PAWSitively Pittsburgh: 150 Years of Humane Animal Rescue
Celebrate 150 years of the Humane Animal Rescue of Pittsburgh.
Join the History Center to honor the historic impact the Humane Animal Rescue of Pittsburgh (HARP) has had on Western Pennsylvania over the last 150 years.
Animal lovers and paw-rents are invited on a historic walk (no leash required!) throughout the museum to learn about the many ways HARP has contributed to the well-being of local animals and our community.
Since 2019, the History Center’s Detre Library & Archives has preserved the rich history of the organization by collecting their archival materials and photographs. Dive deeper into these fascinating records during a special presentation that will shed light on HARP’s history and legacy.
Connect with expert trainers, wildlife rehabilitators, and veterinarian professionals to gain firsthand insight into your animal’s health and happiness. Explore local animal history with a paw-some scavenger hunt, meet service animals, and sit-in on interactive workshops during this special one-day pet-a-palooza.
PAWSitively Pittsburgh Floor-By-Floor
(Please note, all activities run from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. unless a specific time is noted.)
1st Floor – Great Hall
Explore a visual historic timeline showcasing the incredible journey of HARP over the past 150 years, learn about the local flora and fauna that can be found in your backyard with HARP’s Wildlife Center, and visit a first-of-its-kind mobile unit that provides support services to both people and pets.
3rd Floor – Multipurpose Room
Animal Behavior and Body Language Workshop | 11-11:30 a.m. – Have you ever wondered what your animal is thinking? While we can’t say exactly what a meow means, experts will help pet owners bridge the communication gap by teaching attendees how to recognize animal body language. Therapy dogs will also be in attendance to show owners how to create more paws-itive interactions with their furry friends.
Animal Career Exploration Workshop | Noon-12:30 p.m. – From rescuing pets to helping endangered species, explore the wonderful world of animal welfare careers – the future is in your paws!
Wildlife Rehab 101 Workshop | 1-1:30 p.m. – What does it take to rehabilitate and release sick, injured, or orphaned native Pa. wildlife? Join HARP’s Wildlife Rehabilitation Center, the second largest wildlife hospital in the state, to get a behind-the-scenes look at the work they do to care for over 130 different species each year.
4th Floor – Campbell Gallery
Meet HARP service animals and ask a trainer about obedience training programs, performance activities, service and emotional support services, and more.
6th Floor – Detre Library & Archives
Highlights from the HARP Collection | 1:30-2:30 p.m. – Join Matthew Strauss, director of the Detre Library & Archives, for a presentation on HARP’s rich collection of archival documents and photographs that sheds light on the organization’s efforts to care for not just household pets, but also livestock, children, and the elderly.
Admission
This program is included with museum admission and is appropriate for all ages.
While the program celebrates our furry friends, no pets are allowed within the museum (other than service animals).
For additional questions and information, please contact programs@heinzhistorycenter.org.