Today we’d like to introduce you to Peggy Schneider.
Hi Peggy, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Since 1892, the Erie Humane Society has been a place of hope for animals in need. What began as a mission to investigate abuse has grown into a promise: to Rescue, Rehabilitate, and Rehome homeless pets in need of compassion and shelter.
We believe every animal deserves a second chance. Guided by “No-Kill” standards, we care for the whole pet—healing their bodies, understanding their behavior, and nurturing their spirits—so they’re ready for the loving homes they deserve.
Financial support provides safe shelter, veterinary care, spaying and neutering, grooming, temperament assessments, and so much more. Every act of kindness helps an animal start a fresh chapter, filled with love and the promise of a furever home.
The Erie Humane Society provides comprehensive housing and care for animals awaiting adoption and those receiving medical treatment. Facilities include 24 large-breed dog kennels with adjoining indoor spaces and outdoor ventilation, 6 small-breed dog kennels, and 46 cat kennels located throughout dedicated cat rooms and public areas. All dog kennels feature heated floors and automatic water systems, while each animal receives comfortable bedding, enrichment toys, and daily care.
Our clinical facility supports animals not yet ready for adoption and includes 14 additional dog kennels, 40 cat kennels, an operating room, exam room, grooming room, and meal preparation areas.
To promote animal well-being, the shelter also offers a free-roam cat lounge, daily enrichment opportunities, and access to extensive outdoor spaces. Shelter dogs benefit from daily exercise and socialization in multiple play areas, including a courtyard bark park, dog run, shelter dog park, and walking trails along Walnut Creek. Two public dog parks on campus, made possible through grant funding, further support community engagement and animal welfare.
The Erie Humane Society’s affordable pet wellness clinic is next door to the shelter. The clinic offers low-cost spay/neuter surgeries, vaccinations, and parasite screenings.
Our full-time pet stylist keeps your pets looking and feeling their best in our full-service grooming salon.
In addition, we offer compassionate end-of-life services, including private or general cremation.
Our Mission is to:
Rescue
Provide temporary shelter, medical care, and support to pets in need, ensuring their safety and well-being.
Rehabilitate
Heal, nurture, and prepare pets—physically and emotionally—for a brighter future.
Rehome
Match pets with loving, responsible homes through thoughtful adoption processes, guidance, and ongoing support.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The Erie Humane Society serves as the premier animal shelter for Erie and the surrounding communities, providing compassionate care and refuge for animals in need. While we are proud of the vital role we play, we face many of the same challenges experienced by animal shelters everywhere. Financial sustainability remains an ongoing concern as we strive to provide the highest level of care, welcome every animal that needs our help, and ensure they are safe, loved, healthy, and well-fed. The rising costs of operations make fulfilling this mission increasingly challenging. Although we share the nonprofit landscape with other animal welfare organizations, we view them as partners rather than competitors because we all share the common goal of improving the lives of animals. One of our greatest challenges is raising awareness that the Erie Humane Society relies almost entirely on the generosity and support of our community to continue providing these essential services.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
Many people believe that I save the animals at the Erie Humane Society, but the truth is that my role is to ensure our team has everything they need to save them. My responsibility is to provide the resources, support, and leadership that allow our dedicated staff and volunteers to focus on what they do best: loving, caring for, and advocating for animals in need.
My journey with the Erie Humane Society began 12 years ago as a member of the Board of Directors. After taking an intentional step away from the corporate world, I was honored to be asked to serve as Interim Executive Director, a role that ultimately led to my current position. Having the unique opportunity to experience the organization from both the governance and operational sides has given me a deep appreciation for its mission and impact. It is a tremendous privilege to help lead an organization that transforms the lives of animals and the people who care about them every day.
Do you have any memories from childhood that you can share with us?
One of my favorite childhood memories is of my mother allowing my two brothers and me each to have our own dog, something I did not fully appreciate at the time but now recognize as an incredible undertaking. My dog was a miniature black poodle named Candy. As a child, I loved candy so much that naming her seemed like the most natural thing in the world.
Candy was more than just a pet. She was my little buddy. I would grab my fishing pole and head to the pond behind our house. While I fished, Candy would sit by my side. There was nothing remarkable about those afternoons, yet they are a fond memory.
Even now, when I think of Candy tagging along on those fishing trips to the backyard pond, it brings a smile to my face and reminds me of how fortunate I was to grow up with such a cute little friend.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://eriehumanesociety.org/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eriehumanesociety?igsi=NXVmdHYweHIhc
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/eriehumanesociety
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/51719511/
