As a professional pet groomer, Taylor Yeagle has an already established commitment to the safety and welfare, as well as maintaining a healthy environment, for various types of animals. It is with this in mind that she has engaged in a new venture that will benefit these animals, which she calls “Safe Haus.”
Webb Weekly interviewed Taylor about her vision for “Safe Haus,” and the following is what she told us.
Why did you start The Safe Haus?
“The Safe Haus was born from a deep desire to do more, not just for the animals in our care, but for the people in our community who love them. As the owner of a local grooming business that offers services to strays, I’ve seen firsthand how many pet owners are struggling, and how many animals fall through the cracks when life gets hard. I’ve also seen how traditional shelters often lack the necessary equipment to handle the volume, urgency, or emotional complexity of modern-day rescue. I wanted to create something different. Something better. The Safe Haus is our answer to the question: “What if rescue was built with dignity, innovation, and community at the core?”
Why is this project so important?
“Because animals, and the people who love them, deserve more. Too often, families are forced to surrender a beloved pet during a crisis and have nowhere safe to turn. Too often, dogs are left in unsafe environments or end up euthanized, not because they’re “bad,” but because there weren’t enough resources or time. The Safe Haus is not just about rescue, it’s about redefining what rescue looks like in 2025 and beyond. It’s about giving animals the dignity they deserve, giving people compassionate options, and giving our community something to be proud of.
“With your help, we can build a place where hope lives, and where no one has to face heartbreak alone.”
What are your expectations for the future?
“Our vision is bold, but necessary. The Safe Haus will be a full-spectrum rescue and adoption center dedicated to dogs in Lycoming County and beyond. Once our facility is secured, we will provide emergency surrenders, short-term care, rehabilitation, training, and adoption, all while focusing on education and outreach that prevents surrenders in the first place. We are also developing Mercy Gate, a safe and anonymous surrender station for emergency drop-offs, modeled after hospital baby boxes —a first-of-its-kind project in our area, potentially in the nation. In the long term, we envision The Safe Haus as more than just a shelter. It will be a hub for public education, training, events, and wellness, partnering with local businesses, schools, and other rescues to change the culture around animal welfare.”
“In short, I started The Safe Haus because I couldn’t sit back and watch good dogs and good people fall through the cracks anymore. I’ve worked in this field long enough to know that we don’t need more cages, we need more compassion. This isn’t just about saving animals. It’s about building a better system, a safer place, and a stronger community.”
What can the public do to help?
“Right now, we are asking for the community’s support to help us build this dream from the ground up. While we wait on our 501(c)(3) approval to apply for grants, we are relying entirely on local donations, sponsorships, and fundraising to secure a facility and begin operations.
Ways the public can help:
– Donate via GoFundMe, check, or cash
– Sponsor our facility or a specific program
– Attend our upcoming interest meeting on July 27 at the Hampton Inn in downtown Williamsport from 4–6 PM
– Spread the word on social media, in your workplace, and in your circles
The Safe Haus also has several fundraisers that are currently happening:
• Hats (With A&K Impressions in Jersey Shore): $25 profit so far (runs through August 1)
• Coffee (With The Buckin’ Bean Coffe Co.): $112 raised (runs through September)
• Boots (With Mark’s Outfitters): $230 raised (runs through August 1)
We also have the Pet Portrait Fundraiser, a Texas Roadhouse Dine to Donate night, and a few other fundraisers coming up in August so stay tuned for those!
“We also welcome in-kind donations (like supplies or printing services), and we’re actively looking for businesses willing to offer payroll deduction options for employees (once we obtain our certificate) who want to support The Safe Haus monthly.”
Yeagle is hoping to acquire a property for “Safe Haus” somewhere in the Montoursville-Hughesville area.
