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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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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
Not all heroes wear capes: some of them have a little pet hair on their shirts! 39 animals have left the shelter for the #PAWSFosterChallenge thanks to the incredible foster heroes who’ve opened their homes since the challenge started ten days ago. That means 39 pets are now relaxing in loving homes, all while opening up much-needed shelter space for more who need it!
We’re still 111 pets away from our goal of sending 150 animals into foster care by July 20, and our foster pickup schedule is looking a little light this week 👀 Let’s keep up the lifesaving momentum!
Sign up at our #linkinbio and our team will be in touch to match you with a homeless pet who needs you right now!
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Meet Contessa Kit Kat! Aged like a fine wine and just as delightful, this senior sweetheart dreams of finding someone special to enjoy all the love she has to give in her golden years. She can`t wait to join a cozy home where she`ll spend her days snuggling, laying in your arms, and snoozing the day away!
Kit Kat lost her home of 15 years when her owner had to move to a senior care facility, but she`s as cheerful and loving as ever. She truly relishes attention, begging for chin pets and face rubs before she settles in for one of her many hours of napping each day. She`s been gentle and patient with other respectful cats and dogs, but would be just as happy as the only pet in a home. A low maintenance queen! 👑
Kit Kat has a couple of common senior conditions (hyperthyroidism and kidney disease), which are managed with easy medication and a special diet. Her fosters can`t say enough wonderful things about her, and says that she brings so much joy and happiness to her home! She`s charming, quirky, adorable, and truly just an absolute gem.
If you`d like to learn more about this sweet treat, email adoptions@phillypaws.org or visit our adoptions page (link in bio)!
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Looking for a loyal, loving companion who’s always ready to brighten your day? Meet 3 year old Buckie, a sweet young pup with a heart full of love and a tail that never stops wagging!
Buckie is a certified people-pup who wants to greet everyone he meets. He thrives in a home where he can be part of the action — whether that’s joining you for a walk, cuddling on the couch, or showing off his adorable dance moves!
Because he’s such a lover, Buckie would be thrilled to join a home with someone who has a flexible schedule and can spend lots of time with him (he tends to sing the song of his people when he’s left alone for too long)!
Buckie is a huge fan of peaceful strolls in mellower neighborhoods, and we could also see him loving a yard or outdoor space where he can zoom around and let loose since he’s got energy to spare and joy to share!
If you’re looking for a snuggly sidekick who loves love, adventure, and being your number one fan, Buckie is waiting! He’s looking for a foster or adopter, so email foster@phillypaws.org or apply to adopt through our #linkinbio.
🐾 Philadelphia Animal Welfare Society📍 2900 Grays Ferry Ave. Philadelphia, PA 19146 (by appointment only) ⭐️ PA License # 06172
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Bathtime: sometimes, it`s gotta happen! Haribo was nervous and very dirty when he arrived at PAWS, but he felt much better after a wash and some snuggles with our shelter care techs. He`s one of hundreds of pets we`ve saved with year with support from our friends at @psp_fishtown!
As a member of PAWS` Corporate Community, Pet Supplies Plus supports our rescue efforts for hundreds of pets like Haribo each year, enabling us to provide surgery and medical care, behavior support, and so much more to help pets find or stay with their loving families.
If you`re looking to get your pet feeling and looking fabulous for the summer, be sure to visit our friends at Pet Supplies Plus Fishtown! With so many grooming options and products at your fingertips, you won`t want to miss out:
🐾 Self serve pet wash stations
🐾 Full service grooming
🐾 Same day delivery from their website
They`ve shared a ton of summer coupons, so if your pet is in need of some pampering, be sure to check out Pet Supplies Plus at 2475 Aramingo Avenue in Philly.
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Zoe is not okay at the shelter. 💔 Just a couple weeks ago, she was soaking up love in a wonderful foster home, where she’d spent 6 happy months until unavoidable travel prevented her fosters from keeping her. Now, Zoe’s world has turned upside down.
She’s so overwhelmed that we can’t even approach without her lunging and yowling in distress. It’s heartbreaking to witness — especially because we know this isn’t who Zoe really is.
When her foster mom visited the shelter, she instantly transformed. She came right to the front of her cage, rubbed against her foster’s hand, and even fell asleep in her arms. She’s not aggressive — she’s stressed, scared, and confused.
Zoe desperately needs a stable, quiet foster home, ideally in a pet-free household with adults who are patient and understand her boundaries. She’s a sensitive girl who forms deep bonds once she feels safe.
When she’s had time to adjust, she’s social, playful, and enjoys attention on her terms. And for the lucky humans she chooses as her favorites, she’s totally devoted — curling up next to you and seeking you out for affection, lap naps, and VIP snuggles.
3 year old Zoe has some allergies that were well-managed in foster care—but stress can trigger over-grooming and skin flare-ups, and we’re deeply worried about how this shelter stay will affect her health.
Zoe’s been through so much. She lost her first family when a new baby caused her to become deeply stressed, but in a stable foster home, she thrived. She just needs that chance again. If you can open your home to this sweet girl, you’ll be giving Zoe a lifeline. Please reach out at foster@phillypaws.org if you can help 🩷
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Misty Moo update: she successfully pulled through yesterday’s surgery and is recovering like a little champion!
Her care team at @mountlaurelah shared that her procedure was free of complications, and that she was yelling at them for pets and attention soon after waking up. Her night nurse called her “the most precious perfect sweet little angel girl EVER” and her daytime nurse gave her a stuffed lamb to snuggle, which she is obsessed with (see pictures!) 😭
We are so grateful to the incredible team at Mount Laurel for providing Misty with such world-class care, and to the incredible animal lovers who donated so she could receive this vital surgery. This little one is on the mend and can look forward to a bright, healthy future thanks to you!
Misty still has a long journey ahead of her as she continues to recover. If you’d like to make a gift to help her as she continues to heal, you can do so via Instagram, Venmo (username @phillypaws), or through our #linkinbio❤️🩹
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In the market for your very own house-hippo? Meet Meisha! 🦛💕 This cuddly princess has been an absolute joy in her foster home, and now she’s ready to bring tons of smiles and sunshine to a very lucky adopter.
Meisha’s fosters call her “such an easy, silly girl,” and we couldn’t agree more. She’s an A+ snugglebug who’s always down to join you for a couch nap (or some tummy rubs), but she’s also content doing her own thing when you’re busy. When she’s excited, her signature move is to carry her toys around and show them to everyone while making Chewbacca noises!
This cutie is currently living well with another pup, and is very gentle, tolerant, and affectionate. Her wonderful interactions with kiddos also point to her being a great family dog! She’s already house-trained and crate trained, and is well behaved when her humans are away. The total package!
Meisha is around 7.5 years old, and had a cancerous mammary tumor removed before arriving at PAWS. We currently have no reason to believe that it spread elsewhere, but more lumps could show up in the future, so her adopter will want to plan on continued monitoring with their vet. She’s still full of joy and energy, and has tons of love, wiggles, and pep to share — hopefully with you!
Ready to adopt a sweet, squishy soul with a heart of gold? Visit our adoptions page to apply and learn more (link in bio)!
🐾 Philadelphia Animal Welfare Society📍 2900 Grays Ferry Ave. Philadelphia, PA 19146 (by appointment only) ⭐️ PA License # 06172
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Beer enthusiasts and animal lovers, rejoice! @dockstreetbeer’s Found Friends IPA is back for its third year, now with a whole new look. For every 4-pack sold of this hazy IPA, $1 will be donated to PAWS, and you’re invited to celebrate this year’s brew release! Join us next Tuesday, July 1, from 5-8pm at Dock Street Brewery South (2118 Washington Avenue).
This dog-friendly event will feature a raffle of cans of Dock Street Found Friends with Dock Street and PAWS merchandise, information on how to get involved with PAWS, and a brewery tour with Head Brewer and PAWS foster, Mark Russell. We hope you see you there!
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Misty Moo says THANK YOU to everyone who’s donated for her care! We’re thrilled to share that this brave girl is getting her surgery today. It’s a delicate procedure that’s not without risk, so please send her all your best thoughts and energy!
Misty arrived at PAWS with a life-threatening case of megaesophagus, a condition that prevents food from traveling the stomach easily during meals. While megaesophagus can be managed in most pets without surgery, Misty was born with a band of tissue that restricts her esophagus to a dangerous degree, putting her at risk of choking every time she eats.
This life-saving surgery is Misty’s best chance at living a full, happy life, and we need your help to ensure she has everything she needs to make a full recovery! Her procedure and surrounding care will be $8,000 when all is said and done, and we’ve raised a little more than half of our goal. If you haven’t made a gift yet, any amount you can send will make a world of difference for this special kitten! You can donate via Instagram, Venmo (username @phillypaws), or through our #linkinbio.
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This sweet diabetic granny is still urgently seeking a foster! Lily’s insulin dosing schedule isn’t possible within the shelter’s standard operating hours, and we’re really worried about her health if she goes too long without proper regulation. Let’s get this kind senior into a home so she can thrive in her golden years!
Lily recently lost her home and was very well-loved by her last family. At 12 years old, she’s a gentle and friendly gal who is very low-key and adores chin scratches. She’s lived with another cat previously, but is more of a “roomie” cat than a “bestie,” so she’ll likely do her own thing!
If you’d like to help, please reach out to foster@phillypaws.org with Lily’s name in the subject line!
Lily will come with a little ‘care package’ from her current family — a favorite bed, toys, etc — and all of her medication and checkups will be provided by PAWS. Insulin is easy to administer even for beginners, and we’re happy to answer any questions you might have about her care!
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Foster heroes wanted: no cape required! 20 pets have found homes since we kicked off PAWS` Everyday Heroes Foster Challenge last week, and our team would love to match you with a furry sidekick of your own.
From kittens too young for the shelter to dogs in need of routine and care, there are so many animals who just need a safe, loving space to heal, grow, or simply catch their breath until they`re ready for adoption. Email foster@phillypaws.org, or sign up today at phillypaws.org/foster to get started!
Fosters are needed for...
🐱 Orphaned kittens and nursing mothers: too fragile to thrive in a shelter, these little ones just need a spare room, food and litter, and lots of love and socialization until they`re old enough for adoption.
🐶 Dogs of all ages and sizes: by teaching basic manners and providing a daily routine, you can help homeless dogs reach their potential and ease the transition to loving adoptive homes.
❤️🩹 Cats and dogs recovering from illness or injury: ailing pets recover much faster in a comfortable home, and usually just need a few weeks of medication and TLC to get healthy again!
🫶 Pets in PAWS` Safety Net Program: by providing 3-4 months of care to a cat or dog whose owner is experiencing a temporary crisis or transition, you`ll be keeping a cherished pet out of the shelter and ensuring they can be reunited with their family when the time comes.
🐈⬛ Cats who are stressed or need socialization: for cats who are defensive or shut down at the shelter, all it usually takes is a quiet home and some patience for them to let their true personalities shine.
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Urgent: this very special kitten needs lifesaving surgery! Misty Moo has likely never had a full tummy in her life, but with your help, we can change that.
When this little one came into our care, we knew something wasn’t right. She was unable to keep any food down, even though she was clearly very hungry. It wasn’t long before we discovered that Misty is suffering from a life-threatening case of megaesophagus.
Pets with this condition have an enlarged esophagus, which prevents food from moving down to the stomach as it should. In normal cases, it doesn’t require surgery, and pets can live happy lives with a special feeding set up.
Unfortunately, Misty was born with a band of tissue around her esophagus constricting her throat even more. Her food has to pass through such a tiny opening that it’s nearly impossible for her to eat on her own, and even with a special feeding set up and a very dedicated foster parent, she’s at risk of choking every time she eats.
Misty’s condition is severe enough that without treatment, it will become fatal. Thankfully, a lifesaving procedure is possible — but we need your help to give her a fighting chance. This specialized surgery is projected to cost $8,000, and the sooner she can receive the care she needs, the better her outcome will be.
Misty Moo is counting on all of us, and together, we can give this amazing little kitten a long, happy future. If you’d like to help, you can donate via Instagram, Venmo (username @phillypaws), or through our #linkinbio.
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It`s HOT this week, and our pets are feeling it, too! With temperatures soaring, it`s more important than ever to keep your pets safe, cool, and hydrated. Here are some basic tips to help your pet beat the heat!
🚗 NEVER leave a pet in the car, even in the shade or with windows cracked.
🔥 Avoid hot surfaces, such as asphalt, that can burn your pet’s paws — if it`s too hot for your feet, it`s too hot for theirs!
☀️ Look for signs of heat stroke: excessive panting, disorientation, extreme fatigue, vomiting and diarrhea, racing heart, bright red or blue gums. Short nosed breeds, elderly dogs or puppies, and long haired breeds are at especially high risk.
💧 Make sure your pets have unlimited access to fresh water, and access to shade when outside.
🏡 Leave your pets at home if possible when you need to go out and about, and make sure to keep the house cool enough for them while you`re away.
🐾 Take walks during the cooler hours of the day, and bring enough water for both you and your pet.
Graphic credit: @gildaycreative
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Are you an introvert? Does the thought of going to a party fill you with existential dread? Does your dream day involve puttering around the house, maybe reading a book and then going for a nice walk or sitting in the yard? Meet Johnny Cash 🩷
This sensitive soul knows what it’s like to need some extra time before you can be yourself. He doesn’t need a packed social calendar to feel fulfilled — just a quiet home, a pile of toys, and a human (or humans) to enjoy it with. He’ll be happy to remind you that binge-watching your favorite show is self care, and he’ll always save you a spot on the couch.
Johnny’s fosters describe him as “a big goofy baby” who snuggles up with his stuffies like a kid with their favorite blanket. He was incredibly shut down when he first came to us, but with the help of a loving foster home (and a little medication to ease his anxiety), he’s made big strides learning that the world isn’t so scary after all. He needs a little extra time to warm up to new friends, but once he lets you in, you’re in — and there’s nothing quite like earning the love of a dog who doesn’t give it away easily.
A quiet home with a yard would be a dream come true for Johnny, where he can feel safe and take on the world at his own pace. He’d thrive with a confident dog friend who can show him the ropes, and he’d feel most comfortable in a home with adults or teens who can go at his pace.
If your ideal weekend involves soft blankets, canceled plans, and a buddy who gets it, Johnny is the homebody you’ve been waiting for. Follow this 1-2 year old pup’s journey on Instagram at @sphillyphoster, or learn more about adopting him at our #linkinbio.
🐾 Philadelphia Animal Welfare Society📍 2900 Grays Ferry Ave. Philadelphia, PA 19146 (by appointment only) ⭐️ PA License # 06172
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🦸♀️The #PAWSFosterChallenge is off to a super-powered start! Our first round of foster heroes stepped up over the weekend to kick off our lifesaving mission. The ultimate goal: 150 pets placed in foster homes by June 20 to free up shelter space for 150 more who need us!
11 pets have found homes, which means 139 are still waiting for their heroes — and you could be one of them! By fostering, you become a real-life lifesaver to a pet in need, no superpowers required 💪
Ready to join our league of extraordinary fosters? Sign up now at pie #linkinbio, and our team will help match you with your perfect foster companion — whether it’s a cat, dog, or a litter of kittens!
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Catalina is a glorious little couch potato! This senior sweetheart will be a perfect match for anyone seeking a mellow work from home buddy or chatty lap cat to unwind with 🥰
She`s a total ~chill girl~ who`s never needy, but still enjoys curling up with her humans on the couch or cozying up with you in bed. Her tiny meows will delight you, and her gentle companionship will melt your heart!
At 13 years old, Catalina loves a nice toasty windowsill where she can perch and enjoy all the street drama, Days of Our Lives-style 👀
She`s also got some granny ouchies due to arthritis in her back, and is looking for a pet-free home with adults or teens who can be gentle and understanding with her, since she can be sensitive about how she`s touched. She enjoys petting and LOVES to be brushed, and will let you know once she`s had her fill!
Catalina can`t wait to join you for lazy mornings, cozy evenings, and everything in between, so check her out on our adoptions page, or drop us a line at adoptions@phillypaws.org!
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SOLD OUT: online tickets are sold out, limited tickets available at the door!
Pours For PAWS is just 3 days away: get your tickets before they sell out! Young Friends of PAWS invites all 21+ animal lovers to join us at Positano Coast this Wednesday, June 25 for one of our favorite events of the year. Save lives and enjoy a fabulous night out including:
🍹An open bar with select beer, wine, and cocktails, and non-alcoholic beverages.
🍝Delicious bites including vegan and vegetarian options
🎈Silent auction featuring goods from a wide variety of local Philly businesses
📸 Photobooth sponsored by Semanoff Ormsby Greenberg & Torchia
🪩 Live Music by @djbyrdevents
Tickets are $90, and all proceeds directly support PAWS` mission of making Philadelphia a city where every healthy and treatable pet is guaranteed a home. We expect to sell out in the coming days, so grab your tickets now through our #linkinbio!
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This scrungly sweetheart is Binky Boo! He just joined the tripawd club after losing his leg to an injury, and is looking for a foster home where he can heal and get strong again. The first few days post-surgery were hard on our buddy, so he’ll be very grateful to enjoy a cozy home environment and lots of chin scritches.
Binky is a social and affectionate guy who greets us every morning with the cutest little chirps. He’s around 2 years old, and would be happiest in a pet-free home. If you’d like to help this former stray get well and start the next chapter of his life as a spoiled indoor kitty, email foster@phillypaws.org for more info!
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What does it really mean to be a foster hero? Meet the everyday lifesavers who open their hearts and homes to pets in need, and discover why fostering is one of the most powerful, rewarding ways to make a difference!
Watch as real PAWS fosters share their stories and what drives them to temporarily care for homeless pets — all made possible with just a little space, some compassion, and support from the PAWS team.
We provide supplies like food, litter, toys, and cover all medical care, so fosters can focus on what matters most: showering their foster pets with love. So whether you’re considering fostering for the first time or just need a little inspiration, this is the video to watch and see how you, too, can become a foster hero for pets in need.
Every animal in foster care is one step closer to the loving home they deserve, and for so many, it all starts with someone like you saying yes. Watch the full video and sign up to foster at our #linkinbio!
A heartfelt thank you to @OSBXfilms for creating this beautiful video, and to our incredible fosters for sharing their stories with us.
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Get ready for your heart to melt—just one look at Maggie’s big, soulful eyes and you’ll be smitten!
This happy, curious 8 month old pup is a total social butterfly who hasn’t met a person or dog she didn’t like. Her foster says, “I see her being a wonderful companion in a home with children, other dogs, probably cats... you name it!”. She’s especially obsessed with her foster sister Olive, and her favorite place to sit is right on top of her—and she’d love a forever home with a dog buddy to play and snuggle with (and maybe also sit on)!
Maggie is impressively well-behaved for her age, but like all puppies, she’s still polishing her manners and housetraining and would benefit from continued training and structure (hint: she’ll do anything for a treat)! She’s ready to grow into the amazing companion she’s destined to be, and just needs a family to guide her along the way.
If you’re looking for a sweet, social pup with a heart full of love (and a serious knack for staring contests), Maggie might be your perfect match!
Philadelphia Animal Welfare Society📍 2900 Grays Ferry Ave. Philadelphia, PA 19146 (by appointment only) ⭐️ PA License # 06172
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