About South Hills Pet Rescue
Our Team
Our Heartfelt Mission
Our Heartfelt Mission
Our team is made up of dedicated animal lovers who are passionate about providing the best care possible to the animals in our shelter. We work tirelessly to ensure that each animal receives the love and attention they deserve. SHPR does what it does with the help of community partners and volunteers. Learn about how you can help today!
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Our Heartfelt Mission
Our Heartfelt Mission
Our Heartfelt Mission
At South Hills Pet Rescue, we are committed to saving all breeds with love and care. Our no-kill sanctuary offers rescue, medical attention, and comfort, ensuring every animal finds a safe, caring place, whether for a little while or forever.
Adoption Process
Our Heartfelt Mission
Adoption Process
Adopting a pet from South Hills Pet Rescue is easy! Simply fill out our adoption application and make an appointment with one of our staff at the kennel to meet your new pet! Our adoption fees cover the cost of critical care, shelter, feeding, spaying/neutering, vaccinations, and microchipping. When you adopt from SHPR, you can be assure
Adopting a pet from South Hills Pet Rescue is easy! Simply fill out our adoption application and make an appointment with one of our staff at the kennel to meet your new pet! Our adoption fees cover the cost of critical care, shelter, feeding, spaying/neutering, vaccinations, and microchipping. When you adopt from SHPR, you can be assured that your new companion will be up to date on all of their vaccinations!
Rescue. Rehabilitate. Rehome.
The Heart Behind SHPRP
South Hills Pet Rescue began with a chance connection that changed everything.
Dog behaviorist Nick Ferraro was managing South Hills Pet Resort when Ashley Rittle reached out for help with her dog, Nyla. That introduction quickly turned into something more—and before long, Nick and Ashley were building a life together. In May 2012, they welcomed their son, Lawson, and just one month later, they purchased the Resort with plans to expand its boarding and training services. But life had other plans.
In August 2012, only two months after purchasing the facility, Nick and Ashley were asked to help a local rescue overwhelmed with dogs facing euthanasia. They expected to take in 13 dogs. Instead, 62 arrived—pushing the facility beyond capacity overnight.
Despite the financial strain and loss of boarding revenue, they committed fully to rehabilitating each dog and finding them loving homes. That moment became the turning point. It was clear: there was a desperate need for a no-kill rescue focused on giving dogs a true second chance.
In 2013, Nick and Ashley were married, and Ashley left her marketing career to join the mission full-time. By 2014, South Hills Pet Rescue officially became a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit, built on one simple but powerful belief: “save all breeds with all needs.”
From day one, SHPR has taken in dogs that others cannot or will not—regardless of behavior, background, or breed.
Today, SHPR is powered by a small but mighty team. Alongside Nick are dedicated kennel managers Cheryl and Jeremy, who help manage daily operations, coordinate rescues, support adoptions, and ensure every dog is cared for with compassion and consistency. Ashley continues to support the rescue behind the scenes whenever she can.
Together—with the help of an incredible community of volunteers—they are building more than a rescue. They are building a family rooted in second chances.
