Contact Us

If the information you are seeking is not included here, please contact us through the form below.
We look forward to hearing from you!

Answers to Common Issues

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I adopted an animal from PAWS and cannot keep it.

Please select “adoption questions” below to reach our staff. We encourage you to use ReHome or Get Your Pet, but will also work with you if needed arrange for return to a PAWS facility. (If you rehome your pet yourself, you must still contact PAWS so we can assist in any way needed and ensure our ownership records for the animal are correct.)

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I have a pet and cannot keep it.

PAWS’ priority is to rescue animals from the city shelter, but when we have kennel space available, we can sometimes take in animals directly from the public.

Inquiries about surrendering your own cat or a cat you found can be submitted here.

Inquiries about surrendering your own dog can be submitted here.

Depending on the issues you are facing, we may be able to offer resources to help you keep your pet such as pet pantry assistance or low-cost vet care. You can learn more about PAWS’ efforts to keep families together here, and you can find additional tips and resources here.

If you cannot keep your pet, you can re-home the animal yourself by asking your friends and family, posting flyers in your neighborhood, posting on websites such as Craigslist, Facebook, etc., or contacting breed-specific rescues (if applicable) to see if they can assist you. Charging a small re-homing fee and checking vet references are good ways to screen applicants and find a good home for your pet. You can also use ReHome – an online services that directly connects pet owners with adopters, and keeps animals out of shelters in the process. As a last resort, ACCT is Philadelphia’s open-intake shelter and will accept pet surrenders.

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I have a complaint about a barking dog or other animal control issue.

Please contact ACCT at 267-385-3800 or www.acctphilly.org.

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I suspect animal cruelty, neglect, or abuse.

Please report it to the PSPCA by calling 1-866-601-SPCA or emailing cruelty@pspca.org.

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I have supplies I’d like to donate.

We appreciate you thinking of us! Find info here on what we’re able to take and how to deliver your donations. The animals thank you!

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Can PAWS help with my school project?

Because our staffing is limited, we are only able to assist current, active PAWS volunteers and foster parents with interviews and questions for academic assignments. We receive a very high volume of requests and are unfortunately not able to devote the time needed to every student who reaches out. However, you are welcome to visit PAWS’ adoption centers to spend time with animals on your own, and you may also browse our website and social media for a wealth of information that may be helpful for your project.

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Can you offer advice on dog and cat care?

Find lots of useful resources here on bringing home a new pet, common behavior issues, pet care advice, and more.