Meet your new best friend!
Alice
Foster Care
I'm a playful, affectionate, cat-friendly girl who starts out shy but warms right up with some chin scratches!
Cody and Cobalt
Foster Care
We're a kind-hearted pair of bonded senior brothers who love people as much as we love each other!
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!
Miss Honey
Foster Care
I'm an affectionate sweetheart who loves all humans and will snuggle with you for hours if you let me!
Mr. Mister
Foster Care
I'm an easygoing senior who just wants love, affection, and a sunny window to snooze in!
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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.
Recent News
12.21.23
Gizmo’s grand adventure: Touring the country and providing emotional support
When Gizmo arrived at PAWS, he’d already been through a string of traumatic events. His beloved owner passed away, and soon after his human sister who took on guardianship lost her home. She’d been struggling to care for him, but made the heartbreaking decision to bring him to PAWS when he developed an acute case […]
12.07.23
Toast the holidays with Titos and PAWS!
Raise a glass and save lives! This holiday season, Tito’s Handmade Vodka is donating $1 for every Cause-Mo cocktail sold at participating bars and restaurants across Philly, up to $5000 through New Years Day. Be sure to enjoy some holiday cheer with one of our partners soon! Bru Craft & Wurst Capriccio Cafe Craft Hall […]
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When Gizmo arrived at PAWS, he’d already been through a string of traumatic events. He lost his owner, then his home, and had developed an acute case kidney failure. It took several days of intensive care with PAWS’ medical team followed by weeks of treatment before he was healthy enough for adoption, and even then, he would require close care and a prescription diet for the rest of his life.
Meanwhile, adopter Shao started his search for a new companion after losing his beloved pup of many years. With special medical needs and an uncertain future, Gizmo might have seemed like an unlikely match. But as we know, love can find us where we least expect it! Here’s what Shao shared:
“Knowing that Gizmo’s lifespan could potentially be shortened by his complicated medical past gave me pause about adopting him so soon after losing Dexter, but as soon as I met Gizmo at the shelter, I knew we needed each other.”
“From the first moment he curled up in my lap, I could sense he would be good for my mental health and would ease my anxiety. My girlfriend is a physical therapist, and I was about to embark on the Moulin Rouge National Tour with her. Having Gizmo by my side would provide me with the companionship I needed while being away from home for so long.”
“After a full checkup with our vet, we got the green light to begin on our epic adventure. Gizmo has gotten to experience the high mountains, deserts, beaches, historic sites, and national parks in and around the cities Moulin Rouge is traveling to. And what a journey it has been!”
“Gizmo has also gone through a dramatic physical transformation on this grand adventure. No longer the emaciated gremlin I first adopted, he is now at a healthy weight and has boundless energy for hiking and playing fetch. Many of the Moulin Rouge company members traveling with us miss their families and pets at home. Our tourmates are grateful I can share the comfort and emotional support that Gizmo provides with cuddles and playtime.”
“Perhaps it is fate that brought us together, but one thing I know for sure is that none of this would have been possible if PAWS wasn’t there to save Gizmo and provide the opportunity for us to meet.”
Shea is every bit as soft and snuggly as you think she is 🥹 She’s looking for a foster who has as much love in their heart as she does!
This incredibly sweet girl has had a very hard time finding a home due to her special needs. Her bladder has been leaking small amounts of urine, and we’re still learning whether there’s a solution to help her. She may end up entering our hospice program, but we’re hoping there’s a medication that can allow her to live a normal life.
Shea doesn’t need a foster with special skills — just love, patience, and an easy-to-clean area where she can be comfortable. It’s still a tall order, we know. But we also know she’s worth it.
Shea is one of the most loving, gentle souls we’ve met. She enjoys being held like a baby, will climb into your lap the second you sit down, and will snuggle with you for hours if you let her. Sometimes, she’ll put her paws on your chest and just gaze into your eyes.
Everyone who meets Shae instantly adores her, and we know you’ll feel the same way. Our foster team can’t wait to tell you all about sweet Shae, so email foster@phillypaws.org if you’d like to learn more about helping this cuddly princess!
Hank and Pedro were tiny kittens when Zoe adopted them from PAWS years ago. Recently, Zoe experienced a major life upheaval and quickly needed to move. With nowhere for Hank and Pedro to go while she focused on getting resettled, Zoe turned to us for support. Through PAWS’ Safety Net program, these two brothers were placed in a temporary foster home, and when Zoe was ready, the trio was reunited. Now, they’re all safe at home, together again where they belong.
Many animals entering shelters have owners who are desperate to keep them, and just need a temporary place for them to stay through times of transition. By opening your home to a friendly pet for 1-3 months through PAWS` Safety Net Foster Program, you`ll open a space at the shelter for another pet who truly has nowhere to go, and help a family remain intact.
Sign up today through our #linkinbio!
This ray of sunshine is Miss Honey! From her smile, to her snuggles, to her sweet and gentle demeanor, Honey is all you could want in a canine companion. Her personality exudes love and kindness, and she’s as likely to flop over for tummy rubs as she is to hop on the couch for cuddles.
Miss Honey is seeking a special home through PAWS’ hospice program after being diagnosed with kidney disease, but currently lives a normal and active life with prescription food, easy fluids that can be given at home, and a little extra vet monitoring.
At 5 years old, Honey has already mastered her house training and manners, so you can skip the hard stuff and go straight to enjoying her charming company. While she loves a good snuggle session, she’s also a huge fan of her walks and will wiggle her whole body with excitement as soon as the leash comes out!
Miss Honey ready to be spoiled with all the love you have to offer, and can’t wait to return the favor! This kind-hearted girl can’t wait to brighten up your life, so check her out on Instagram at @philafosters, or learn more about her at our adoptions page (link in bio)!
Tic Tac’s philosophy: you’re never too old for zoomies! According to his fosters, this social butterfly is the most energetic 9 year old you’ll meet, with the curiosity and playful spirit of a much younger kitten. He’s also a sucker for affection, and snuggles just as hard as he plays!
“He loves to cuddle up with you and lay on top of you while you’re in bed or watching a movie on the couch,” they shared, “If he’s really happy, especially when you get home from the day, you will be greeted by some loud purrs.”
Tic Tac is thrilled to welcome every new person who visits his home, and is so social and confident that he may even be fine with a dog or cat friend (we haven’t seen him with either yet)! If you’re looking to add an adorable lap cat to your life, learn more about Tic Tac at our adoptions page (link in bio)!
Our sweet buddy Bilbo has a lot of healing ahead of him, and he’s urgently seeking a foster to help him on his journey!
This friendly former stray came to us covered in skin lesions that we suspect may be chemical burns. Even though he must be in a great deal of discomfort, Bilbo is a bright and loving little guy who adores affection and enthusiastically seeks it out from everyone he meets!
Bilbo is currently receiving daily pain meds to keep him comfortable, as well as a topical cream for his wounds. He’s looking for a foster who:
❤️🩹 Can continue administering his meds and daily cream
❤️🩹 Is comfortable gently cleaning his wounds as needed
❤️🩹 Is able to take him for checkups at our Grays Ferry location every 3 days for the next couple of weeks (check ups will be more spaced out as his healing progresses)!
If you can help, please email foster@phillypaws.org to learn more about sweet Bilbo!
Have you ever seen a more perfect, cuddly sidekick? 😭
Loyal to his people, Hammy is equal parts loving, playful, and silly. He’s super cat-friendly and would love to join a home with another feline pal!
His time as a stray has left him mostly toothless — making Hammy only more adorable! That also hasn’t stopped him from trying to sneak food from other kitties 😈
Are you the right match for this cuddle bug?
Learn more at the link in our bio!
#phillypaws #phillypawsfoster #phillycats #catsofinstagram #fosteringsaveslives
Limited-edition PAWS items are still available for order through our Threadless fundraising campaign! Featuring fun new artwork by designer Gina Zito, a variety of colors and styles are available to show your support for PAWS (pictured here are just a few!). All proceeds benefit our lifesaving work, and tees are currently on sale through January 11!
Shop now through our #linkinbio.
Say hello to Frog 👋🐸 Frog is a super lovable grandpa who is looking for a family to spend his golden years with. Despite being around 9 years old, Frog still has a lot of energy! His favorite hobbies include fetch, tug-of-war, walks, and cuddles with his people.
Frog loves being with people and wins the hearts of everyone he meets. He’s happy to hop in the car and join you for adventures or even for mundane errands. And who doesn’t want this cutie tagging along for errands?!
Frog has been pretty quiet and calm in his foster home. He knows basic commands and is completely housebroken. Frog is also an easygoing walker, but beware that he is a self proclaimed Neighborhood Squirrel Watch™ and will let the squirrels know should they cross his path on walks.
We haven`t seen Frog with cats, but he seems unfazed by other dogs and could potentially live with another calm and respectful pup after slow introductions!
Frog has a few medical needs typical for a dog his age and would do best in a home where he doesn’t have to climb a lot of stairs throughout the day. But this doesn’t slow him down!
To learn more about this affectionate pup, visit our dog adoptions page (link in bio)!
Make lifesaving a part of your legacy! By planning a future gift to PAWS through your will, trust or other financial plan, your kindness will have a lasting impact on the city`s most vulnerable pets.
Estate planning is an important step you can take at any age to ensure the people, animals, and organizations you love are protected. We encourage you to explore your options with your attorney, estate planner, or tax professional, and to learn more about planned giving with PAWS at phillypaws.org/planned-giving!
Tucker was already giving us sad Eyore vibes, and now he’s got a kitty cold to boot! This kind, gentle potato would be so grateful for some TLC and chin scratchies in a foster home with you. He’s being treated for kidney disease and is also waiting on dental surgery to make his mouth less painful, so it’s especially important for him to recover so he can get the procedure he needs and start feeling better again.
If you have a spot in your home for sweet Tucker to crash for a few weeks, please email foster@phillypaws.org for more info!
These fabulous felvies are looking for love at PAWS’ Old City Adoption Center! Josefina and Miso are both Feline Leukemia (FeLV) positive, but that won’t stop either of them from showering you with heads bonks and affection ❤️
Cats with this manageable lifelong condition have so much love to give, and dozens have been matched with families through this lifesaving program since it was established in 2018. Historically, FeLV+ cats were considered “unsavable” due to their weakened immune systems, but we`re proud to give these special friends the chance they deserve!
FeLV+ is only contagious to other cats, and doesn’t require specialized day-to-day care. Plus, felvies are some of the sweetest cats you’ll meet! Stop by soon to adopt Josefina (tabby) or Miso (white), or email adoptions@phillypaws.org to learn more.
Wanted: puppy fosters! We’ll be taking in 5 puppies this Saturday (3 male 2 female) who are just under 3 months old, and especially vulnerable to shelter illnesses at their age. Our goal is to line up foster homes before then so these babies don’t have to spend a single night in the shelter (they’re not ready for adoption just yet)!
Potential puppy fosters should be prepared to:
🔸 Commit to fostering until puppy finds their forever home (usually 4-8 weeks)
🔹 Travel regularly to our Grays Ferry or Northeast clinic for puppy boosters and checkups as needed
🔸 Work on socialization and basic puppy training
🔹 Have plenty of cleaning supplies for potty accidents …and of course, have plenty of patience and love!
*We’ll be prioritizing homes with fosters who can take 2 pups, or who have a fully vaccinated, well socialized dog at home to help show them the ropes (but homes with past puppy experience are still welcome to sign up)!
Can you help? Email foster@phillypaws.org with the subject “puppies” if you can take a pup or two! If this is your first time fostering with us, you can sign up through our #linkinbio.
Did you know? In 2023, PAWS more than tripled the number of small animals we rescued compared to the previous year! Our Old City Adoption Center team — as well as our foster staff and foster parents — are becoming experts at giving them all the care they need until they find just the right home. It’s a good thing, since many more — both at ACCT and in the community — are always waiting for those spaces.
Biscotti and his brother Ganache are two of our latest rescues. They were surrendered to the city shelter after their owner became unable to care for them, and now they’re ready to find love together at our Old City location!
We expect to continue expanding this newer lifesaving program even further in 2024. Learn more and keep an eye out for other new arrivals at our small animal adoption page (link in bio)!
Whiskers has the sweetest purrs, even when he’s not feeling his best 🥺(watch with sound)! This kind senior cow cat is recovering from dental surgery after losing his home, and would love to find a foster home where he can recover and feel safe again.
Whiskers is understandably overwhelmed at the shelter and spends most of his days hiding (often with his head stuffed in the corner 😭), but all it takes is some patience and head scratches to get him to warm up and share his sweet purrs. If you’d like to help this 13 year old gentleman feel better so he can enjoy his golden years, email foster@phillypaws.org to learn more about Whiskers!
Ready to start the snuggle party with Stewie? This friendly house panther is 12 years young and always ready for affection 🥰
One moment he’ll be happily napping on his cat bed, but when you come into the room, it’s a full-on love-fest! He will greet you with chirpy chatter to let you know how happy he is to see you, and will ask for head and chin scratchies or (his favorite) a good brushing — all while purring up a storm!
While Stewie is young at heart, he does have some older guy needs. He has a chronic dry-eye condition that’s kept well managed with daily eye ointment, and he eats a special kidney support diet.
Stewie is friendly with other mellow cats, and would love to join a home with teens and up (he says no thanks to dogs)! He may give some attention to toys, but for the most part, Stewie prefers to relax on his bed, by a window, or best of all, at your side ❤️
If you’re looking for an adorable shadow to fill your home with love, learn more about Stewie at our adoptions page (link in bio)!
Look. At. Those. TEEFS 😍Allie is the pocket pittie of your dreams! Her foster parent describes her as "an absolute dream pet,” a snuggly delight who loves people and is curious about the world. At home she wants to be your shadow and constantly love on you as much as she can ❤️
Allie`s ideal day is filled with lots of couch cuddles, meeting new people, playing a game of tug, and then back to more cuddles to round it all out. She knows exactly how cute she is with her underbite and ears, and when she sits in her little side sploot and looks up at you with her eyes, she`ll make you melt every time!
As an enthusiastic young pup who is still learning to keep all four paws on the floor when she`s excited, Allie will do best in a home with adults or sturdy older kids who won`t get knocked over by this wiggly love-bug. She’d likely do well with another pup whose play style complements hers, but she’s a bit much for cats!
Allie will make an amazing companion to anyone in need of a goofy and affectionate gal pal, and can’t wait to start her adventures with you! Learn more about this 3(ish) year old pup at our adoptions page (link in bio)!
Our biggest thanks go out to all the caring animal lovers who gave a shelter pet a Foster Home for the Holidays! These feline friends were our final fosters to leave the shelter before we said goodbye to 2023, and they’re thrilled to be enjoying the new year surrounded by the safety and comfort of home ❤️
With so many year-end travel plans, we often see a dip in foster interest around the holidays, so we are incredibly grateful to to everyone who celebrated the season by opening their homes to a four-legged friend!
The holidays might be over, but the need for foster homes remains as vital as ever. Learn more about our foster program and sign up today at phillypaws.org/foster!
Our final fosters of 2023 in order of appearance:
🐾 Our big boy Baby Huey is nervous at the shelter and has a kitty cold, so he’ll be enjoying lots of TLC at home with Donovan until he’s ready for adoption!
💞 Luna and Curly will stay with Ann until they can be reunited with their owner through PAWS’ Safety Net Program!
🥒 Stu Pickles has been very under the weather and is thrilled to recover in a foster home with Lina!
🍐 Pear Tart arrived with a fractured leg that was too damaged to save, so she’ll be recovering as a tripod kitty with Fred!
🥩🦖 Beefasaurus was having a hard time fighting a persistent cold, and can’t wait to get some R&R at home with Kailey.
🎉 Happy New Year from Roland and all of us at PAWS! 🎉 All locations are closed today, but regular operations will resume tomorrow.
Our deepest gratitude go out to all of the supporters who gave this holiday season to start the new year on such a strong note, and to our adopters, fosters, and volunteer who make our lifesaving work every day.
Thank you for standing with us and making Philadelphia a better place for at-risk pets and the people who love them!
Just a few hours left to have your gift doubled for pets like Maggie! This fragile orphaned kitten was just two weeks old when she and her siblings were found outside and brought to our door, and she desperately needed help.
While her siblings were healthy, Maggie suffered from an abscessed wound on her chin, and was barely able to move her hind legs. X-rays revealed the heartbreaking cause of her troubles: she had been shot with a BB gun, and had metal fragments in her jaw and leg.
Maggie’s first days in the world were marked by cruelty rather than kindness, but her tiny frame housed a big spirit. Once in PAWS’ care, she eagerly guzzled down formula, bravely allowed our medical team to clean her wound and remove the fragment in her jaw, and gratefully snuggled with us for warmth and comfort.
Maggie and her siblings were placed with a loving foster family to care for her on her long road to recovery. Under the guidance of PAWS’ medical team, they provided round-the-clock bottle-feeding until Maggie and her brothers could eat on their own, daily exercises to help her regain strength and mobility in her legs, and doting support after we performed surgery to remove the remaining BB fragment in her leg.
After weeks of diligent care, monitoring, and love, Maggie grew into a bright, playful young cat who had not only survived, but positively thrived. She is now living every day to the fullest with her adopted family — the very same one that fostered her! Here’s what they shared:
“Maggie has grown tremendously from a fragile, injured kitten who needed a lot of support and nurturing into an independent, curious, healthy girl. She still has some weakness in her back legs but it doesn’t stop her from doing her favorite things: exploring the house, playing with her siblings, and her absolute favorite — cuddling. Maggie is such a sweet addition to our family and we couldn’t be happier with her progress!”
After a painful past, this special girl now has a lifetime of love ahead — thanks to supporters like you. Through midnight tonight, all gifts are doubled to deliver twice the hope & healing to pets like Maggie who need us.