New Veterinarian & Operations Director Join Animal Shelter Team

For Immediate Release

Contact: Erin Long, Marketing Coordinator
Humane Society of Harford County
410-836-1090, x106 (office)
240-344-0968 (cell)
[email protected]

Fallston, MD (December 17, 2015) – Immense changes are happening for both homeless animals and the citizens who love them in Harford County! For the first time in its 70-year history, The Humane Society of Harford County (HSHC) has a full-time, on-site shelter veterinarian. Mary C. Zink, D.V.M. has been hired to oversee the medical needs of the 4,500 animals HSHC sees annually. In addition, a new shelter operations director rounds out the leadership team installed by executive director Jen Swanson as the entire operation prepares to move into a new shelter facility in early 2016.

“Dr. Zink brings a wealth of experience and knowledge about best practices in shelter medicine,” said Swanson. “Her primary focus will be preventive veterinary care, care of sick and injured animals brought into the shelter, high volume spay and neuter procedures, and management of the shelter’s veterinary team.”

Dr. Zink earned her undergraduate degree in Biology from The University of Maryland, College Park and completed her veterinary education at The Ohio State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine. She began her career practicing small animal veterinary medicine in a traditional clinic setting. She went on to a house-call practice, eventually moving into the animal health industry, which led to her most rewarding role, working as a shelter veterinarian. For the last seven years, she has worked with The Humane Society of Greater Kansas City, the Baltimore Humane Society, and most recently served as the Director of Veterinary Services at the Maryland SPCA.

“The shelter is on the brink of so many new opportunities, and I am eager to join HSHC at such an exciting time,” Dr. Zink said. “I became a veterinarian to help people experience the joy of owning a beloved pet. Since the human-animal bond begins in the shelter at the time of adoption, it’s only fitting for me to do what I love in this environment.”

Prior to Dr. Zink joining the staff, HSHC has been privileged to have many of Harford County’s veterinarians volunteer their services. “The Harford County veterinary community has provided outstanding support to our animals over the years,” said Swanson. “From volunteering to give vaccinations, to providing expert guidance, to performing expensive surgical procedures at a significant discount (or waiving the fees entirely), Harford County’s vets have been the absolute best to work with. Dr. Zink and I are very excited to continue and enhance our partnerships with the veterinary community.”

Cat Kelly recently joined HSHC as its Shelter Operations Director, helping to oversee the shelter’s vast operations, from animal care and enrichment to adoption policies and procedures. Kelly was most recently shelter supervisor at Baltimore County Animal Services where she was instrumental in facilitating many new protocols and programs and helped strengthen community partnerships. Prior to that, she managed a veterinary practice in Timonium where she was also a vet tech for many years. Kelly is a veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps.

“I’m an animal person, so it’s very gratifying to play a role in finding pets safe and loving homes,” Kelly said. “I’m also eager to expand HSHC’s relationships with animal rescue groups and others in the animal welfare industry.”

For more information on the Humane Society of Harford County, connect with HSHC on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, or call the shelter at (410) 836-1090.

About the Humane Society of Harford County
The Humane Society of Harford County, Inc., is a non-profit, 501(c)(3) charitable organization dedicated to the welfare and well-being of the approximately 4,500 animals that come to us each year. We promote the kind treatment of homeless, stray and abandoned animals by providing shelter, care, adoptions, and community education. We are not a county agency nor are we affiliated with any national or regional organization. Your tax-deductible donations, bequests, and proceeds from events are crucial to our life-saving efforts on behalf of the animals of our community.