Those who may have visited Diane's Pet Supplies & Adoption Center in North Coventry may have noticed that the facility has undergone some changes since the business is now a formal program of Animal House Project (AHP), a nonprofit organization.

The center was founded in 1989 by Diane Dietch, and Diane's became part of AHP in January. Since then, the building has been undergoing major renovations with new flooring and the addition of extra space. 

"We turned the bird room into a reptile room and are showcasing surrendered reptiles up for adoption. We partnered with Noah's Animal Rescue Sanctuary, and they will have reptiles up for adoption at the store," explained MaryBeth Yannessa, AHP board president. "The fish tanks have been removed, and we are using that (area) as storage. A separate room was built that will showcase a cat cafe."

AHP was founded in 2007 to address the growing issue of local animals being surrendered due to families facing financial hardships in caring for their pets. Recognizing a need, AHP established the Chester County Pet Food Pantry in 2010. The pantry provides donated pet food and services to families in financial need, enabling them to keep their pets at home and out of shelters.

Pantry clients are provided with canned food for dogs and cats, as well as food for birds, fish, reptiles and other small animals. When available, pantry clients are given treats, toys, cat litter, bedding, grooming supplies and flea and tick treatment for their animals.

Pet food distributions take place in a drive-through format at the pantry, 72 Robinson St., Pottstown, located off Route 100 near Motel 6.

By acquiring Diane's, AHP also offers pet vaccination clinics, low-cost spay and neuter services and access to pet food manufacturers. "The low-cost vaccine clinic at Diane's is held on the first Saturday of each month from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., and the pantry is also (open) on the first Saturday of the month from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.," Yannessa noted.

The adoption center at Diane's is a temporary home for many rescued dogs, puppies, cats, kittens, rabbits, birds, reptiles and other small animals. The animals come from local homes, shelters and rescues, as well as several out-of-state rescues. Many of the pets in the adoption center were unwanted or were rescued from kill shelters, abusive situations or hazardous environments.

Currently available for adoption are Sammy, a 15-month-old neutered male German shepherd, which passed at the top of his class at a board and train facility; Marius, a 2-year-old Great Pyrenees/Anatolian shepherd mix; and Marcella, a 2-year-old spayed female yellow Labrador, described as very gentle and great with adults and kids. All three dogs are up to date with vaccines. Those interested in adopting are asked to complete an application that can be found at http://www.ddpets.com.

Diane's Pet Supplies & Adoption Center is located at 1486 S. Hanover St. (Route 100), Pottstown. For more information, visit the previously mentioned website or http://www.facebook.com/DianesPets or call 610-970-7500.

More information about AHP and the pet food pantry is available at http://www.animalhouseproject.org and http://www.facebook.com/AnimalHouseProject1. Those with questions may call 484-558-0467 or email info@animalhouseproject.org.