Our dogs in need of foster care are listed below. If you are new to fostering with PAWS, please apply here to get started.

For foster meets with dogs at our shelter (2900 Grays Ferry Avenue, Philadelphia PA 19146), the expectation is that you will meet the dog and take them home the same day, so please come prepared!

• All members of your household and resident dogs should be present for the foster meet. If for any reason this is not doable, please email the foster team to talk it through.
• We will provide you with a sample of what the dog has been eating in the shelter, but fosters will provide dog food long-term. We can lend out any other supplies you may need including a leash, martingale collar, harness, crate, pee pads, and toys/enrichment items.

Please email foster@phillypaws.org if you have any questions, or see anyone that you think could be a good fit and are interested in scheduling a meet and pick up with!

For a refresher on PAWS’s foster policies and procedures, view our online orientation.

Every time an animal leaves for foster care, it opens a space in our shelters to save another in need. You are truly changing lives: not just for these dog, but also for others whose lives depend on a spot at PAWS. Read on to find your next foster dog!

If you are not able to foster at this time, many of our healthy in-kennel dogs are eligible (and very grateful) for day trips or short-term foster placements as a shelter break. If you are interested, please email us to chat more about what that may look like!

(updated December 1st, 2024)

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Dogs Currently at the Shelter

These dogs are currently in our kennels at the PAWS Grays Ferry location (2900 Grays Ferry Avenue).

We are a small facility with only about 6-7 kennel spaces available at one time, so we really rely on foster parents to help us open up kennels so that we can save more dogs!

	Name: George R. Rutabaga Intake Date: 11/29/24 Age: ~7 years old Weight: 66.7 lbs Dog Friendly?: Yes, would require the ability to separate from any resident pets for slow introductions at home for at least two weeks Cat Friendly?: Unknown, would require the ability to separate from any resident pets for slow introductions at home Please meet everyone’s newest obsession, George R. Rutabaga! This adorable squish recently arrived from the city shelter, and we can confirm that he is a USDA Certified Ham (and a total sweetheart too). He’d be thrilled to find a foster home where he can gaze at you longingly while you enjoy your Thanksgiving leftovers, so please email us at foster@phillypaws.org to make it happen! George is on the slightly larger side at 66 pounds, and estimated to be around seven years old. So far we’ve learned that he adores people (and as much affection and attention as they have to offer), walks, treats, toys, rolling around on just about any soft surface, all while being devastatingly adorable. He is so incredibly well-behaved, walking with a loose leash unless there is something super interesting to sniff, and always being gentle with his taking treats and playing. He also already knows “sit,” “down,” and how to “shake” with both paws upon request! George did well during his dog meets at the shelter previously, but cats are still an unknown—although we think that he could do well with them after having the chance for slow introductions. If you’re available to take on this sweet and goofy guy, and interested in making your life infinitely better with George R. Rutabaga in it, please reach out to give this very good boy a very loving home!

Dogs in Need of a Foster Sitter

These dogs are currently in foster homes, and looking for a short term foster sitter to help keep them out of the shelter. 

	No one at the moment, please check back soon!

Dogs in Need of a Foster Transfer

These dogs are currently in foster homes, and looking for a new foster home to help keep them out of the shelter. 

	Name: Philly Phil **Urgent** Intake Date: 10/8/24 Age: ~2-4 years old Weight: 39 lbs Dog Friendly?: Yes, with other very tolerant and playful dogs, would require the ability to separate from any resident pets for slow introductions at home Cat Friendly?: Unknown, would require the ability to separate from any resident pets for slow introductions at home Philadelphia’s very own (unofficial) mascot Philly Phil is looking for an active foster (or adopter, view his profile here!) as soon as possible, so please email us at foster@phillypaws.org if you’re able to help! While Phil is estimated to be about ~2-4 years old, he has the goofy exuberance of a puppy who thinks that life is one big party. He gets along well with other very tolerant dogs that match his energy, and enjoys playtime and couch cuddles with equal enthusiasm. He’d especially benefit from a yard to romp around in since he’s a strong boy on leash and can get easily overstimulated, but he means well and will be thrilled to join you for any outdoor activity (or any activity really, he’s just happy to be here)! Phil has tons of potential as an amazing companion for a dedicated and active foster home. He thrives on direction, and is so proud of himself when he learns something new! His boundless energy and curiosity make for lots of fun and non-stop laughs, and while it takes some fine-tuning to keep those puppy behaviors from causing mischief, he is the sweetest, most loving dog who will reward you with endless affection. So please reach out if you’re able foster Philly Phil, and help channel his energy so that this very good boy can land into the perfect forever home!

Upcoming Intakes

Due to our limited kennel capacity, we cannot intake every surrender request. The dogs listed below may either be an upcoming owner surrender appointment, or a dog at ACCT Philly we are hoping to rescue. Lining up a potential foster home prior to their arrival can help them avoid staying at the shelter altogether! 

	No one at the moment, please check back soon!