The adoption initiative runs from December 15, 2025, through January 15, 2026, during which Reading & Northern Railroad will cover all adoption fees for animals adopted from the Hillside SPCA.
The effort reflects a cause close to the hearts of Reading & Northern Owner and CEO Andy Muller, his family, and the railroad’s employees, as the local shelter continues to face an unusually high number of stray animals, drop-offs, and long-term residents.
“The railroad is committed to protecting the Earth and the creatures living on it,” Muller said. “Our friends at Hillside SPCA have been dealing with an astronomical number of stray drop-offs, dumped animals, and long-term residents in the past few months. We would love to see them find a place to call home for the rest of their lives. Who knows—maybe we can even clear the kennels.”
Those interested in adopting can visit the Hillside SPCA, located at 51 SPCA Road, Pottsville. The shelter is open daily from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Adoption applications can be submitted online at www.hillidespca.com.
Community members who are unable to adopt at this time can still support the shelter by donating items from Hillside SPCA’s Amazon wish list, which is available on the organization’s website.
Reading & Northern Railroad is headquartered in Port Clinton and serves more than 80 customers across nine eastern Pennsylvania counties, including Schuylkill, Berks, Carbon, and Luzerne counties. Over the past four decades, the privately held railroad has expanded significantly, now transporting nearly 35,000 freight carloads annually, removing more than 200,000 trucks from regional highways.
The railroad also operates a popular passenger department, welcoming nearly 340,000 riders each year on its steam- and diesel-powered excursions. Reading & Northern operates over 400 miles of track, owns nearly 2,000 freight cars, and employs more than 350 people. The company has received numerous national honors, including being named Regional Railroad of the Year in 2020 by Railway Age magazine.
Officials say they hope the adoption partnership inspires the community to come together and help local shelter animals find permanent homes during the holiday season.