Things to note!
- Please check out our available dogs, available cats, and available small animals and list the name(s) of the pet(s) you’re interested in on your application.
- If there isn’t a specific pet listed, we may not be able to prioritize your application but we will do our best to reach out as quickly as we can. If you are interested in having your application approved and then deciding on the right fit, feel free to note that in the pet name section of your application. Applications approvals are good for 3 months. If you don’t see anyone that seems like a fit for your home, please check back! We have new animals coming in regularly.
- If you’ve submitted an application already but see another pet you’re interested in, please email us at adoptions@phillypaws.org rather than submit a second application — we can just update the application we already have on file.
- For cats 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, we work very hard to help you find the right match! Majority of our dogs are in foster care, but foster parents’ emails are not listed on their profiles because the first step is to have a conversation with our adoption counselor. If the dog listed on your application could be a fit, we will reach out to schedule a time to chat more about that dog over the phone or offer to help match you with another dog that could be a fit.
We are processing applications as quickly as we can: sometimes the volume outstrips our capacity, so we thank you in advance for your patience and understanding! If you haven’t heard from our team in over a week and are still interested in adopting, please feel free to follow up by emailing adoptions@phillypaws.org.
Adoption fees:
- Cat (6 months of age and older): $75
- Kitten (under 6 months): $125
- Kitten pair (under 6 months): $200
- Large adult dog (older than 1 year): $150
- Small adult dog (under 25 lbs): $275
- Puppy (under 1 year of age): $300
- Small animal (guinea pig, hamster, gerbil, rabbit): $25
(Fees do not include PA sales tax.)
Cat Adoption Information
Before going home, all cats and kittens are:
- spayed or neutered;
- vaccinated for: panleukopenia, rhinotracheitis, and calici (for kittens, the first in a series of vaccinations that should be completed by the adopter at your veterinarian’s office or by returning to a PAWS clinic) and rabies (for cats three months and older);
- dewormed (often the first in a series of treatments that should be completed by the adopter);
- treated for fleas (treatment must continue monthly to keep your pet flea-free); and,
- microchipped. If your pet is ever lost, a microchip with your contact info can be its ticket home.
Cats must go home in a cat carrier for safety; you can bring one with you or purchase at our facilities.
Dog Adoption Information
Before going home, all dogs and puppies are:
- 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 by the adopter either at your veterinarian’s office or by returning to a PAWS clinic), bordetella, and rabies;
- dewormed (often the first in a series of treatments that should be completed by the adopter);
- treated for fleas (treatment must continue monthly to keep your pet flea-free); and,
- microchipped. If your pet is ever lost, a microchip with your contact info can be its ticket home.
Dogs must go home in a collar or harness and leash, for safety. You can bring your own or they are available for purchase at our facilities. Adopters living in Philadelphia must also purchase a city dog license at the time of adoption ($18).
