fbpx
IT'S GIVING TUESDAY: Our biggest matching challenge ever! All gifts are being triple matched to make 3X the impact.
GIVE TODAY & SAVE LIVES! >
×
  • Search

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!

The Most Important Ways You Can Make An Impact

Adopt

Every adoption from PAWS opens up space for us to save another animal in need.

Adopt Now!

Donate

Your gift of funds or supplies will truly save lives.

Donate Now!

Foster

By opening your home for a few weeks, you’ll change the life of a shelter pet who needs you.

Apply Now!

Volunteer

Volunteers play a central role in every aspect of our work and enable us to save as many lives as we can.

Apply Now!

Join the PAWS Community

Share Your Story

Share your pet’s story and help spread the word about PAWS’ lifesaving efforts. Post your adoption update on social media to inspire others to adopt!

Visit PAWS on Facebook

Attend PAWS Events

From smaller adoption events to our annual Mutt Strut fall festival and Chefs’ Night gala, there’s something for everyone.

See the full calendar

Start a Fundraiser

Create a personalized online fundraising page in minutes to share with friends and raise needed donations for Philadelphia’s animals.

Get Started!

Become A PAWS Partner

Businesses of all kinds play a major role in helping PAWS save lives. Whether you sponsor or host an adoption or fundraising event, donate expertise or supplies, help us reach new audiences to build support, or offer help in another way, you will be serving your community and joining a city-wide effort to make Philadelphia a no-kill city. In return, we can offer branding and promotional opportunities, exposure through our social media channels, and the appreciation of our large and loyal community of supporters.
Become a Partner

Current Partners

Volunteers Welcome!

Share your free time with the animals and help save the lives of pets in need. We’re always looking for volunteers to help in every area of our lifesaving efforts.

Learn More

Become a Foster Parent

Learn More

Make a Gift and Save a Life

Make A One-Time Donation

PAWS is 100% donor-funded. Every animal we save depends on the generosity of our supporters.

Donate

Give Monthly

Make the commitment to be a lifesaver all year long.

Give Monthly

Give Another Way

There are many ways to make a difference for the animals who need you.

Learn More

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.

All Available Dogs
All Available Cats

Join the Conversation

View

Dec 3

Open
Poor Westbrook is really going through it 🥺 Can you help this special boy feel safe again? He just had dental surgery on top of being absolutely terrified at the shelter, and he’s back to spending his days tucked into his hidey hut. None of our foster leads have panned out since we last posted him, and he’s urgently seeking a cat-savvy home where he can heal, decompress, and hopefully show us what he needs to thrive! Westbrook was adopted very young and spent his whole life in a home, but never fully warmed up to human companionship. He can coexist peacefully with his humans, he’s just more of a hands-off guy who prefers to lounge in the sun and do his own thing (he also doesn’t mind sharing space with other respectful cats). This sensitive 5 year old is looking for a childfree home while we try to get him through some socialization bootcamp and learn more about him. If you’ve got some cat savviness and can give this guy space to decompress without too much pressure, please reach out at foster@phillypaws.org!

Poor Westbrook is really going through it 🥺 Can you help this special boy feel safe again? He just had dental surgery on top of being absolutely terrified at the shelter, and he’s back to spending his days tucked into his hidey hut. None of our foster leads have panned out since we last posted him, and he’s urgently seeking a cat-savvy home where he can heal, decompress, and hopefully show us what he needs to thrive!

Westbrook was adopted very young and spent his whole life in a home, but never fully warmed up to human companionship. He can coexist peacefully with his humans, he’s just more of a hands-off guy who prefers to lounge in the sun and do his own thing (he also doesn’t mind sharing space with other respectful cats).

This sensitive 5 year old is looking for a childfree home while we try to get him through some socialization bootcamp and learn more about him. If you’ve got some cat savviness and can give this guy space to decompress without too much pressure, please reach out at foster@phillypaws.org! ...

674 12
View

Dec 2

Open
Tomorrow! Get into the holiday spirit with Young Friends of PAWS and Young Involved Philadelphia (@yiphilly) at our yappy hour on Tuesday, December 3rd! Bring your pup and join us at @crafthallphilly’s indoor puppy porch in Northern Liberties from 6–8 PM for a fun & festive evening ⛄️ Snap a pic of your furry friend with Santa Paws, enjoy $5 Mainstay Beer specials, create your own ornament, and explore our pet-themed holiday market with local vendors like @twocatsandadogco, @melmosdog, @taillicious_treats, @fletchandpipco, @skflynndesign, @rebecca.tait, and @milosway2024. Plus, everyone who brings wishlist items to donate will receive free tickets to our raffle! And, if you’re one of the first 5 people to bring an item, you will receive a FREE Mainstay beer! Don’t miss out on the fun ❄️ We hope to see you there!

Tomorrow! Get into the holiday spirit with Young Friends of PAWS and Young Involved Philadelphia (@yiphilly) at our yappy hour on Tuesday, December 3rd! Bring your pup and join us at @crafthallphilly’s indoor puppy porch in Northern Liberties from 6–8 PM for a fun & festive evening ⛄️

Snap a pic of your furry friend with Santa Paws, enjoy $5 Mainstay Beer specials, create your own ornament, and explore our pet-themed holiday market with local vendors like @twocatsandadogco, @melmosdog, @taillicious_treats, @fletchandpipco, @skflynndesign, @rebecca.tait, and @milosway2024.

Plus, everyone who brings wishlist items to donate will receive free tickets to our raffle! And, if you’re one of the first 5 people to bring an item, you will receive a FREE Mainstay beer! Don’t miss out on the fun ❄️ We hope to see you there! ...

104 2
View

Dec 2

Open
Our holiday wish this year? That more pets like Bear experience the warmth, safety, and comfort of a loving family. As a fellow animal lover, we know you agree — so we’re thrilled to share that through midnight tomorrow, a generous group of donors is ✨TRIPLE-matching✨ all gifts, up to $75,000! That means every $1 donated will become $3 for Bear and other animals who are counting on us. 🐶🐱🐹 This friendly pup was abandoned outside the city shelter with a potentially cancerous wound on his paw. He found safe haven at PAWS, and wagged his tail through his entire exam when he arrived! Now under the care of our medical team while we await the results of his biopsy, Bear can start the next chapter of his journey filled with hope, healing, and unconditional love ❤️ This is our biggest match to date, and the need has never been greater! Your support is essential to carrying our mission forward into 2025 — enabling us to rescue vulnerable animals with nowhere else to turn, and to help pet owners keep their companions at home where they are loved. Please give today to make 🌟3X🌟 the difference and help us transform lives in the year to come! Donate now via Instagram, Venmo (username @phillypaws), or through our #linkinbio!

Our holiday wish this year? That more pets like Bear experience the warmth, safety, and comfort of a loving family. As a fellow animal lover, we know you agree — so we’re thrilled to share that through midnight tomorrow, a generous group of donors is ✨TRIPLE-matching✨ all gifts, up to $75,000! That means every $1 donated will become $3 for Bear and other animals who are counting on us. 🐶🐱🐹

This friendly pup was abandoned outside the city shelter with a potentially cancerous wound on his paw. He found safe haven at PAWS, and wagged his tail through his entire exam when he arrived! Now under the care of our medical team while we await the results of his biopsy, Bear can start the next chapter of his journey filled with hope, healing, and unconditional love ❤️

This is our biggest match to date, and the need has never been greater! Your support is essential to carrying our mission forward into 2025 — enabling us to rescue vulnerable animals with nowhere else to turn, and to help pet owners keep their companions at home where they are loved. Please give today to make 🌟3X🌟 the difference and help us transform lives in the year to come!

Donate now via Instagram, Venmo (username @phillypaws), or through our #linkinbio! ...

325 10
View

Dec 1

Open
Jack and Jill’s journey could have ended in heartbreak, but instead, it’s a beautiful testament to community, compassion, and the bonds we share with our pets. Najahma found herself without pet friendly housing a few months ago. She was heartbroken at the prospect of giving up her beloved cats, Jack and Jill, but with no other options available to keep them with her, she thought her only choice was to surrender them to a shelter. When she contacted ACCT Philly, they reached out to PAWS to see if we had a spot in our Safety Net Program. Thanks to PAWS’ amazing foster community, we were able to welcome Jack and Jill and match them with a temporary home where they’d be cared for while Najahma worked to secure new living arrangements. They were reunited with Najahma as soon as she was settled into her new place, and can now enjoy the holidays together — feeling the warmth and love they’ve always known. If you’d like to help more pets stay with their families, sign up to become a Safety Net foster today at phillypaws.org/foster (link in bio)! Ps. Can’t foster, but want to help pets stay with families who may be facing challenges? Help us replenish our pet food pantry by sending litter, dry cat food, or dry dog food through our Chewy or Amazon wishlists (link in bio)!

Jack and Jill’s journey could have ended in heartbreak, but instead, it’s a beautiful testament to community, compassion, and the bonds we share with our pets.

Najahma found herself without pet friendly housing a few months ago. She was heartbroken at the prospect of giving up her beloved cats, Jack and Jill, but with no other options available to keep them with her, she thought her only choice was to surrender them to a shelter. When she contacted ACCT Philly, they reached out to PAWS to see if we had a spot in our Safety Net Program.

Thanks to PAWS’ amazing foster community, we were able to welcome Jack and Jill and match them with a temporary home where they’d be cared for while Najahma worked to secure new living arrangements. They were reunited with Najahma as soon as she was settled into her new place, and can now enjoy the holidays together — feeling the warmth and love they’ve always known.

If you’d like to help more pets stay with their families, sign up to become a Safety Net foster today at phillypaws.org/foster (link in bio)!

Ps. Can’t foster, but want to help pets stay with families who may be facing challenges? Help us replenish our pet food pantry by sending litter, dry cat food, or dry dog food through our Chewy or Amazon wishlists (link in bio)! ...

1270 23
View

Nov 29

Open
Black Friday deals are great, but saving pets like Short Bread? Even better. For #GivingTuesday this year, we’re thrilled to share our biggest matching opportunity yet, with gifts TRIPLED by a generous group of donors through midnight on December 3rd! That means your gift will provide triple the meals, medical care, and second chances to pets who are counting on us. Short Bread was fending for herself outside before arriving at PAWS, and needed some extra encouragement to help her build trust with humans. It wasn’t long before she opened up to share her sweet personality, and she quickly found a loving home where she’ll never have to be scared or hungry again! If you’d like to start saving lives by giving early, your gift will go three times as far and be counted toward our Giving Tuesday goal! Triple your impact now via Instagram, Venmo (username @phillypaws), or through our #linkinbio.

Black Friday deals are great, but saving pets like Short Bread? Even better. For #GivingTuesday this year, we’re thrilled to share our biggest matching opportunity yet, with gifts TRIPLED by a generous group of donors through midnight on December 3rd! That means your gift will provide triple the meals, medical care, and second chances to pets who are counting on us.

Short Bread was fending for herself outside before arriving at PAWS, and needed some extra encouragement to help her build trust with humans. It wasn’t long before she opened up to share her sweet personality, and she quickly found a loving home where she’ll never have to be scared or hungry again!

If you’d like to start saving lives by giving early, your gift will go three times as far and be counted toward our Giving Tuesday goal! Triple your impact now via Instagram, Venmo (username @phillypaws), or through our #linkinbio. ...

252 1
View

Nov 28

Open
Today and every day, we are thankful for YOU! However you mark the season, we hope you can feel the gratitude we have for you — our dedicated community. Thanks to your kindness and support this year, thousands of vulnerable pets have found hope and protection at PAWS, and the chance at the life they deserve. Cletus, pictured above, is one of them. This affectionate young dog was found by a Good Samaritan, skinny and cold, struggling to survive as a stray. One look into his beautiful brown eyes says it all: he’s safe now, surrounded by love, and he recognizes the gift of compassion. From adopting and fostering to donating and volunteering, every act of good will you’ve shown has transformed lives. Every day, as we chart our progress toward our goal of making Philadelphia a place where every savable pet is guaranteed a home, you create the ultimate reason to celebrate: the safety and love of family. Thank you for being the heartbeat of what we do. As the season of giving begins, we’re thrilled to share the stories of a few cherished companions whose lives you have touched!

Today and every day, we are thankful for YOU! However you mark the season, we hope you can feel the gratitude we have for you — our dedicated community. Thanks to your kindness and support this year, thousands of vulnerable pets have found hope and protection at PAWS, and the chance at the life they deserve.

Cletus, pictured above, is one of them. This affectionate young dog was found by a Good Samaritan, skinny and cold, struggling to survive as a stray. One look into his beautiful brown eyes says it all: he’s safe now, surrounded by love, and he recognizes the gift of compassion.

From adopting and fostering to donating and volunteering, every act of good will you’ve shown has transformed lives. Every day, as we chart our progress toward our goal of making Philadelphia a place where every savable pet is guaranteed a home, you create the ultimate reason to celebrate: the safety and love of family. Thank you for being the heartbeat of what we do.

As the season of giving begins, we’re thrilled to share the stories of a few cherished companions whose lives you have touched! ...

156 0
View

Nov 28

Open
Would you like to give this senior sweetheart some comfort and love? Lilly is looking for a foster home after losing her home of 15 years. She’s very gentle and sweet during quiet one on one time, often purring and enjoying pets (sound on). But, the noise and activity of the shelter have been overwhelming for her, and she could really use a home to decompress in. Lilly is looking forward to a calm foster household that will give her the time she needs to decompress while awaiting her forever home. If you can help this lovely little granny, please email foster@phillypaws.org!

Would you like to give this senior sweetheart some comfort and love? Lilly is looking for a foster home after losing her home of 15 years. She’s very gentle and sweet during quiet one on one time, often purring and enjoying pets (sound on). But, the noise and activity of the shelter have been overwhelming for her, and she could really use a home to decompress in.

Lilly is looking forward to a calm foster household that will give her the time she needs to decompress while awaiting her forever home. If you can help this lovely little granny, please email foster@phillypaws.org! ...

531 5
View

Nov 27

Open
Please note our holiday hours! All PAWS locations will close at 3pm today, and will be closed for the full day tomorrow, November 28. We’ll reopen for regular hours and services at all clinic and adoption locations on Friday, November 29. Safe travels and happy holidays to all our supporters and their furry little turkeys!

Please note our holiday hours! All PAWS locations will close at 3pm today, and will be closed for the full day tomorrow, November 28. We’ll reopen for regular hours and services at all clinic and adoption locations on Friday, November 29.

Safe travels and happy holidays to all our supporters and their furry little turkeys! ...

80 0
View

Nov 26

Open
Next week! Get into the holiday spirit with Young Friends of PAWS and Young Involved Philadelphia (@yiphilly) at our yappy hour on Tuesday, December 3rd! Bring your pup and join us at @crafthallphilly’s indoor puppy porch in Northern Liberties from 6–8 PM for a fun & festive evening ⛄️ Snap a pic of your furry friend with Santa Paws, enjoy $5 Mainstay Beer specials, create your own ornament, and explore our pet-themed holiday market with local vendors like @twocatsandadogco, @melmosdog, @taillicious_treats, @fletchandpipco, @skflynndesign, @rebecca.tait, and @milosway2024. Plus, everyone who brings wishlist items to donate will receive free tickets to our raffle! Don’t miss out on the fun ❄️ We hope to see you there!

Next week! Get into the holiday spirit with Young Friends of PAWS and Young Involved Philadelphia (@yiphilly) at our yappy hour on Tuesday, December 3rd! Bring your pup and join us at @crafthallphilly’s indoor puppy porch in Northern Liberties from 6–8 PM for a fun & festive evening ⛄️

Snap a pic of your furry friend with Santa Paws, enjoy $5 Mainstay Beer specials, create your own ornament, and explore our pet-themed holiday market with local vendors like @twocatsandadogco, @melmosdog, @taillicious_treats, @fletchandpipco, @skflynndesign, @rebecca.tait, and @milosway2024.

Plus, everyone who brings wishlist items to donate will receive free tickets to our raffle! Don’t miss out on the fun ❄️ We hope to see you there! ...

119 4
View

Nov 24

Open
Say hello to Hiccup! Just like her namesake from How to Train Your Dragon, this 1 year old cutie is a whole lot of heart in a tiny body. Hiccup might be a little shy at first, but give her time, and you’ll be rewarded with the sweetest cuddles and plenty of kisses. Her favorite thing? Grabbing a bone and curling up in your lap—she’s a pro at keeping you company. 💕 🏡 This little one also has a playful, mischievous side – just ask her about her napkin confetti skills! — and she always knows how to make her people smile. Hiccup has lived with small dogs before and does well with slow, thoughtful introductions. She’s still working on potty training but is eager to learn with a little patience and positive reinforcement. Want to start your happily ever after with this little love? Email adoptions@phillypaws.org, or find her at our adoptions page (link in bio)! 🐾 Philadelphia Animal Welfare Society📍 2900 Grays Ferry Ave. Philadelphia, PA 19146 (by appointment only) ⭐️ PA License # 06172

Say hello to Hiccup! Just like her namesake from How to Train Your Dragon, this 1 year old cutie is a whole lot of heart in a tiny body. Hiccup might be a little shy at first, but give her time, and you’ll be rewarded with the sweetest cuddles and plenty of kisses. Her favorite thing? Grabbing a bone and curling up in your lap—she’s a pro at keeping you company. 💕 🏡

This little one also has a playful, mischievous side – just ask her about her napkin confetti skills! — and she always knows how to make her people smile. Hiccup has lived with small dogs before and does well with slow, thoughtful introductions. She’s still working on potty training but is eager to learn with a little patience and positive reinforcement.

Want to start your happily ever after with this little love? Email adoptions@phillypaws.org, or find her at our adoptions page (link in bio)!

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

671 6

Make a Donation

  • $25
  • $50
  • $100
  • $250
  • Other
Start A Fundraising Campaign
Learn How
Join PAWS' Forever Home Circle
Learn How
Become A Paws Partner
Learn How
Old City Adoption Center
100 N. 2nd Street (at Arch)
Philadelphia, PA 19106
215-238-9901
adoptions@phillypaws.org
Northeast Spay/Neuter & Wellness Clinic
1810 Grant Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19115
215-545-9600
neclinic@phillypaws.org
Grays Ferry Spay/Neuter & Wellness Clinic
2900 Grays Ferry Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19146
215-298-9680
gfclinic@phillypaws.org
Get Involved
More Info
Get Connected
Stay Updated
© Copyright 2024 Philadelphia Animal Welfare Society (PAWS)
PAWS is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization with tax ID number 26-3862631.
  • Adopt
    • Adopting at PAWS
    • Adopt a Cat
    • Adopt a Dog
    • Adopt a Small Animal
    • Process & Fees
    • Urgent Animals
    • Working Cats
  • Foster
    • Become a Foster
    • Animals Needing Foster
    • Frequently Asked Questions
    • Everyday Acts of Lifesaving
  • Volunteer
    • Become a Volunteer
    • Ways to Help
    • Volunteer Spotlights
    • Internships
    • Volunteer Login
  • About
    • Our Mission
    • Our Core Values
    • Staff
    • Board of Directors
    • Jobs
    • Shelter and Clinic Statistics
    • Philadelphia No-Kill Coalition
  • Clinic Services
    • All Services
    • Grays Ferry Clinic
    • Northeast Philadelphia Clinic
    • Spay/Neuter
    • Clinic Appointments
    • Vaccine Clinics
    • Online Pharmacy
    • See the Impact
  • Locations
    • Grays Ferry Spay/Neuter & Wellness Clinic
    • Northeast Spay/Neuter & Wellness Clinic
    • Old City Adoption Center
    • View All PAWS Locations
  • Lifesaving Programs
    • Cat Rescue & Care
    • Dog Rescue & Care
    • Affordable Vet Care
    • Spay & Neuter
    • Complex Medical Cases
    • Bottle-Feeding Kittens
    • FIV+ and FeLV+ Cats
    • Dental Care
    • Ringworm Recovery
    • Hospice Care
    • Support for Pet Owners
  • Get Involved
    • Get Involved with PAWS
    • Adopt
    • Donate
    • Foster
    • Volunteer
    • Attend an Event
    • Businesses: Become a Partner
    • Give Monthly
    • Create a Fundraiser
    • Young Friends of PAWS
    • Give Another Way
    • Connect on Social Media
  • Get Help
    • Lost a pet?
    • Found a pet?
    • Affordable Vet Care
    • Pet Food Pantry
    • Temporary Pet Housing
    • Counseling & Support
    • Rehoming
  • Events
  • News & More
  • Shop
  • Partners
  • Contact Us
  • Search
×
  • Search