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So many wagging tails, so many hearts full 🐾♥️151 pets have found loving homes since #ClearTheShelters kicked off on August 1! From playful kittens to gentle seniors and goofy pups, every adoption is a life changed for the better. 💕

These are just a few of the happy faces now living their best lives with new families. Together, we made these happy endings possible! Clear The Shelters is still running through September 6, with adoption fees waived for cats over 6 months and dogs over 25 lbs. Apply and your new best friend today at phillypaws.org/adopt!

Special thanks to our friends at @apexgamingpcs, who are helping cover a portion of adoption fees during Clear the Shelters in honor and memory of their beloved PAWS cat, Charlie. ...

When Jillian adopted Carol last summer, she embraced everything that made this spunky senior unique: a spicy, “hunt-your-legs-for-fun” streak and a whole lot of love to give. To Jillian, Carol’s fiery personality was perfect, and the two became inseparable.

So when Jillian faced a temporary housing crisis this spring, giving up Carol was unthinkable. Luckily, she’d heard about PAWS’ Safety Net Foster Program, and reached out to us for help. Carol was matched with a foster home where she could enjoy lots of love and playtime, and Jillian could spend the following weeks working toward stability, knowing her best friend was safe and cared for.

Last week, they were reunited at last after almost 3 months apart — just in time to start their next adventure together in New York! Jillian couldn’t be happier to have her spicy girl back by her side, and Carol is right where she belongs: ruling the roost and completely adored.

Stories like this are only possible because of foster heroes like you. By opening your home to a furry friend for just a few months, you’ll help us open shelter space for pets who truly have nowhere to go, and help a family remain intact. Email foster@phillypaws.org to learn more, or sign up at our #linkinbio! ...

What a hunk! Even though he’s stressed and not feeling his best, Atticus is a total heartthrob. He recently lost his home, and the shelter has been a difficult adjustment for him. He’d love to find a foster home where he can decompress and get back to doing what he does best: taking naps and stealing hearts.

Atticus is around 2 years old, and has a condition called chronic rhinitis that makes his eye get weepy from time to time (especially when he’s stressed). He was described by his family as a relaxed and independent guy who loves snacks, head scritches, and lazing around. He’s hoping to join an adult home where he can enjoy all three in equal measure!

If you’d like to welcome this sensitive beefcake, email foster@phillypaws.org with the subject line “Atticus.” ...

Serving looks and love! 💁‍♀️ Marbles knows how to rock an outfit, but her best accessory is her big, affectionate heart. Her fosters describe her as a sweet, low-key companion with a beautiful soul, and if you meet her, you`ll agree!

While she starts out shy, this gorgeous girl transforms to snuggly as soon as she knows you`re a friend. She loves being petted, brushed, and cuddled, and she`ll happily curl up next to you or on your lap for some cozy bonding time. At 5 years old, she`s also the queen of calm, happy to watch the world go by while enjoying the quiet comforts of home (it`s party time once the catnip comes out though🎉).

Marbles has skin allergies that are well-managed thanks to easy daily meds and a special diet, and she’ll even go home with a 3-month supply of both as part of her adoption care package. Plus, her fee is waived through September 6th for #ClearTheShelters! If you’re looking for a gentle bestie who brings both style and soul, Marbles just might be your perfect match 💖 ...

Spooky season lovers, it`s your time to shine 👻🍁 Voorhees, Myers, and Ghostface are three spooktastic brothers who are waiting to fall frightfully in love with you at our Old City Adoption Center.

These sweet boys are around 7 months old, and would be thrilled to go home together in any combination. They`ve all tested positive for Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV), which isn`t as ~spooky~ as you might think. FeLV weakens the immune system, but doesn`t require special medication or treatment — just a home where they can`t pass along the virus to any other feline friends. Cats with FeLV can live normal, happy, healthy lives, and have so much love to give.

Adoption fees are waived for this trio through September 6 for #ClearTheShelters, and adopters who take home an FeLV cat are eligible for a bonus Amazon gift card to sweeten the deal! Email adoptions@phillypaws.org for more info, or pop into our Old City location for a visit today.

More info on the boys:

🖤 Voorhees seems to be the ringleader, being the most outwardly social and confident of the trio while bouncing between hanging out with either brother. He can also be a little diva about his toys and food bowls, so you`ll need enough of everything to share!

🎃 Myers is both the class clown and the homecoming king, a social and easily loveable scamp that splits his time between his brothers — Voorhees is his favorite playmate, while Ghostface is his favorite cuddle pillow.

👻 Ghostface seems to be the most independent of the trio, which tends to happen when you have two brothers who both tend to leap before they look. He`s adept at finding his own things to play with and sleep on, but doesn`t mind sharing with his brothers or joining them in any mutual play sessions. ...

Do you love a snaggletooth? Does your ideal Friday involve a comfy night at home? Meeyo just might be the grandpa dog of your dreams! This cuddle connoisseur lives for quiet companionship, soulful eye contact, and cozy naps (ideally in his blanket fort).

At around 8 years old, Meeyo is as easygoing as they come — low-key, affectionate, and happiest when he’s curled up right next to you. He loves every human he meets, but has some big “get off my lawn” energy when it comes to canine neighbors, so he`d love to be an only pet.

Meeyo has chronic kidney disease and some allergies, but he takes it all in stride. He`s great about letting you know when he has to go potty (around every 4 hours), and is even better at letting you know just how much he adores you (hint: it`s a lot).

Meeyo thrives in a calm, loving environment and can`t wait to fill your days with endless snuggles and sweet companionship. He`s waiting to meet you in foster care, so drop us a line about this little gentleman today!

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

Sometimes the right pet comes along when you least expect it. Just ask Kathryn, who met her future family member at PAWS’ PetSmart adoption center!

When Kathryn and her partner Matt lost their beloved senior cat Lulu last summer, their hearts were broken. They weren’t ready to adopt again, but they missed the comfort of feline companionship, so Kathryn signed up to volunteer with PAWS at our Broad and Washington PetSmart location.

That September, she began transporting cats for PAWS, and one stood out immediately: Angelfish, a young calico who had been rescued with her seven kittens after they were abandoned at another shelter. Kathryn couldn’t stop thinking about her, and before long, she and Matt decided to add her to their family. The adoption was finalized by none other than Pam — the very volunteer who had trained Kathryn just weeks earlier!

Now renamed Simba for her “big main-character energy,” she’ll celebrate her one-year adoption anniversary this September. Once a malnourished teenage mom, Simba has since gained four healthy pounds, left motherhood behind, and become the center of Kathryn and Matt’s world.

Their adoption journey has been transformative: Simba found her forever family, Kathryn continues to volunteer at PetSmart, and Matt now gives back as a volunteer at Penn’s Working Dog Center. Simba’s journey shows how every adoption touches more than one life, and we’re proud to partner with @petsmartcharities to help stories like hers unfold.

If you aren`t already, make sure to follow our PetSmart adoption center at @pawsbroadwashington to see adoptable cats and happy new beginnings with adoptive families! ...

Petite and sweet Gaya is looking for a soft place to land 💕 This little lady is so compact, it’s hard to believe she’s 9 years old! While she’s a bit nervous in new surroundings, she’s described as wonderfully sweet with people and just needs a calm, loving foster home while she waits for care.

Gaya came to us after her former family made the tough decision to surrender her when she developed mammary masses they couldn’t afford to treat. At PAWS, she’ll get the medical attention she needs, including surgery to remove and biopsy the masses once her bloodwork shows she’s ready.

Until then, she’d thrive in a foster home where she can feel safe, cozy, and cared for (and preferably be the only cat, since she’s a bit shy around feline friends).

Can you open your heart and home to help this cutie on her journey? Email foster@phillypaws.org for more info! ...

Meet Barbie Dreamhouse: she’s chunky, she’s fabulous, and yes, she’s 100% real!

Barbie is the life of the party, whether she’s trotting around proudly with a toy in her mouth, rolling over for endless butt scritches, or wiggling with joy when she meets someone new (human OR dog!). Her foster says she’s fun, friendly, playful, and a great listener. She’s basically a chubby ray of sunshine!

Our girl would love to move to a quieter neighborhood (bonus points if there’s a backyard for her to wiggle in!) and is currently working to shed 10 lbs before her spay surgery (covered by PAWS). In the meantime, she’s available through our Pre-Adopt Program and ready to bring maximum joy into her forever home 💕

Apply today to make this happy house hippo your very own dream girl! ...

They say vintage never goes out of style — and these distinguished felines are living proof! This #SeniorCitizensDay, we’re shining the spotlight on our older cats who have truly mastered the finer things in life: cozy naps, sunbeam lounging, and offering unconditional love to their favorite people.

Adoption fees are waived for cats over 6 months old through September 6 during #ClearTheShelters, so it’s the perfect time to bring home one of these timeless treasures.

Meet them all at our adoptions page (link in bio) and see just how wonderful life with a classic companion can be! 💕

Special thanks to our friends at @apexgamingpcs, who are helping cover a portion of adoption fees in honor and memory of their beloved PAWS cat, Charlie. ...

Misu is stunning. His mouth? Not so much. Our buddy just received surgery for a very painful case of advanced dental disease, and he`d greatly benefit from a foster home where he can recover in a stress-free environment. He`s a sweet boy and secret goofball, but between his surgery and shelter scaries, he`s now come down with a cold and is feeling pretty crummy!
Misu would be very grateful to enjoy some much-needed rest and TLC at your place, ideally with his own space away from other pets. PAWS will provide his pain medication and follow up care, plus any support you might need along the way. Want to learn more? Email our team at foster@phillypaws.org with "Misu" in the subject! ...

Get ready for Bark to School! Young Friends of PAWS has two exciting, family friendly events coming up for kiddos and canines alike. We hope you can join us!

Sunday, August 24
Bark to School: Read to Dogs
Get ready for storytime with the best listeners in town – our dogs! 🐾📖

Join the Young Friends of PAWS at Walnut Garden on Saturday, August 24 from 1–4 PM for Bark to School: Read to Dogs. Whether your child wants to practice reading aloud in a fun, judgment-free setting, or you’d like to bring your own pup for their very own storytime, this is the perfect way to spend a summer afternoon.

What to expect:
📖 Kids reading aloud to dogs (including your own!)
💛 A relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere
❤️ Raffles that benefit PAWS’ lifesaving mission

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Saturday, September 6
Bark to School: Photo Day
Say cheese, pups! 🐾📸

Celebrate the back-to-school season with Bark to School: Photo Day at @SaltyPawsPhilly on Saturday, September 6 from 12–4 PM. Bring your dog for their very own school-themed portrait session – complete with adorable props and backdrops.

🎟 Free for existing YFP members | $10 for new YFP members | $20 for non-members
📸 Professional school-themed pet portraits
❤️ All proceeds help save Philadelphia’s homeless pets

Spots are first come, first served – so mark your calendar and don’t miss this picture-perfect event! ...