Two local women are actively attempting to reopen an animal shelter in Northampton.

Northampton resident Dawn Perl and Bath resident Brandi Trautman hope they can run a shelter from the building that once served as an animal shelter in the borough. It was open for several years but was shut down in 2007, Perl said.

Since May 2013, the mother and daughter team have been rescuing and treating animals in their own homes, talking to the Northampton community about the importance of having an animal shelter again and taking online courses to further their knowledge about operating an animal shelter.

In May 2014, Perl will have a certificate from Penn Foster as a veterinarian assistant and, starting in December, she hopes to begin a course in dog training from ABC College. Trautman is also earning two degrees from Penn Foster so to become a private investigator and bookkeeper.

The women have not decided on a name for the animal shelter but hope to come up with "something meaning that [dogs and cats will be] comfortable and well taken care of," Perl said. "I've been thinking of Perl's Pet Palace."

The town of Northampton has a problem with cats on the streets, hiding around the train tracks especially, they said.

"It's been getting worse," Perl said. The nearest animal shelter, Peaceable Kingdom, is in Whitehall, "but it's so full."

Perl and Trautman envision a "no-kill" shelter, which means animals are not put down unless medically necessary.

They wouldn't turn any animal away but anticipate most of the animals they would receive would be cats and dogs. Perl also would pick up animals that are hurt or found in the community by others. She has a crate for trapping animals in these types of situations, she said.

Opening a shelter would mean fewer cases of rabies, fewer feral cats and "less danger for people and animals," Trautman said.

Some volunteers and workers are already lined up, including veterinarian assistants/technicians and shelter workers. However, other volunteers are still needed.

If the animal shelter opens, volunteers would be needed to provide their time to walk dogs and drop off donations, such as cat litter, cleaning supplies and dog food.

For more information, contact Perl at 610-984-2222.