Erin Insinga

When I signed on as the Director for DVHS in 2013, I was not prepared for the tremendous impact that it would have on my life nor did I expect to hold a position that could cause such heartbreak and happiness at the same time. From day one i was supported by my board of directors who allowed for me to have the liberation to set forth and make plans to complete necessary changes to our aging facility. These changes would essentially better the lives of the animals who called DVHS “home” and allow for us to better serve the good people in our community.

Through humane education, a dedication to treating everyone with respect and dignity, the mindset that we would do whatever we could to help as many animals as possible regardless of jurisdictions, implementing a viable adoption program where individuals are granted private meetings with myself and my staff to provide a more personal experience when considering adoption, a necessary community outreach program that offers assistance to the underserved, and thorough behavioral assessments to better suit our animals with potential families, we are so proud to stand behind our little shelter.

The animals that I have worked with over the last 18 years working in a shelter environment have taught me more than any textbook ever has and i like to think that I am doing exactly what i should be doing. I don’t have any plans to stop anytime soon, so get ready because we are just getting started. I have two daughters, Ariyahna and India, and four animals (Phoebe, DVHS pitty x, Weezer, the most fantastic beagle EVER, Karen, my gangster rabbit who has zero tolerance for me, and of course, Silas, my magnificent cat (but don;t tell him he’s really a cat) who has changed my life in the most incredible way and made me a believer. I graduated from SUNY Cartland where I received my BA in English but quickly realized that my calling was much different and I never stepped foot in a classroom to reach.

I learned nearly everything from my mom who as far back as I can remember has dedicated her life to helping animals in need. We have a tough road ahead but with support from our great community I know we will see you on the other side of this. Please remember to support those who continue to support DVHS and as always, HAVE A HUMANE DAY.

Erin