Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some of the questions most often asked by our callers and visitors. If you do not find the information you are looking for on this web site, please contact us.

Is the clinic in Whitehall open to the public?

Penny's Rainbow Clinic is not open to walk-in visitors. For our regular adoption dates and times, please see our Adoptions page. If you have made prior arrangements with a member of our staff, you may come to the clinic to meet or pick up a specific animal. Occasionally, open houses and other special public events are held at the clinic. Dates and times for special events are announced on our Events page.

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Where and when can I see animals available for adoption?

We hold weekly cat adoption days at our shelter in Whiehall, PA. Weekly dog adoptions are held at PetSmart in Whitehall, PA. For details on times, locations and directions, please see the Adoptions page. For special adoption events, please see the Events page.

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How do I make a donation to Peaceable Kingdom?

Peaceable Kingdom accepts many types of donations including monetary contributions, business services and in-kind contributions. We also accept used vehicles and certain types of used household items. All donations are tax deductible. Details are available on our Donations page.

How do I become a Peaceable Kingdom volunteer?

In most cases, you can simply contact us and offer to help. Tell us about your skills, interests and availability and we'll find tasks you'll enjoy. For details on our most needed volunteer services and more information on how to join our organization, please visit the Volunteer page.

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Can I have my pets spayed or neutered by Peaceable Kingdom?

In most cases, the answer is "yes" -- but you may have to wait several weeks. A limited number of male and female animals are accepted at each spay/neuter session. Please visit our Spay/Neuter page for general information. Call the Spay/Neuter Hotline at (610) 360-7709 for more detailed information or to arrange an appointment.

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How do I place an animal in Peaceable Kingdom's care?

Placing an animal with Peaceable Kingdom -- or any shelter -- should be considered a last resort. Most animals react poorly to the shock and fear caused by the sudden change of environment. Some animals do not survive the transition.

If the animal is a stray, read on to the next question. If the animal belongs to you, we strongly recommend that you make an effort on your own to find it a new home. Contact friends, coworkers, neighbors and family members. Run a classified ad -- many publications will do this at little or no cost. Post signs at public locations.

In some cases, Peaceable Kingdom may be able to assist you by advertising the animal online or at our adoption days. You must keep the animal at your home, provide medical records, photos and a detailed description, and respond to calls from people wishing to adopt. Peaceable Kingdom will assist with the adoption process, including background checks and fee collection.

Like most no-kill shelters, Peaceable Kingdom has a lengthy waiting list of people who want to place animals in our care. We respond to requests in the order they were received and we cannot promise to assist in every case. If the animal is accepted, a $100 donation is required to cover the cost of the animal's upkeep and veterinary care.

Under no circumstances should you leave an animal at the clinic without first making arrangements with the Peaceable Kingdom staff! Abandoning an animal is a violation of state law.

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What should I do if I find a stray dog or cat?

If you notice an unfamiliar animal just once, let it alone to find its own way home. If the animal continues to appear over a period of several days, it may be lost or abandoned and you should take action.

Check with neighbors, newspapers, animal shelters and local law enforcement to see if anyone has reporting a missing animal. Observe the animal's behavior. If it behaves in a hostile or erratic manner, stay away and report it to police, animal control or a local shelter. If the animal appears healthy and friendly, approach it cautiously and check for collars, tags or identifying markings. Confine the animal in an enclosed area and provide it with food, water and shelter. Local animal shelters or law enforcement officials can advise you whether to continue your search for the animal's owners and what to do if the owners cannot be located.

If a stray is accepted at Peaceable Kingdom, we will try for several days to locate the owner. We do not have the capability to check for microchips. The animal will be vet-checked, spayed or neutered and put up for adoption.

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What should I do if I find a colony of feral cats?

Feral cats are usually extremely timid and fearful of people. Do not attempt to approach or handle them. Report the location of the cats to local law enforcement or to an animal shelter.

If the cats can remain at their location without danger to themselves, people or other animals, it is often best to leave them where they were found. However, they should be trapped, neutered and checked by a veterinarian. This is a job for experienced animal handlers only! If the cats pose a threat to themselves or others, they must be relocated.

Peaceable Kingdom has some volunteers who are trained and equipped to assist with trapping and relocating feral cats. Call us at (610) 360-7709 for more information.

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