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Fee waived adoptions: help PAWS clear the shelter!

Clear the Shelters is here, and so are fee-waived adoptions! From August 1 – September 6, adoption fees are waived for cats over 6 months and dogs over 25 lbs, and we’re calling on adopters AND fosters to help us save lives by welcoming a shelter pet into their home. With city shelters critically full, every animal who finds a home opens a spot for us to rescue another who has nowhere else to go. Please join us: there are so many ways to save lives!

ADOPT A PET TODAY

Vote PAWS for Metro Philly’s Best Animal Rescue & Animal Shelter

We’ve been nominated for Metro Philly’s Best Animal Rescue and Animal Shelter — and your vote can help us win! It’s an honor to be recognized, and we hope this exposure will help even more pet lovers discover and utilize PAWS’ services. Vote once per day now through August 8 at metrophillysbest.com to show your support — every vote makes a difference!

VOTE FOR PAWS

Adopt Kona

Kona is a 7-year-old sweetheart who’s fully house-trained—even during big transitions—and one smart cookie! She lives for attention, loves being the ultimate wing-woman, and is always ready for a good cuddle. She lived with another dog before, but she’s looking for a cat-free home—and while she’s been thriving in a loving foster home, she’s ready to find her future family. Could it be you?

Meet Kona

PAWS is Hiring: Join our team!

Join PAWS for a meaningful career in animal welfare! Work alongside passionate animal lovers and help us fulfill our mission of saving lives and building a better future for Philadelphia’s pets and people.

VIEW JOBS

Adopt Cardi

How can you say no to this face?! Cardi is a 13-year-old lovebug who’s happiest when she’s on your lap or gently head-butting you for attention. She’s not big on playtime but adores her scratching board and will chat to remind you it’s time for cuddles. She takes a daily steroid and GI diet to keep her tummy happy—and she’ll go home with a three-month care package to get you started!

Meet Cardi

Meet your new best friend!

Piper

Grays Ferry Clinic

I'm a pocket-sized princess who loves laps, snuggles, and showing everyone my favorite stuffy toys!

Meet Me >

Choco Taco

Foster Care

I'm a sweet treat who just wants to relax, befriend everyone I meet, and be near my people where I'm happiest!

Meet Me >

Johnny Cash

Foster Care

"Hey there, I'm Johnny Cash" — a sweet, squishy homebody. If you need a relaxation coach for naps, toy time, and guilt-free TV binges, I’m your guy!

Meet Me >

Andre

Foster Care

I'm a gentle and mellow senior who loves to rock a bow tie and gets along with dogs and cats!

Meet Me >

Kona

Foster Care

I'm a loving, smart, and snuggly 6-year-old pup looking for a cat-free home where I can be your BFF and maybe share life with another dog!

Meet Me >

Quartz

Foster Care

At 12 years young, I'm the definition of peaceful companionship. I dare you not to fall in love when I gaze into your eyes!

Meet Me >

All Available Dogs

All Available Cats

PAWS is the city's largest rescue partner.

We are working to make Philadelphia a place where every healthy and treatable pet is guaranteed a home. We do so through rescue, foster care, adoption, and preventing pet homelessness in the first place by offering low-cost spay/neuter and basic vet care.

Support Our Lifesaving Efforts

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Make a one-time gift or commit to monthly support. Give in honor or memory of someone special.

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Create a Fundraiser

Raise support from family and friends for your birthday, in honor of your pet, or for any occasion.

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Donate needed supplies, provide for the animals in your planned giving, plan an event, and more.

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Spay/Neuter and Wellness Clinics

Keeping pets and families together through low-cost basic veterinary services. Our clinics in Grays Ferry and the Northeast serve tens of thousands of pets every year whose caretakers may not afford care elsewhere.

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Recent News

07.21.25

PAWS’ 4th Annual ‘Paw it Forward’ Campaign Will Keep Pets and Families Together

The bond between people and their pets is powerful: it enhances mental and physical health, strengthens social connections, and improves the wellbeing of the community. It’s a bond that deserves to be protected, regardless of a pet owner’s resources or socioeconomic status. That’s what drives PAWS to prevent pets from entering shelters through its Safety Net […]

07.07.25

A Lifeline for Philly’s Outdoor Cats: PAWS Rallies Support for Community Trap-Neuter-Release

There are an estimated 400,000 stray and feral cats living on the streets of Philadelphia. The health and safety of these cats, and the communities where they live, depend on the efforts of community cat caretakers and the availability of Trap-Neuter-Release (TNR) programs. That’s why PAWS (Philadelphia Animal Welfare Society), the city’s largest rescue partner […]

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42,349 animals saved

We rescue animals, primarily from the city shelter, almost daily with a focus on the most vulnerable: adult dogs, kittens, cats recovering from illnesses, and small animals. Once safe at PAWS, they receive everything they need to become ready for adoption, then are matched with loving homes.

178,607 volunteer hours served

PAWS’ dedicated and caring volunteers are essential in every aspect of our lifesaving efforts.

394,178 clinic patients served

Our low-cost Spay/Neuter and Wellness Clinics prevent pet homelessness and provide a needed resource in our community, enabling loving pet owners to care for and keep their dogs and cats as family.

159,806 spay/neuters performed

PAWS provides low-cost spay/neuter surgery for owned pets, rescues and community cats to prevent the birth of unwanted litters. Our efforts are working: since our clinics opened their doors, the number of homeless animals entering Philadelphia’s city shelter has declined year over year.

PAWS Partners

Our lifesaving work is possible with the meaningful support of business and community partners.

See our Partners

Current Partners

PAWS' impact grows as our services expand & progress continues

By rescuing, rehabilitating, and finding loving adopters for homeless animals with nowhere else to go, and providing affordable vet care and other services so pets can stay in their homes where they are loved, PAWS provides a vital and growing safety net for Philadelphia's most vulnerable cats and dogs. The pandemic has prompted a shift toward more intensive, individualized care for more complex needs.

2010

7154

2012

16160

2014

26188

2016

36510

2018

40455

2020

33840

2021

34528

2023

34801

More Shelter Statistics

Join us on social media

View Instagram post by phillypaws

Aug 8

Open post by phillypaws with ID 17855798457435574

🎉 It’s International Cat Day — and we can’t think of a better way to celebrate than by helping our longest-waiting feline friends find the homes they’ve been dreaming of.

These friendly felines have been waiting in foster care since *2024* (or earlier!) hoping for someone to finally choose them. While each has their own quirks and charms, they all have one thing in common: they’re ready to bring love, snuggles, and head boops into your life.

Right now, adoption fees are waived for cats over 6 months during Clear the Shelters, and there’s never been a better time to make a new friend. The promotion runs through September 6, so don’t miss your chance to meet the cat of your dreams!

Read all about our adoptable pets and find your new bestie now at our adoptions page (link in bio)!

A special thank you to our friends at @apexgamingpcs, who are helping cover a portion of adoption fees during Clear the Shelters in honor and memory of their beloved PAWS cat, Charlie. ...

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View Instagram post by phillypaws

Aug 7

Open post by phillypaws with ID 17871436989406503

Johnny Cash is ready to close this chapter and start his new one with you!

Every good story deserves a happy ending, and after almost a year in our care, Johnny is more than ready to find his 📖 If you’re a homebody, an introvert, or anyone whose ideal evening involves a good book and a cozy blanket, this sweet boy just might be your perfect match!

At around a year old, Johnny is equal parts sensitive shy guy and endearing clown. His fosters describe him as “a big goofy baby” who snuggles up with his stuffies like a kid with their blankie, and tells you when he wants something with cute little piglet grunts and nudges. He also loves a good couch nap, and will keep you entertained with lots of wiggling around in silly positions as he sleeps (he’s quite the active dreamer)!

Johnny would thrive in a calm home with a yard, possibly alongside a confident dog buddy to help him keep growing. He was a very sad Eeyore when he first arrived at PAWS, and we’re so proud of the progress he’s made in foster care. While he still needs extra time and patience opening up to new people, earning Johnny’s trust is one of the most rewarding feelings in the world, and he can’t wait to find the people who will love him for the gentle soul he is!

Ready to be part of Johnny’s next chapter? Meet him at phillypaws.org/johnny, email adoptions@phillypaws.org, or follow him on Instagram at @sphillyphoster!

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

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View Instagram post by phillypaws

Aug 7

Open post by phillypaws with ID 18047657129556722

Like many Philadelphians, Michael has faced financial challenges throughout his life. Despite these hardships, he’s a lifelong animal lover and devoted cat parent. He first learned about PAWS through a friend and sought affordable spay/neuter surgery for his six cats. During his visit, PAWS’ veterinary team discovered that one of his cats, Little Gray Cloud, had a heart murmur, making it unsafe to proceed with surgery. They shared information about the condition with Michael, and recommended monitoring Little Gray Cloud for signs of heart disease in the future.

Another of Michael`s cats, Trouble, later visited for an office exam to address litterbox issues. After our doctor and Michael discussed some recent changes at home that may have been a source of stress for Trouble, testing revealed the presence of crystals in Trouble’s urine. Our doctor offered suggestions for alleviating his stress and encouraging him to drink water, in hopes of reducing the crystal formation and preventing it from becoming a serious issue.

Michael described PAWS as "his angels" and shared, "If I ever win the lottery, I will run to PAWS to give back for all they have done for me and my cats." His heartfelt words remind us of the powerful bond between pets and their people, and the vital importance of protecting it. By providing affordable veterinary care to pet owners who would not otherwise be able to access it, PAWS provides pets like Michael’s with relief from common ailments, keeps them from entering the crowded shelter system, and enables families to stay together. We are endlessly grateful to @petsmartcharities for helping us reach more pets and families in need, just like Michael’s. ❤

#PetSmartCharities #PetSmartCharitiesPartner ...

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View Instagram post by phillypaws

Aug 6

Open post by phillypaws with ID 18066315443128651

Remember begging your parents for a pony? Now’s your chance! 🐴✨ Miss Pony is an absolute sweetheart who’s ready for a soft place to land while she looks for love. After recently losing her home, this oh-so-affectionate, gentle, and very smushy girl is looking for a foster who can offer her a little stability, love, and a cozy spot to nap after a walk.

Pony is housebroken, crate trained, and walks nicely on leash (though she’ll pick up the pace if there’s a squirrel or cat nearby)! She’s been friendly and loving with every person she’s met, including kids, and she tends to do well with calmer or smaller dogs who match her mellow energy. Her favorite things in life? Going on nature walks, cuddling close, and giving her signature “dog hugs” (yes, really!).

Pony is around 7 years old and 47 pounds, and is looking for a foster who can be around often or give her a little time to adjust when left alone. She doesn’t ask for much—just a loving human or two, a comfy bed, and a few ear and booty scritches!

If you’ve got room in your home (and on your couch), Pony would love to spend some time with you while she waits for her second chance. Let us know if you can foster this amazing girl by emailing foster@phillypaws.org!

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

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Together, we will make Philadelphia a no-kill city.

Get Involved

Fee waived adoptions: help PAWS clear the shelter!

Vote PAWS for Metro Philly’s Best Animal Rescue & Animal Shelter

Adopt Kona

PAWS is Hiring: Join our team!

Adopt Cardi

Meet your new best friend!

Piper

Grays Ferry Clinic

Choco Taco

Foster Care

Johnny Cash

Foster Care

Andre

Foster Care

Kona

Foster Care

Quartz

Foster Care

PAWS is the city's largest rescue partner.

Support Our Lifesaving Efforts

Donate Today

Create a Fundraiser

More ways to give

Spay/Neuter and Wellness Clinics

Recent News

PAWS’ 4th Annual ‘Paw it Forward’ Campaign Will Keep Pets and Families Together

A Lifeline for Philly’s Outdoor Cats: PAWS Rallies Support for Community Trap-Neuter-Release

42,349 animals saved

178,607 volunteer hours served

394,178 clinic patients served

159,806 spay/neuters performed

PAWS Partners

Our lifesaving work is possible with the meaningful support of business and community partners.

Current Partners

PAWS' impact grows as our services expand & progress continues

Join us on social media

Stay up-to-date on lives saved and happy beginnings or maybe even find your new best friend!

#phillypaws

Together, we will make Philadelphia a no-kill city.