Adopt

Meet your new best friend!

When you adopt from PAWS, you are truly saving a life. Every time an animal finds a home, it opens up a space in our no-kill facilities to save the next homeless pet in need. Read more important info about adopting here.

Our Most Urgent Animals

Hephaestus

Foster Care

I'm a gentle soul who thrives on cozy couch cuddles, scritches and head rubs, and charms everyone with my endearing tiny chirps!

Meet Me >

Lucy

Foster Care

I love being the center of attention in any room, and I even enjoy belly rubs (it's not a trap, I swear!).

Meet Me >

Maisy from Minneapolis

Foster Care

If you're on the hunt for a real-life teddy bear, I'm your pup! I'm full of playful energy but also incredibly cuddly and affectionate once I feel at ease with you.

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 >

Dr. Tom

Foster Care

I'm an expert birdwatcher and devoted companion who loves to be near my people and even enjoys rocking snazzy bow-ties at home!

Meet Me >

More Urgent Animals

All Available Animals

All Available Dogs

All Available Cats

Adoption Applications

Cat Adoption Application

Your new family member is waiting! Get started by completing the adoption form online for cats and kittens.

Go To Application

Dog Adoption Application

Ready to welcome a new canine family member? Complete your adoption form online to get started.

Go To Application

Small Animal Adoption Application

A tiny new companion is ready to join your household! Complete your adoption form online to get started.

Go To Application

Adoption Fees

Cat (6 months of age and older): $60
Kitten (under 6 months of age): $100, or $150 when you adopt a pair
Small dog (under 25 lbs) and any puppy (under 1 year of age): $250
Large adult dog (older than 1 year): $150

(Fees listed above do not include PA sales tax.)

More Info

Adoption Locations

PAWS’ Old City Adoption Center is open! It is housing cats only, and approved adopters with appointments will be prioritized. Walk-ins are welcome as space permits. Adoptions for other cats and all dogs are taking place by appointment at PAWS’ Grays Ferry shelter or through foster homes. PAWS cats are also now available for adoption at PetSmart, 1415 Washington Avenue! The Northeast Adoption Center is still temporarily closed for browsing.

Adoption Process

We look forward to helping you adopt a pet! Read about our convenient process, what is included in adoption fees, and how to meet available animals.

Learn More

Frequently Asked Questions

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How long does the adoption process take?

At this time, we are only accepting adoption applications for specific currently available pets who have been posted on our website or shared on our social media. Due to a high volume of applications and a lower volume of animals, we are focusing our efforts on reaching out to applicants who we are able to match with a pet right away. If you do not hear from us, that means the pet you listed has been adopted, but your application will stay on file in case other pets who are a good fit become available. Thank you in advance for your patience and understanding!

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Should I fill out a new application for each pet I am interested in?

No, please only submit one application per adopter/household. If we can’t match you with the first pet you apply for, we will keep your application for 6 months in case other pets interest you. You can check our website and social media pages regularly to see when new pets are posted. Please email adoptions@phillypaws.org with:

your full name (that was listed on your application)
the name and ID# of the pet you’re interested in
a bit about what drew you to them

Our team will update your application and reach back out to you to talk more if the pet – or a similar pet – is available for a meet and greet!

If you do not hear from us, that means the pet you listed has been adopted, but your application will continue to stay on file for 6 months in case other pets who are a good fit become available. Thank you in advance for your patience and understanding!

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How can I adopt an animal who’s been overlooked and needs me the most?

Please browse our Most Urgent Animals to find out who needs you! Some have special medical or behavioral needs, and others have simply been waiting a long time.

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Can you hold an animal for me until I am ready to adopt?

PAWS is not able to hold animals for potential adopters: every day we hold an animal is a day we cannot save another in danger.

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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.

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I can’t adopt. Can I come in just to spend time with animals?

You are welcome to visit our Old City Adoption Center to spend time with the cats and guinea pigs housed there. Our Northeast Adoption Center remains closed for browsing.

To spend time with our pets, you can also consider fostering – taking a cat, dog, or guinea pig into your home temporarily while they find permanent adoptive placement.

Your new best friend is waiting.

Get Started