the animals' lives until we find them their perfect furever home. Personally, the thrill of working with a feral cat or a behaviorally difficult dog is more rewarding than I can explain. Every soul deserves love, no matter the circumstance. That is why we continue to do the difficult work & I am so proud of who we are as a home for these babies before their adoptions." She followed up by saying "I’m usually not at a lose for words but it’s so hard to explain what these animals mean to me. I love them with all of my being!"

Kaitlyn Wahl, Kennel Assistant

When asked what Animal Haven means to her, she answers "I’ve been at the animal shelter going onto 6 years this February, and although I left for 2 months in 2021 I immediately felt like I made a mistake leaving and came right back! The Animal Haven means so much to me, the animals themselves say a lot but it’s also all the great people I get the privilege to work with every day whether it’s volunteers or a coworker. Each of these people make such a significant difference and contribution in all their hard work. We’re more than a team here, we’re like a little family we made on our own. Each shift has its surprises but that’s why I love it here so much! Some days can be devastating but then the next is such a heartwarming moment. I love animals so much, and that’s why I’m here socializing the feral/scared kitties and walking the scared/hard-to-work-with dogs that most people overlook."

Meg Lockery, Staff 

"I've been at The Animal Haven for about 6 months now. To me, Animal Haven is about second chances. So many of these animals come from horrible environments and having them come to Animal haven to learn what true love and affection means is what it’s all about to me." Lockery says

Kathy Radziunas, Volunteer & Resident Photographer

"For me, The Animal Haven is a sanctuary. Just like any sanctuary city, this is where living beings are safe, respected, and protected. Good, kind, honest people bond together and strive to reach a common goal which is to treat ALL God’s creatures with love and humanity. There is a soul in each and every animal that enters the doors of The Animal Haven and that soul is pure and trusting and has so much to offer. The employees and volunteers nourish their souls, treat the sick, feed their hunger, and regain their lost trust.

The story behind each animal is different. The one common thread that shines with regard to The Animal Haven is the goodness, kindness, and strength of humanity as I see people working together to overcome evil and despair. I see and feel love when I walk through the doors of this sanctuary."

Al Cubbellotti, Volunteer

Al has been volunteering at the Animal Haven for 4 years. When asked what Animal Haven means to him, he said the following:

"My father always said “we will be judged by how we treated the weakest amongst us”

My volunteering at animal haven exposes me to the best and the worst of humanity sometimes but it also gives me the opportunity to give back and participate in some small way of making a difference to some of the weakest among us."

Interested in adopting an Animal Haven animal?

Hours of operation: Adoption by appointment only due to COVID-19.

If you are interested in one of the animals at the shelter, please fill out and submit an application on our website. If your application is approved, we will be in touch to schedule an appointment.

For all adoptable pets, click here.