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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 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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May 4

Open
PAWS’ May Volunteer Spotlight: Pamela Fracassi! Pamela started volunteering in 2018 at PAWS’ Broad and Washington PetSmart Adoption Center and has been an integral part of the team ever since. "I originally thought it would be a fun way to play with cats and kittens (it is!) while also ensuring I left work on time at least once a week, but soon also realized how humbling and rewarding an experience it is. We have a great group of volunteers at our location that work together as a team. I’m grateful to have found PAWS, as their commitment to making Philly a no-kill city drives their organization and my continued involvement. I feel cared for as a volunteer and hope I’m able to in turn do that for others that find their new pet." In addition to her support with cat care and adoptions at Petsmart, Pamela also helps with processing adoption applications, adoption and pantry events, transporting cats from the shelter to help them get adopted more quickly, and generally jumping in whenever she can! When asked about her favorite moments, she said, "any time there is an adoption it’s a good day, but my favorite shift was one that had three adoptions in the span of two hours. Another favorite memory was helping with one of the food pantry events - hearing how grateful our community is for the extra support to be able to give their pets care, was a touching day. Low and no-cost services and food are provided with integrity and without judgement, so our community knows they can be trusted. " Pam's dedication to the animals and her willingness to assist in so many different ways are just two reasons on a long list of why we are lucky to have her. Please give a round of applause for Pamela and PAWS’ amazing volunteer community! 👏

PAWS’ May Volunteer Spotlight: Pamela Fracassi! Pamela started volunteering in 2018 at PAWS’ Broad and Washington PetSmart Adoption Center and has been an integral part of the team ever since.

"I originally thought it would be a fun way to play with cats and kittens (it is!) while also ensuring I left work on time at least once a week, but soon also realized how humbling and rewarding an experience it is. We have a great group of volunteers at our location that work together as a team. I’m grateful to have found PAWS, as their commitment to making Philly a no-kill city drives their organization and my continued involvement. I feel cared for as a volunteer and hope I’m able to in turn do that for others that find their new pet."

In addition to her support with cat care and adoptions at Petsmart, Pamela also helps with processing adoption applications, adoption and pantry events, transporting cats from the shelter to help them get adopted more quickly, and generally jumping in whenever she can!

When asked about her favorite moments, she said, "any time there is an adoption it’s a good day, but my favorite shift was one that had three adoptions in the span of two hours. Another favorite memory was helping with one of the food pantry events - hearing how grateful our community is for the extra support to be able to give their pets care, was a touching day. Low and no-cost services and food are provided with integrity and without judgement, so our community knows they can be trusted. "

Pam`s dedication to the animals and her willingness to assist in so many different ways are just two reasons on a long list of why we are lucky to have her. Please give a round of applause for Pamela and PAWS’ amazing volunteer community! 👏 ...

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May 3

Open
Kick off your weekend with the adorable feline friends at PAWS’ Old City Adoption Center! Adoptions manager Laura Foley is here to introduce you to just a few of the incredibly sweet adoptable cats who are ready to join your family. PAWS’ cat housing remains full at our Old City Adoption Center and Grays Ferry locations, so there’s never been a better time to take home a furry companion. Our Old City location is open for walk-in visits 7 days a week, and our team can’t wait to match you with your new bestie! Every cat who leaves the shelter allows us to rescue another in their place, so apply today and see who’s waiting to meet you at our adoptions page (link in bio)! Ps. Can’t commit to adopting right now? Sign up to foster and take home a temporary friend from the shelter so they can enjoy the comforts of home while they look for their forever families! Sign up now through our bio link.

Kick off your weekend with the adorable feline friends at PAWS’ Old City Adoption Center! Adoptions manager Laura Foley is here to introduce you to just a few of the incredibly sweet adoptable cats who are ready to join your family.

PAWS’ cat housing remains full at our Old City Adoption Center and Grays Ferry locations, so there’s never been a better time to take home a furry companion. Our Old City location is open for walk-in visits 7 days a week, and our team can’t wait to match you with your new bestie! Every cat who leaves the shelter allows us to rescue another in their place, so apply today and see who’s waiting to meet you at our adoptions page (link in bio)!

Ps. Can’t commit to adopting right now? Sign up to foster and take home a temporary friend from the shelter so they can enjoy the comforts of home while they look for their forever families! Sign up now through our bio link. ...

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