Dogs For Adoption

Location

Foster Care

Grays Ferry Clinic

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Age

Baby

Young

Adult

Senior

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COVID-19 Update: Please Read

At this time, we are only accepting adoption applications for specific animals currently in our shelter and foster homes.

– (FOR CATS) If you are interested in adopting a cat who is in foster care, please submit your online application, and then reach out to the foster parent directly (their contact info is noted in the pet’s bio on our adoption page) to let them know you have done so.
– (FOR DOGS) If you are interested in adopting a dog who is in foster care, please submit your online application, and our team will reach out with next steps if the dog is still available.
– If you are interested in adopting an urgent animal featured on our social media, please submit your online application and enter the pet’s information on the line at the top.
– If we are able to match you with the pet you listed we will reach out to you.
– If you do not hear from us, the pet has found their forever home! You will only be contacted by our adoptions staff if we have another pet who may be a good fit for you.

PAWS’ Old City Adoption Center is open! It is housing cats and prioritizing approved adopters with appointments. Walk-ins are welcome as space permits. Dog adoptions are by appointment at our Grays Ferry location or directly from foster homes. Our Northeast Adoption Center remains closed to browsing. PAWS cats are also now available for adoption at PetSmart, 1415 Washington Avenue!

Thank you in advance for your patience and understanding!

When you adopt a pet from PAWS, you truly save a life. PAWS is the city’s largest rescue partner and is dedicated to making Philadelphia a no-kill city where every healthy and treatable pet is guaranteed a home.

Dog Adoption Locations

Due to COVID-19, dog adoptions are taking place by appointment only at PAWS’ Grays Ferry location or through foster homes.

Adoption Fees

Large adult dog (older than 1 year): $150
Small dog (under 25 lbs): $250
Puppy (under 1 year of age): $250

Fees do not include PA sales tax. Dog adopters living in Philadelphia must also purchase a city license at the time of adoption ($18).

The following services are included in the adoption fee. Before going home, your new dog will be:

spayed or neutered;
vaccinated for: distemper, hepatitis, parainfluenza, and parvovirus (DHPP – for puppies, the first in a series of three vaccinations that should be completed at your veterinarian’s office or at a PAWS clinic), bordetella, and rabies;
dewormed (often the first in a series of treatments that should be completed after adoption);
treated for fleas (treatment must continue monthly to keep your pet flea-free); and,
microchipped. Your SMART TAG microchip will be registered in your name at the time of adoption and your contact info can be updated any time.

For safety, dogs must go home in a collar or harness and leash. You can bring your own or they are available for purchase at our facilities.

Dog Adoption Application

Ready to get started? This brief online form is the first step to bring home your newest family member.

We look forward to helping you meet your new best friend!

Begin Application

Frequently Asked Questions

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How does PAWS’ dog rescue program work?

Read more here about our Dog Rescue & Care program and learn about the process from intake to adoption!

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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.