Who We Are
About Heal Animal Rescue
HEAL Animal Rescue, formerly Animal Friends of Westmoreland, officially opened its doors to the public in 2009. But the journey started long before that.
In 2006, our Founder Candy Valentino combined her love for animals, especially senior and special needs dogs, with her extensive business experience and founded HEAL Animal Rescue. Her dream was to create an organization that could be on the front lines helping homeless, abandoned, and abused animals.
Volunteers, contractors, school, and businesses within the community spent countless hours turning our building, donated by our Founder, into a fully functioning no-kill adoption center in three years.
Since opening the doors in 2009, HEAL Animal Rescue has rehabilitated and rehomed countless companion animals. In 2017, our Founder envisioned increasing our impact to also provide refuge for abused and neglected farm animals. After the purchase and renovation of a 62-acre farm turned sanctuary, we are now also home to chickens, ducks, mini-mules, cows, pigs, sheep and goats. HEAL Animal Rescue continues our mission of rescuing animals, saving lives, and providing healing opportunities for all.
Founder
Businesswoman and CEO Candy Valentino is no stranger to the unconditional love animals provide. Her own experience with rescue dogs and passion for bringing together pets and people led her to serve as volunteer CEO for HEAL Animal Rescue since its inception. During this time, Candy has led, directed, and organized over 60 charity events for the organization to raise millions of dollars to support HEAL Animal Rescue’s mission to stop the cycle of abuse many animals face.
“As difficult and heavy as this journey has been, I am honored to be doing it. Seeing the little faces of the thousands of lives we've saved, and knowing how many more we will continue to help, makes all of the work worth it.
I may have been the one who started this organization, but there are hundreds, if not thousands, of people who make it all possible. Our incredible staff, dedicated volunteers and army of supporters and donors make it all possible. It's been such a blessing to work alongside so many incredible people who are also committed to making a difference."
— Candy Valentino, Founder
Volunteer Board Members
Our board is made up of community members who volunteer their time and expertise to ensure HEAL Animal Rescue is able to function effectively and continue to provide hope and healing for children, adults, and animals.
Founder & President: Candy Valentino
Vice President: Jessica Rafferty, Rafferty Legal, P.C.
Secretary: Jessica Marazza, Second Half Coach Wealth Management
Treasurer: Kelly Koshinsky, DeBlasio & DeBlaisio Associates, CPA
Our mission is to provide a no-kill animal adoption center and sanctuary dedicated to providing quality care, shelter, and respect to abused and neglected animals in need.
Seeing the little faces of the thousands of lives we've saved, and knowing how many more we will continue to help, makes all of the work worth it.
— Candy Valentino, Founder
