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Get Involved

There are many ways to save a life!

PAWS was founded in 2005 as a small volunteer group with a dream to make Philadelphia a no-kill city where every healthy and treatable pet is guaranteed a home. We have made incredible strides thanks to caring supporters who get involved however they can, whether adopting, fostering, making contributions of time or funds, and so much more. Join our mission and start saving lives!

The Most Important Ways You Can Make An Impact

Adopt

Every adoption from PAWS opens up space for us to save another animal in need.

Adopt Now!

Donate

Your gift of funds or supplies will truly save lives.

Donate Now!

Foster

By opening your home for a few weeks, you’ll change the life of a shelter pet who needs you.

Apply Now!

Volunteer

Volunteers play a central role in every aspect of our work and enable us to save as many lives as we can.

Apply Now!

Join the PAWS Community

Share Your Story

Share your pet’s story and help spread the word about PAWS’ lifesaving efforts. Post your adoption update on social media to inspire others to adopt!

Visit PAWS on Facebook

Attend PAWS Events

From smaller adoption events to our annual Mutt Strut fall festival and Chefs’ Night gala, there’s something for everyone.

See the full calendar

Start a Fundraiser

Create a personalized online fundraising page in minutes to share with friends and raise needed donations for Philadelphia’s animals.

Get Started!

Become A PAWS Partner

Businesses of all kinds play a major role in helping PAWS save lives. Whether you sponsor or host an adoption or fundraising event, donate expertise or supplies, help us reach new audiences to build support, or offer help in another way, you will be serving your community and joining a city-wide effort to make Philadelphia a no-kill city. In return, we can offer branding and promotional opportunities, exposure through our social media channels, and the appreciation of our large and loyal community of supporters.
Become a Partner

Current Partners

Volunteers Welcome!

Share your free time with the animals and help save the lives of pets in need. We’re always looking for volunteers to help in every area of our lifesaving efforts.

Learn More

Become a Foster Parent

Learn More

Make a Gift and Save a Life

Make A One-Time Donation

PAWS is 100% donor-funded. Every animal we save depends on the generosity of our supporters.

Donate

Give Monthly

Make the commitment to be a lifesaver all year long.

Give Monthly

Give Another Way

There are many ways to make a difference for the animals who need you.

Learn More

Find Your Newest Family Member

When you adopt a new best friend from PAWS, you are saving a life that might not have had a chance without your kindness.

All Available Dogs
All Available Cats

Join the Conversation

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May 16

Open
“Can I be yours for the weekend?” Bella Ella just came down with a shelter cold and urgently needs to leave our kennels ❤️‍🩹 She has a foster home lined up for Monday, but we’re really worried that her health will take a turn if she remains at the shelter much longer. Bella is an absolute sweetheart who just wants tummy rubs and baby talk, and she’s hoping you can help her! If you have a pet-free home and would like to spoil this gentle princess for the weekend, please email foster@phillypaws.org with the subject “Bella weekend foster”! Bella is around 5 years old, prefers not to use too many steps, and would do well with kiddos of most ages who can be mindful that she’s feeling under the weather 🤒

“Can I be yours for the weekend?” Bella Ella just came down with a shelter cold and urgently needs to leave our kennels ❤️‍🩹 She has a foster home lined up for Monday, but we’re really worried that her health will take a turn if she remains at the shelter much longer. Bella is an absolute sweetheart who just wants tummy rubs and baby talk, and she’s hoping you can help her!

If you have a pet-free home and would like to spoil this gentle princess for the weekend, please email foster@phillypaws.org with the subject “Bella weekend foster”!

Bella is around 5 years old, prefers not to use too many steps, and would do well with kiddos of most ages who can be mindful that she’s feeling under the weather 🤒 ...

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May 15

Open
Philly Loves PAWS is TODAY! More than 75 businesses around the city are donating a portion of what you spend to support PAWS' lifesaving efforts. Come out and show some love for pets like Bella Ella (pictured)! Find shops, service providers, restaurants, pet services, and more who are supporting PAWS at phillylovespaws.org (link in bio)! Select #PhillyLovesPAWS businesses are also collecting pet pantry supplies today! Help ensure we are well-stocked for our upcoming pet pantry event by dropping off kitty litter, dry dog food, or dry cat food at any of the following locations: @anima_pet_supplies 🐾 @centralbarkphiladelphia 🐾 @dockstreetbeer South 🐾 @haleandtrue 🐾 @neighborhoodbooks 🐾 @RaceStreetCafe 🐾 @Tony_Nicks_Steaks 🐾 @trophybikes We are incredibly grateful to our sponsors @titosvodka and @VCA Animal Hospitals for making this special day possible!

Philly Loves PAWS is TODAY! More than 75 businesses around the city are donating a portion of what you spend to support PAWS` lifesaving efforts. Come out and show some love for pets like Bella Ella (pictured)! Find shops, service providers, restaurants, pet services, and more who are supporting PAWS at phillylovespaws.org (link in bio)!

Select #PhillyLovesPAWS businesses are also collecting pet pantry supplies today! Help ensure we are well-stocked for our upcoming pet pantry event by dropping off kitty litter, dry dog food, or dry cat food at any of the following locations:

@anima_pet_supplies 🐾 @centralbarkphiladelphia 🐾 @dockstreetbeer South 🐾 @haleandtrue 🐾 @neighborhoodbooks 🐾 @RaceStreetCafe 🐾 @Tony_Nicks_Steaks 🐾 @trophybikes

We are incredibly grateful to our sponsors @titosvodka and @VCA Animal Hospitals for making this special day possible! ...

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May 13

Open
Bella Ella, you are so brave! This sweet hippo is one of our newest rescues from @acctphilly who is hoping to find a foster home ASAP. She had her world turned upside down after her owner sadly passed away, and the shelter has been an understandably confusing place for her (our kennels were filled with some especially heartbreaking howls and “woos” her first few nights 😭). Miss Ella has been a delightful office buddy since arriving, and reportedly did well in an ACCT foster home with another pup. She’d love to drape herself across your couch, enjoy some tummy rubs, and show off her adorably crooked little teefies! If you’d like to help sweet Bella Ella, please email foster@phillypaws.org! Ps. Can’t take a big friend home? We also have a spicy little yorkie named Billy who’s looking for a dog savvy foster who can handle his sass!

Bella Ella, you are so brave! This sweet hippo is one of our newest rescues from @acctphilly who is hoping to find a foster home ASAP. She had her world turned upside down after her owner sadly passed away, and the shelter has been an understandably confusing place for her (our kennels were filled with some especially heartbreaking howls and “woos” her first few nights 😭).

Miss Ella has been a delightful office buddy since arriving, and reportedly did well in an ACCT foster home with another pup. She’d love to drape herself across your couch, enjoy some tummy rubs, and show off her adorably crooked little teefies! If you’d like to help sweet Bella Ella, please email foster@phillypaws.org!

Ps. Can’t take a big friend home? We also have a spicy little yorkie named Billy who’s looking for a dog savvy foster who can handle his sass! ...

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May 13

Open
Join the PAWS team and make a difference! Are you passionate about animals and eager to contribute to their well-being alongside a dedicated team? Look no further! PAWS is currently seeking skilled professionals for the following roles: 🐾 Medical Director (hybrid-position) 🐾 Veterinary Technician Manager If you're ready to embark on a fulfilling career journey with us, visit phillypaws.org/jobs to learn more and apply today. Don't hesitate to tag someone who would be perfect for these roles or share this opportunity with your network! #philadelphia #animalwelfare #vetcareers

Join the PAWS team and make a difference! Are you passionate about animals and eager to contribute to their well-being alongside a dedicated team? Look no further! PAWS is currently seeking skilled professionals for the following roles:

🐾 Medical Director (hybrid-position)
🐾 Veterinary Technician Manager

If you`re ready to embark on a fulfilling career journey with us, visit phillypaws.org/jobs to learn more and apply today. Don`t hesitate to tag someone who would be perfect for these roles or share this opportunity with your network!

#philadelphia #animalwelfare #vetcareers ...

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May 11

Open
Yep, Nailah is READY to leave the shelter. She might look grumpy, but she’s really just stressed, scared, and heartsick after losing her home and her favorite human. Nailah is urgently seeking a foster who can care for her through PAWS’ Safety Net Program, which provides temporary housing for pets whose owners are going through times of crisis or hardship. Can you help? Nailah needs 3-4 months of care, and was described by her owner as being shy in new situations, but affectionate and playful once she’s feeling comfortable. If you’d like to help Nailah or another Safety Net cat feel safe and happy while they wait to be reunited with their owner, please email foster@phillypaws.org!

Yep, Nailah is READY to leave the shelter. She might look grumpy, but she’s really just stressed, scared, and heartsick after losing her home and her favorite human. Nailah is urgently seeking a foster who can care for her through PAWS’ Safety Net Program, which provides temporary housing for pets whose owners are going through times of crisis or hardship. Can you help?

Nailah needs 3-4 months of care, and was described by her owner as being shy in new situations, but affectionate and playful once she’s feeling comfortable. If you’d like to help Nailah or another Safety Net cat feel safe and happy while they wait to be reunited with their owner, please email foster@phillypaws.org! ...

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May 10

Open
Please donate for our upcoming pantry event! We’re currently in need of dry cat and dog food as well as kitty litter. Email allison@phillypaws.org to drop off supplies, or send through either of our wishlists (link in bio)! If you or someone you know is struggling to feed a family pet, PAWS is co-hosting a Pet Food Pantry with @phillynokill on Saturday, May 18 at FDR Park Community Clubhouse! This pantry is first come first served, and will run from 10am-12pm or as supplies last.

Please donate for our upcoming pantry event! We’re currently in need of dry cat and dog food as well as kitty litter. Email allison@phillypaws.org to drop off supplies, or send through either of our wishlists (link in bio)!

If you or someone you know is struggling to feed a family pet, PAWS is co-hosting a Pet Food Pantry with @phillynokill on Saturday, May 18 at FDR Park Community Clubhouse! This pantry is first come first served, and will run from 10am-12pm or as supplies last. ...

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May 9

Open
Y’all, Cody is simply a confection of perfection! It’s bonkers that he’s still on the market, but the silver lining is that we have TONS of intel on what makes this snuggly grandpa such a stellar companion. These are just *few* of our favorite things his fosters have shared about him! “Cody is very affectionate — he lights up when he sees you, he makes LOTS of puppy dog eye contact and wags his tail nonstop. If he is laying down when you’re approaching him, he rolls over to show his tummy (while maintaining intense and adoring eye contact). He’ll scooch up close to you on the couch and lightly paw you to get you to pet him or look at him, and he’ll cozy up right next to you and fall asleep.” “Before bed (or his afternoon nap) he jumps up on the couch and waits to be tucked in. A blanket under him, a blanket on top of him, and a pillow under his lil head. Cody sleeps through the entire night downstairs and has never once woken us up. He’s always just happy to see us come down the stairs in the morning!” “After his morning walk and breakfast, Cody quietly chills downstairs in the living room. I come down and check on him every 2 hours or so, and he’s always happily chillin and wagging his tail and rolling over for bellyrubs. Overall, Cody is happy to just hang out with you, go for walks, relax outside, and sit on the couch and watch TV with you. He is a total sweetheart.” So don’t delay: if you’re looking for the perfect couch potato cuddle buddy, learn more about adopting Cody today! Email adoptions@phillypaws.org, or find him on our adoptions page (link in bio)! 🐾 Philadelphia Animal Welfare Society📍 2900 Grays Ferry Ave. Philadelphia, PA 19146 (by appointment only) ⭐️ PA License # 06172

Y’all, Cody is simply a confection of perfection! It’s bonkers that he’s still on the market, but the silver lining is that we have TONS of intel on what makes this snuggly grandpa such a stellar companion. These are just *few* of our favorite things his fosters have shared about him!

“Cody is very affectionate — he lights up when he sees you, he makes LOTS of puppy dog eye contact and wags his tail nonstop. If he is laying down when you’re approaching him, he rolls over to show his tummy (while maintaining intense and adoring eye contact). He’ll scooch up close to you on the couch and lightly paw you to get you to pet him or look at him, and he’ll cozy up right next to you and fall asleep.”

“Before bed (or his afternoon nap) he jumps up on the couch and waits to be tucked in. A blanket under him, a blanket on top of him, and a pillow under his lil head. Cody sleeps through the entire night downstairs and has never once woken us up. He’s always just happy to see us come down the stairs in the morning!”

“After his morning walk and breakfast, Cody quietly chills downstairs in the living room. I come down and check on him every 2 hours or so, and he’s always happily chillin and wagging his tail and rolling over for bellyrubs. Overall, Cody is happy to just hang out with you, go for walks, relax outside, and sit on the couch and watch TV with you. He is a total sweetheart.”

So don’t delay: if you’re looking for the perfect couch potato cuddle buddy, learn more about adopting Cody today! Email adoptions@phillypaws.org, or find him on our adoptions page (link in bio)!

🐾 Philadelphia Animal Welfare Society📍 2900 Grays Ferry Ave. Philadelphia, PA 19146 (by appointment only) ⭐️ PA License # 06172 ...

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