As of Jan. 1, the Animal Shelter of Martha’s Vineyard became a fully independent, federally chartered, not-for-profit organization.

Since 2009, more than 300 dogs, cats, guinea pigs, bunnies and other Island pets have found a home through the Animal Shelter of Martha’s Vineyard.

Located on Pennywise Path in Edgartown, the shelter was built in 1934 by the late Kitty Foote. In 1947 Kitty appealed to the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (MSPCA) to take over the operation of the shelter. The society agreed and for the next 50 years managed and ran an MSPCA at the site of Ms. Foote’s Animal Rescue League.

In 2009, a financial shortfall forced the MSCPA to plan a closing of the Island facility. Through a public-private partnership formed by volunteers and Dukes County, the Animal Shelter of Martha’s Vineyard was created. For two years the MSPCA provided an open-ended, no-cost lease for the group to use the facility

In late 2011 plans were made by the MSPCA to give the building and land of the facility to the Animal Shelter of Martha’s Vineyard at no cost.

Through the efforts of many over more than 70 years, Ms. Foote, the MSPCA, Dukes County, and the generosity of so many people, the domestic animals of Martha’s Vineyard continue to have a safe shelter and an advocate to find them safe, loving and permanent homes.

For more information or if interested in helping the work of the Animal Shelter of Martha’s Vineyard, call 508-627-8662.