Get Involved
There are many ways to save a life!
PAWS was founded in 2005 as a small volunteer group with a dream to make Philadelphia a no-kill city where every healthy and treatable pet is guaranteed a home. We have made incredible strides thanks to caring supporters who get involved however they can, whether adopting, fostering, making contributions of time or funds, and so much more. Join our mission and start saving lives!
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Make a Gift and Save a Life
Find Your Newest Family Member
When you adopt a new best friend from PAWS, you are saving a life that might not have had a chance without your kindness.
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Our online community helps save lives and celebrate successes. Keep up to date on ways to help the animals and tag us in your happy adoption updates: you may see your story here!
#phillypaws
Weekend plans? We’ve got you covered! Join us at Pet Supplies Plus @psp_fishtown on Saturday, September 20, from 12–2pm for a pop-up adoption event with PAWS! Meet adoptable pets, chat with our team about PAWS’ lifesaving work, and learn easy ways to get involved through fostering, volunteering, and more. We hope to see you there! ...
It’s Soup Dumpling season! How this little love loaf has only gotten ONE application is beyond us — because once you meet her, resistance is futile. Soup Dumpling is the kind of pup who makes your cheeks hurt from smiling, whether she’s trotting proudly with her ball, smooshing herself into your lap like a 40-pound marshmallow, or gazing at you with those “you’re my entire universe” eyes. 🥹💖
At 5 years old, she’s the perfect mix of playful and cuddly — old enough to know the ropes, young enough to still be delightfully silly. Soup lives for human companionship (we think she’d do well with kiddos, too!) and can turn even the most ordinary Tuesday night into the best snuggle session of your life.
If you’ve been waiting for a dog who’s equal parts hilarious and huggable, look no further: Soup Dumpling is your girl! 🥟🐾
📩 Apply today at our adoptions page, or email adoptions@phillypaws.org
🐾 Philadelphia Animal Welfare Society📍 2900 Grays Ferry Ave. Philadelphia, PA 19146 (by appointment only) 🗳️ PA License # 06172
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Have you registered for the #PAWSMuttStrut? Fundraising gifts are being matched right now by @queenvillageanimalhosp! They’re doubling every Mutt Strut donation up to $5,000, so if you haven’t joined the fun yet, there’s never been a better time!
On top of being Philly’s must-attend fall fest for pet lovers, the PAWS Mutt Strut is our biggest fundraising event of the year, enabling PAWS to save and serve the pets who most need us. Heaven (pictured) is one of them! This sweet senior was rescued by PAWS after she was found as a stray, and is now in a loving foster home while we work to provide treatment for an eye condition, dental disease, and a mass on her face. Thanks to your supporters like you, she’ll receive all of that and more at PAWS!
If you’d like to help us save lives and have a great time while you’re at it, register today at our #linkinbio, then join us at the Navy Yard on October 4th. We hope to see you there!
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Even with a broken leg, Marian is such a lovely little cat! We think she was likely hit by a car, and while she’s luckily otherwise unscathed, she’s looking for a foster home where she can heal and visit our Grays Ferry Clinic for weekly bandage changes. While splinting and bandaging involves some extra visits for her foster, we’re really hoping it will allow us to save her leg!
Marian is very sweet and affectionate, and has several weeks of “crate rest” ahead of her. That means she won’t need much space in your home — just a pop up crate or even a small bathroom will be better for her than the noise and stress of the shelter.
The bonus? By taking Marian home, you’ll be enabling us to save another medically vulnerable cat we’ve had our eye on who’s at risk of euthanasia at the city shelter. We have limited spaces in our medical rooms, so finding a foster for Marian will quite literally allow us to save another life! If you can help, or would like to learn more, please email foster@phillypaws.org with Marian’s name in the subject line!
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Tater Tot is tiny but mighty! When staff at PAWS’ Grays Ferry clinic spotted a bag outside the door, something told them it wasn’t just a forgotten belonging. When the bag started to wiggle, they opened it to find a newborn puppy, so young she hadn’t yet opened her eyes and far too fragile to survive on her own.
PAWS’ medical team immediately got to work stabilizing her body temperature and giving her the nourishment her tiny body desperately needed. Although she was weak from her time away from her mother, this little one — who we named Tater Tot for her small size — was a fighter who was determined to keep going. One staff member brought her home to give her the round-the-clock feeding she needed to survive, and another brought their adopted PAWS pup to donate serum, providing her with important antibodies she may not have had a chance to receive from her mother.
Now, Tater Tot is growing stronger every day, proving just how far a little love and determination can go. With her whole life still ahead of her, we can’t wait to see the bright future she’s fighting for!
Tater Tot has a long journey ahead, so if you’d like to help ensure she has everything she needs to grow into a healthy and robust puppy, consider making a gift of any size towards her care. You can give via Instagram, Venmo (username @phillypaws), or through our #linkinbio.
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Molly is 16 pounds of wiggly love! If you’re looking for a snuggly sidekick who wants to be part of everything you do, this little goof has you covered.
Loyal, silly, and endlessly affectionate, Molly has a big personality with an even bigger heart. She’ll show just how much she adores you by giving hugs, flopping onto her back to request belly rubs, and happily curling up beside you — or right on your lap! — while covering you in kisses.
At around 2.5 years old, Molly is also delightfully playful and curious. She’s keen to learn new tricks and has plenty of energy for outdoor adventures, long walks, and goofing off with her chew toys. She’d especially enjoy a home with a yard or easy outside access, but what she wants most of all is to find her cuddle buddy and never let them go.
Once Molly bonds with you, she’s all in — ready to be your best friend and loving shadow. So what are you waiting for? Visit our adoptions page to learn more and apply, and check her out at @fostermollyphilly!
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Bingo was one of the only cats left who didn’t find a home during# our Clear The Shelters event, and he’s still hoping love will find him soon! We’re resharing his internet debut in the hope that his person will see it this time ❤️
Meet Bingo, the world’s best cat with the world’s *worst* survival instincts!
This lovable ding dong might only have one brain cell, but he really makes the most of it. Operating on vibes, snuggles, and a total lack of dignity, Bingo is a chatty full-time ham who befriends (and instantly charms) every person he meets.
Got a lap? He’s in it. A shoulder? He’s on it. A bad day? He’ll fix it with a headbutt and a deeply uncoordinated toy attack. He’s goofy, sweet, and fully committed to the bit — whatever the bit is.
Unfortunately, our buddy came here to do 2 things: party with his people and eat things he shouldn’t. Bingo has PICA, which means he tries to eat things like fabric, cords, rubber, plastic, and other household items that are not digestible but are, tragically, very chewable. If you’re a lover of minimalist Scandinavian design vibes, this is is your moment!
Bingo can still have toys (and loves them!), they just need to be safe for him. Because he loves people so much, he’ll thrive in a home with someone who works from home, or a household with staggered schedules. He’d also be very happy to have a cat friend who can live alongside his special accommodations!
Bingo is a one-of-a-kind cat with a one-of-a-kind care plan, and we know the right home is out there. If you love a cat with a big heart and tiny brain, Bingo is waiting to meet you at our Old City Adoption Center (and his adoption fee is waived this month for Clear The Shelters)!
Read more at phillypaws.org/adopt, or reach out today at adoptions@phillypaws.org.
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Cupid is single and ready to mingle! This big softie is ten years young with plenty of zest for life. He’s a mellow and affectionate boy with a robust daily routine that includes napping on the sofa, saying hello to visitors in the home, purring for any and all pets, and curling up in bed with his people for sleepy time once the day is done.
A social butterfly who loves all people (even strangers), Cupid can usually be found sitting quietly in the middle of the action wherever humans are gathered. He even does well with cats and well-behaved dog friends! He wasn’t feeling his best when he first arrived due to undiagnosed diabetes, but he’s a whole new cat now that he has the right meds and diet — sprightly and playful, cheekily batting at people through the stair railings, and tapping you with his paw when he wants some affection.
Cupid gets twice daily insulin injections (which he takes like a champ), and his blood sugar and weight are well-managed with a wet-food-only diet. He’ll go home with a 3 month supply of his medication, and you’ll go home with a loving and friendly companion who will keep you smiling every day! Drop us a line about Cupid today at adoptions@phillypaws.org, or check him out on our adoptions page.
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Today is National Pet Memorial Day, a time to reflect on the pets who have touched our lives and the love that stays with us long after they’re gone. Our hearts are with everyone who is remembering a beloved companion today.
We know there are many meaningful ways to honor a pet’s memory — from keeping their favorite toy close, to sharing stories and photos, to supporting other animals who need care. Some choose to honor their pets by helping other animals, a gesture that touches us deeply. It’s a beautiful way to carry their love forward and give other pets the chance to experience that same bond in a home of their own. ❤️
If you’d like to create a tribute fundraiser for your pet, you can do so through Facebook, Instagram, or at phillypaws.org/fundraise.
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If Meeyo’s glamour shots don’t brighten your day, we don’t know what will! It’s giving “grandpa who put himself back on the market but needed his grandkids to help with his dating profile.” (Shoutout to @lovemedophoto for this fabulous shoot)!
At around 8 years old, this snaggletoothed sweetheart is everything we love about senior pups: soulful eyes, quiet companionship, cozy naps, and endless love and snuggles. He’s just a low-key and affectionate guy who’s happiest when he’s curled up with his humans.
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 would love to join a home where he’ll have all your snuggles to himself as the only pet, and can’t wait to shower you with endless affection and companionship. Learn more about this lovable grandpa at our adoptions page, or check him out at @fosters.and.fiber 🩷
🐾 Philadelphia Animal Welfare Society📍 2900 Grays Ferry Ave. Philadelphia, PA 19146 (by appointment only) 🗳️ PA License # 06172
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Calling all Philly food trucks: we have a couple remaining spots open in this year’s lineup for the PAWS Mutt Strut! On Saturday, October 4, hundreds of animal lovers will join PAWS at The Navy Yard from 11-2 for a dog walk and fall festival raising funds for Philly`s most vulnerable pets. If you’d like to connect with new customers and be a part of a good cause while you’re at it, email muttstrut@phillypaws.org! ...
This flirty birdie is Odessa 😍 She might be missing an eye, but she has plenty of heart to spare — she even has one stamped on her side! Odessa landed at the shelter after wandering into a shop with a wonky eye (she was likely born with it), and would love to find a foster home where she can finish her recovery now that she’s had surgery to remove it.
This plump and gentle cow cat was very stressed when she first arrived, and while she’s finally coming out of her shell to show us her sweet and affectionate personality, she’d be much happier in a calm and loving home. We estimate she’s around 3 years old, and think she’d feel most comfortable being an only pet (though she may be open to calm roomies after slow intros). If you’d like to learn more about fostering sweet Odessa, email foster@phillypaws.org today!
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Exciting announcement from Silas: all #PAWSMuttStrut gifts are being DOUBLED by Susan Mees Consulting right now! The next $2,500 in donations will be matched to support our lifesaving work, so register to start fundraising today at pawsmuttstrut.org (link in bio)!
When you join the #PAWSMuttStrut, you not only get a ticket to our dog-tastic fall festival on October 4th, you also get a personalized fundraising page so your impact can go even farther for pets like Silas.
He was rescued by PAWS after being found in a milk crate, suffering from a tail injury that was so severe it required amputation. Now, he’s recovering at our Grays Ferry Clinic and looking forward to a brighter future thanks to supporters like you! Your fundraising will ensure Silas and many more who need us will get the care and love they need at PAWS.
Register, claim your fundraising page, and even start a fundraising team at our bio link!
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We have a gentle pair of brothers who are seeking a foster home through PAWS` Safety Net Program! Jake and Elwood have an owner who is experiencing a temporary crisis, but loves their cats very much and just needs some time to get back on their feet until they can be reunited with their best friends.
Due to the nature of their situation, and for safety reasons, Jake and Elwood`s real names and photos have been changed for this post (this is just a sweet photo of a different pair 🩷). What we can tell you about this young adult duo is that they`re super sweet, already fixed, and feeling very nervous at the shelter. They`d be incredibly grateful to find a soft place to land for a few months, likely through early December but possibly a little longer if anything unexpected comes up.
If you`d like to help a vulnerable family stay together, please email foster@phillypaws.org to learn more about fostering these kind souls!
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Urgent: PAWS’ pet pantry is severely low on supplies, and we need your help! Food insecurity continues to be an acute issue for many Philly neighbors, especially those with pets. PAWS receives around 100 requests for pantry assistance each month, and on top of that we’re expecting to serve more than 125 families at our upcoming pantry event on September 20.
300 bags of dog food, cat food, and litter are needed to set us up for success in the coming weeks, and Philly’s pets are counting on you! By sending even one bag of food or litter from our wishlists, you’ll be having an enormous impact and ensuring pets can stay with their families where they’re loved.
There are a few ways you can donate supplies:
🐾 Send through our wishlists (link in bio)
🐾 Drop off at any PAWS location during regular hours.
🐾 Ship through the retailer of your choice to: PAWS
2900 Grays Ferry Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19146
Thank you in advance for your assistance! And remember, if you’re not able to donate, you can still help spread the word by sharing this post!
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Just look at Elmyra! The face of an angel, right? Well, not exactly 😈 She`s as friendly and lovable as they come, but this pint-sized princess is a puppy through and through. Even though she means well and adores people, Elmyra is 6 months old and still needs some guidance on her manners, especially when it comes to jumping and nibbling on people when she’s excited.
The great news is, Elmyra is just ten pounds and an absolute love — eager to please, quick to cuddle, and ready to blossom with the right guidance! Her current foster isn`t quite the right fit, so she`s looking for a committed foster or adoptive home that can keep up with her puppy antics and provide her with lots of structure and outlets for playtime (preferably without any other pets to start).
If her adorable bat ears aren`t enough to hook you, Elmyra will definitely keep you smiling with her goofy and snuggly personality! Want to learn more? Email foster@phillypaws.org or adoptions@phillypaws.org to learn more about Elmyra today.
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When you have ringworm but you’re 100% cute anyway 🥰 Tortilla and her 3 siblings just arrived at PAWS, and they’re not letting this simple skin infection slow them down. They’re adorable, roly poly, and ready to take on the world, but they’ve got several weeks of ringworm treatment ahead of them first. Instead of spending that time all by their lonesome in our ringworm ward, they’d much rather be in a loving home with you!
Tortilla and her siblings are looking for foster homes where they can finish their treatment — but did you know they’re available for adoption, too? If you’ve been looking for a tiny friend but seem to keep missing out, adopting a ringworm kitten just might be the “cheat code” you’re looking for. In exchange for a few weeks of extra care, you get a best friend for life. Win win! Want to learn more? Email adoptions@phillypaws.org or foster@phillypaws.org with the subject “ringworm kittens” to get in touch with our team!
❤️ It’s not a worm — it’s a fungal infection of the skin that usually shows up as small patches of hair loss in pets.
❤️ It’s a mild infection, but can be contagious to people and pets, so a separate room for fosters is the best way to prevent it from spreading during treatment.
❤️ It usually takes 4-8 weeks to clear up
❤️ We have twice weekly “dip days” at our Grays Ferry clinics for ringworm fosters/adopters to drop their kitties off for medicated baths — no need to do it at home!
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Looking for a pint-sized pal who will simply adore you? Meet Charlie! This sweet and silly guy is an absolute joy, with a personality that will keep you smiling from morning to night. A friendly and cheerful lovebug, Charlie is smitten with his people and has no problem asking for affection — he’ll nuzzle in for kisses, lean his full body against you for pets, and snooze nearby like a cozy weighted blanket.
At 3-4 years old, Charlie is also a great medium energy. He loves a jog and was called “the best workout buddy” by his foster parents, but in addition to his playful and goofy side, he’s equally content to lounge around while you work or relax at home. He’s shown a polite interest in other dogs and is generally friendly with new people after a brief warm-up (we’re not sure about cats)!
Ready to fall in love? Visit our adoptions page or email adoptions@phillypaws.org to learn more Charlie today!
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You`ve been asking, and we`re thrilled to deliver: lure coursing returns to the Mutt Strut in 2025! Sponsored by @annamaetpetfoods, this crowd favorite is a blast for dogs and humans alike. It`s simple but genius — a flag "lure" runs along a zip line, while an operator guides it in quick, unpredictable motions across the field to simulate a real chase for your pup. Spectating is a hoot, and dogs of all sizes can enjoy this fun activity (even your senior couch potato might surprise you)!
We are grateful to our friends at Annamaet for enabling us to bring back this beloved activity through their generous support. We hope you`ll join the fun on October 4! Register today for Philly’s biggest dog walks and fall festival through our #linkinbio.
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This sweet chunky senior is urgently seeking a foster! Thunder recently lost her home and has completely stopped eating due to stress. For obese cats, this can quickly lead to dangerous liver problems, so it’s important to get her feeling comfortable enough to eat again as soon as possible!
On top of that, Thunder packed on so many pounds in her last home that she can’t reach her back side for grooming, which has led to her getting repeat urinary tract and skin infections in the past. Poor girl!
In spite of Thunder’s discomfort, she’s an incredibly friendly gal who loves petting and affection. She’d be very grateful to find a supportive foster who can help her continue her weight loss journey and get back to being her best self. If you think that might be you, please email foster@phillypaws.org!
Thunder is around 10-12 years old, and would be happiest not having other pets around to start (though she may be open to gentle and respectful cats after proper intros).
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