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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 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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May 2

Open
Update: foster found! Will you let Felvis Presley be your teddy bear? This sweet hunka hunka has spent 63 days watching his friends leave the shelter, and he’s hoping his big break with a foster or adopter will come soon! Felvis is an irresistible charmer who will quickly win you over with his unique meow and desire for nonstop petting sessions. A true cuddlebug, Felvis is always ready to steal the show with his biscuits, purrs, and affectionate headbutts. He even enjoys tummy rubs! Because he’s tested positive for feline leukemia (FeLV), Felvis should be the only cat in his home unless they’re also FeLV+. Feline leukemia weakens the immune system, but doesn’t require any special treatment or medication — just some extra monitoring to be sure he continues feeling his best! This super social frontman is just looking for someone to love him tender. He’s estimated to be around 10 years old, and would do well in an attentive home with people of all ages to keep the rhythm rockin' and rollin'. It only takes one snuggle session with Felvis to leave you All Shook Up, so if you’re feeling Lonesome Tonight, drop us a line about Felvis today! Email foster@phillypaws.org if you’d like to give him a home until he’s adopted, or find him on our adoptions page (link in bio) to learn more about making him a permanent member of the family!

Update: foster found!
Will you let Felvis Presley be your teddy bear? This sweet hunka hunka has spent 63 days watching his friends leave the shelter, and he’s hoping his big break with a foster or adopter will come soon!

Felvis is an irresistible charmer who will quickly win you over with his unique meow and desire for nonstop petting sessions. A true cuddlebug, Felvis is always ready to steal the show with his biscuits, purrs, and affectionate headbutts. He even enjoys tummy rubs!

Because he’s tested positive for feline leukemia (FeLV), Felvis should be the only cat in his home unless they’re also FeLV+. Feline leukemia weakens the immune system, but doesn’t require any special treatment or medication — just some extra monitoring to be sure he continues feeling his best!

This super social frontman is just looking for someone to love him tender. He’s estimated to be around 10 years old, and would do well in an attentive home with people of all ages to keep the rhythm rockin` and rollin`. It only takes one snuggle session with Felvis to leave you All Shook Up, so if you’re feeling Lonesome Tonight, drop us a line about Felvis today! Email foster@phillypaws.org if you’d like to give him a home until he’s adopted, or find him on our adoptions page (link in bio) to learn more about making him a permanent member of the family! ...

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May 2

Open
Calling all Northeast cat owners! We have a large number of feline spay/neuter surgery appointments available at our 1810 Grant Avenue clinic. If your cat needs to be snipped, you can schedule their appointment online at our #linkinbio! ✂️ Surgeries for cats are $70, which includes rabies and distemper vaccinations if needed.

Calling all Northeast cat owners! We have a large number of feline spay/neuter surgery appointments available at our 1810 Grant Avenue clinic. If your cat needs to be snipped, you can schedule their appointment online at our #linkinbio! ✂️

Surgeries for cats are $70, which includes rabies and distemper vaccinations if needed. ...

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