The Animal Rescue League of Berks County (ARL) announced the renewal of its animal control contracts with City of Reading, Upper Bern Township, and Wyomissing Borough for 2026.
Through these contracts, the ARL will continue to provide vital animal control services that enhance public safety and ensure humane treatment of animals in these communities.
Additionally, in 2026, the ARL will continue a fee-for-service animal control option to small municipalities who need assistance with less than 15 dogs per year. The following municipalities entered into MOUs for this service: Amity Township, Bechtelsville Borough, Bern Township, Boyertown Borough, Caernarvon Township, Colebrookedale Township, Union Township, & West Reading.
“Our animal control services are rooted in a deep commitment to the animals and communities we serve, guided by evidence-based practices and established industry standards.” said ARL’s CEO Ashley Mikulsky. “Providing meaningful, reliable coverage isn’t something we do alone — it requires partnership between the ARL, law enforcement, and the community. When each part of that partnership is engaged, informed, and aligned around proven approaches, we create safer, more humane outcomes for everyone.”
For municipalities under full-service contracts, the agreement provides comprehensive animal control directly to residents and law enforcement. These services include intake and holding of stray domestic animals showing signs of ownership at no cost to residents, regardless of behavior or medical condition, as capacity allows.
Residents have direct access to the ARL during business hours for animal control, humane law, and non-cruelty concerns, reducing the burden on local police and municipal offices. The ARL also provides animal control enforcement and dispatch services, including stray animal pickup when no other transportation is available, and response to injured, deceased, or potentially rabid animals in accordance with Pennsylvania law.
For municipalities operating under fee-for-service agreements, law enforcement and/or authorized township personnel may bring a limited number of stray dogs to the shelter. Cats are not included. This limited coverage is designed to meet the needs of smaller municipalities. Residents seeking additional information about these agreements should contact their local municipal office. Direct services for residents are not included.
For both programs, to service community cats, any interested municipality can enter into a voucher program for trap-neuter-vaccinate-return (TNVR) services separate from an animal control contract.
Separate from animal control contracts, the ARL also provides humane law enforcement to the entire County of Berks. Humane Society Police Officers enforce Pennsylvania’s Animal Cruelty Statute, 18 Pa. C.S., and are not restricted to contracted municipalities. No entity contracts for these services, nor funds the cost to offer this service. In addition to Humane Society Police Officers sworn into Berks County, local and state police also have the power to investigate cruelty and neglect.
The Animal Rescue League of Berks County remains committed to the safety and well-being of both animals and residents through its continued partnerships with local municipalities. For more information about ARL’s animal control services, visit https://berksarl.org/animal-control-service-areas/.
