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Join us for Philly Loves PAWS Day!

Get ready to shop, dine, and save lives—Philly Loves PAWS returns Wednesday, May 14! In our ninth year, over 80 businesses across Philadelphia will donate at least 10% of sales to support our lifesaving work. Restaurants, shops, and service providers are all taking part in this citywide fundraiser, proudly sponsored by Hamilton Lane. Every purchase helps make Philadelphia a place where every savable pet is guaranteed a home.

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Fosters needed: help save lives!

Foster homes are at the heart of PAWS’ ability to save lives. When you foster one animal, we rescue the life of another. With a brief commitment, you can be a hero for cats, dogs, and small animals. We provide supplies and support; you provide love and care!

Start fostering

Adopt Humble

Part muppet, part alpaca, and 100% original, Humble is playful, ridiculously cute, and marches to the beat of his own drum. He’s looking for a dog-savvy, adult-only home where his quirks will be appreciated. He’s got opinions (especially about neighbor noise—expect some colorful commentary!), but with the right family, we know he’ll gain confidence and embrace his independence.

Meet Humble

Adopt Andre

Andre is a big-hearted 10-year-old who loves human company and coexists well with other cats. He enjoys flexing his playful streak—pouncing on feather toys, scaling his scratching post, and expertly tracking tossed kibble—before settling in for well-earned chin scratches. While he eats a special diet and manages asthma with daily medication, his endearing quirks make him the perfect mix of silly and lovable.

Meet Andre

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.

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Meet your new best friend!

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 >
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 >
Hustle
Foster Care
I'm a a seasoned snuggler and couch connoisseur who loves getting pets and belly rubs, sharing kisses, and playing with my favorite toys!
Meet Me >
Bumpy
Grays Ferry Clinic
I'm Bumpy, a 46-pound lap dog with a snuggly nature, named after the lovable dinosaur from Jurassic Park. While I'm adjusting to some life changes, I'm looking for a chill home where I can relax, get plenty of affection, and slowly build confidence in my new routine.
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 >
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 >
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

Donate Today

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

Donate

Create a Fundraiser

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

Get Started

More ways to give

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

Learn More

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.

Get Care

Recent News

05.07.25

Philly Loves PAWS Day: May 14, 2025

Philadelphia Animal Welfare Society (PAWS), the city’s largest rescue partner and provider of affordable veterinary care, proudly announces the return of Philly Loves PAWS, a full day, citywide fundraiser on Wednesday, May 14, 2025. On this day, a wide array of businesses throughout Philadelphia will generously donate at least 10% of their sales to support […]
Read More
05.01.25

Furry Faces Wanted: Dock Street Brewery and PAWS Offer Adopted Pets a Shot at Stardom with Found Friends IPA

Get ready, animal lovers and craft beer enthusiasts: one of the city’s most beloved collaborations is back and better than ever! Dock Street Brewery and the PAWS are teaming up once again to bring beer lovers and animal advocates a unique opportunity to make a difference. Dock Street Found Friends, a hazy IPA brewed in […]
Read More
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41,958 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.

389,733 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.

158,047 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
Pets Served 100 100
More Shelter Statistics

Join us on social media

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May 11

Open
Happy Mother’s Day from Walnut and her babies! Today, we’re celebrating every kind of mom, whether your little ones have two legs or four. Motherhood is about love, sacrifice, and showing up for those who count on you — and that’s something we see every day in the world of rescue! Support homeless pets like Walnut and honor a mom in your life by sending a virtual Gift of Hope. You can notify her of your gift right away with an e-card of your choice! Give now at gifts.phillypaws.org (link in bio) 💝

Happy Mother’s Day from Walnut and her babies! Today, we’re celebrating every kind of mom, whether your little ones have two legs or four. Motherhood is about love, sacrifice, and showing up for those who count on you — and that’s something we see every day in the world of rescue!

Support homeless pets like Walnut and honor a mom in your life by sending a virtual Gift of Hope. You can notify her of your gift right away with an e-card of your choice! Give now at gifts.phillypaws.org (link in bio) 💝 ...

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May 10

Open
How is Jim Gaffigan still on the market (is it because he’s so pale)? This canine comedian is the ultimate cuddlebug! Jim’s foster parent lovingly describes him as both lovable and laugh-out-loud funny. He’s an affectionate goofball who thrives on attention and belly rubs, and he has a way of making everyone around him smile. This playful pup’s favorite pastime? Trotting around proudly with his stuffed sword in his mouth (even if he does wish it was a Hot Pocket). Jim is gentle and sociable, eagerly greeting dogs of all shapes and sizes. When he’s not cuddled up next to you in his preferred role of “lazy sidekick,” he’s probably rolling around with a toy or flashing his signature goofy grin—like he just got away with eating an entire family-sized snack pack. If you’re looking for a furry companion who will keep you entertained, warm your heart, and offer endless cuddles, Jim Gaffigan is the star you’ve been waiting for! 🐾 Philadelphia Animal Welfare Society📍 2900 Grays Ferry Ave. Philadelphia, PA 19146 (by appointment only) ⭐️ PA License # 06172

How is Jim Gaffigan still on the market (is it because he’s so pale)? This canine comedian is the ultimate cuddlebug!

Jim’s foster parent lovingly describes him as both lovable and laugh-out-loud funny. He’s an affectionate goofball who thrives on attention and belly rubs, and he has a way of making everyone around him smile.

This playful pup’s favorite pastime? Trotting around proudly with his stuffed sword in his mouth (even if he does wish it was a Hot Pocket). Jim is gentle and sociable, eagerly greeting dogs of all shapes and sizes.

When he’s not cuddled up next to you in his preferred role of “lazy sidekick,” he’s probably rolling around with a toy or flashing his signature goofy grin—like he just got away with eating an entire family-sized snack pack.

If you’re looking for a furry companion who will keep you entertained, warm your heart, and offer endless cuddles, Jim Gaffigan is the star you’ve been waiting for!

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

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View

May 10

Open
New merch alert! Just in time for Philly Loves PAWS on May 14, our very first official Philly Loves PAWS t-shirt is available for purchase—and is an absolute wardrobe essential! Created by our talented friend and longtime volunteer Gina Zito, this exclusive design is a fun and stylish way to celebrate your love for PAWS and the amazing community we serve. It also gives a nod to the City of Brotherly Love—a unique and vibrant place we’re proud to call home. This design is available in a variety of colors and styles, including t-shirts, sweatshirts, and tank tops. Don’t miss your chance to grab the 2025 Philly Loves PAWS tee for your collection! Shop now at our #linkinbio.

New merch alert! Just in time for Philly Loves PAWS on May 14, our very first official Philly Loves PAWS t-shirt is available for purchase—and is an absolute wardrobe essential!

Created by our talented friend and longtime volunteer Gina Zito, this exclusive design is a fun and stylish way to celebrate your love for PAWS and the amazing community we serve. It also gives a nod to the City of Brotherly Love—a unique and vibrant place we’re proud to call home.

This design is available in a variety of colors and styles, including t-shirts, sweatshirts, and tank tops. Don’t miss your chance to grab the 2025 Philly Loves PAWS tee for your collection! Shop now at our #linkinbio. ...

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View

May 9

Open
We shared his story last week, but no one reached out 😢 Please help us spread the word about Johnny Cash ❤️ He’s not the kind of dog who jumps into your arms right away, but there’s a quiet magic to this soulful boy. For the right person, he’s ready to offer a bond that’s truly special! Some dogs get multiple applications a day — but Johnny Cash is still waiting. We shared his story last week hoping someone would see the quiet magic in this soulful boy — but no one reached out. Johnny isn’t the kind of dog who jumps into your arms right away, but for the right person, he’s ready to offer a bond that’s truly special. Johnny Cash is a gentle, sensitive guy who’s looking for a household full of fellow homebodies who can appreciate his introverted charm. He takes time to warm up, but once he feels safe, his foster parents say he’s a big, goofy, snuggly baby with the most soulful puppy-dog eyes. He loves food, adores his toys, and even cuddles with them when he sleeps — yes, even the hard chew bones! Johnny enjoys indoor enrichment like food puzzles and training games, and he already knows sit, down, come, and touch. His favorite place? Curled up on the couch, snoozing the day away. Though the world outside can be a little overwhelming, Johnny’s curiosity shines through when he’s given time to adjust. Watching him push past fear, gather courage, and try again is truly heartwarming. To help him feel more comfortable, Johnny is on a medication for anxiety, and it’s made a real difference. He’d thrive in a calm home with some private outdoor space, and we think he might do well with a confident dog buddy to help show him the ropes. Because of his shy nature, he’d prefer a home with adults or teens — young kids might be a bit too much for him. Johnny is waiting patiently for someone to see him, really see him, and give him the love he’s been quietly hoping for. If that’s you, please reach out — or share his story to help him find the home he deserves.

We shared his story last week, but no one reached out 😢 Please help us spread the word about Johnny Cash ❤️ He’s not the kind of dog who jumps into your arms right away, but there’s a quiet magic to this soulful boy. For the right person, he’s ready to offer a bond that’s truly special!

Some dogs get multiple applications a day — but Johnny Cash is still waiting. We shared his story last week hoping someone would see the quiet magic in this soulful boy — but no one reached out. Johnny isn’t the kind of dog who jumps into your arms right away, but for the right person, he’s ready to offer a bond that’s truly special.

Johnny Cash is a gentle, sensitive guy who’s looking for a household full of fellow homebodies who can appreciate his introverted charm. He takes time to warm up, but once he feels safe, his foster parents say he’s a big, goofy, snuggly baby with the most soulful puppy-dog eyes.

He loves food, adores his toys, and even cuddles with them when he sleeps — yes, even the hard chew bones! Johnny enjoys indoor enrichment like food puzzles and training games, and he already knows sit, down, come, and touch. His favorite place? Curled up on the couch, snoozing the day away.

Though the world outside can be a little overwhelming, Johnny’s curiosity shines through when he’s given time to adjust. Watching him push past fear, gather courage, and try again is truly heartwarming.

To help him feel more comfortable, Johnny is on a medication for anxiety, and it’s made a real difference. He’d thrive in a calm home with some private outdoor space, and we think he might do well with a confident dog buddy to help show him the ropes. Because of his shy nature, he’d prefer a home with adults or teens — young kids might be a bit too much for him.

Johnny is waiting patiently for someone to see him, really see him, and give him the love he’s been quietly hoping for. If that’s you, please reach out — or share his story to help him find the home he deserves. ...

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

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