The bond between people and their pets is powerful: it enhances mental and physical health, strengthens social connections, and improves the wellbeing of the community. It’s a bond that deserves to be protected, regardless of a pet owner’s resources or socioeconomic status. That’s what drives PAWS to prevent pets from entering shelters through its Safety Net programs, and to rescue the most vulnerable animals from the city shelter and match them with loving homes.

To support these efforts, PAWS’ Paw it Forward fundraising campaign will return for its fourth year, from July 22-24, 2025. As the city’s largest rescue partner and provider of affordable veterinary care, PAWS is calling on animal lovers to celebrate the love they share with their pets by paying it forward — ensuring others can preserve or discover that same joy.

With shelter intake in Philadelphia alarmingly high, it’s as critical as ever to help families keep their beloved pets at home where they are safe and loved, despite the challenges they may be facing. Donations to Paw it Forward will directly support PAWS’ Safety Net programs, which provide vital services to pet owners in need such as veterinary care, temporary foster housing, behavioral support, and PAWS’ pet pantry, which offers free food, litter, and supplies. Each program is designed to make surrendering a pet a last resort.

Robert and Purry, pictured here, are both all smiles on the day their family was made whole again.

PAWS launched its Safety Net Foster Program in 2022 to assist pet owners during times of crisis or transition. By placing pets in temporary foster homes while owners get back on their feet, PAWS offers relief, peace of mind, and the opportunity for joyful reunions, all while keeping more pets out of the shelter system.

Robert and his cat Purry, pictured above, are one of the 145 families who have found solace in PAWS’ Safety Net Foster Program. Earlier this year, Robert was experiencing homelessness and needed some time to find pet-friendly housing to get back on his feet. After a few months of Purry residing in a safety net foster home, the two were reunited, and are now happy and safe at home together. In total, PAWS has provided temporary care for over 210 cats and dogs, and more than half have resulted in reunions. When reunions prove impossible, pets are matched with adoptive homes where they will be equally cherished and loved, and owners can find some relief knowing their pets are safe as they continue taking care of themselves.

Pet food pantry events help pet owners like Yvonne and her friends, pictured here, access nutritious food, litter, and other essential supplies to keep their beloved pets happy, healthy, and home where they belong.

Since launching its pet pantry in 2020, PAWS has distributed hundreds of thousands of pounds of food and litter, supporting nearly 11,000 households to date. One is Yvonne Fonseca’s, who visits regularly for food for her dog, Luna. When she shared that Luna had been showing allergy symptoms, PAWS staff recommended a visit to its veterinary clinic. There, Luna was diagnosed with a chicken allergy and PAWS provided affordable medication and food recommendations to help manage Luna’s condition — improving her health without overwhelming Yvonne’s budget.

For families like Yvonne’s, PAWS’ pet food pantry program offers more than just supplies. It opens the door to conversations, builds trust, and connects pet owners with other types of support. What may start as a visit for food or vet care can reveal other challenges, and PAWS’ comprehensive, compassionate approach ensures that no one must face them alone.

“Because of our rescue and safety net efforts, countless cherished pets are now safe, healthy, and right where they belong — at home with their families,” says Lauren Hanak, PAWS’ director of development. “Support for Paw it Forward makes these vital programs possible and brings hope to the animals who need us and the people who love them.”

Perched atop a stack of pet food, Arlo represents the thousands of beloved pets who’ve stayed fed and safe at home thanks to PAWS’ pet food pantry program. Since launching in 2020, the program has expanded to reach over 10,000 households citywide through community events, partner organizations, and home deliveries.

For the third year in a row, PAWS is grateful to the Landenberger Family Foundation for its generous support of Paw it Forward. PAWS is 100% donor-funded, making the Foundation’s support invaluable to its lifesaving mission.

“The Landenberger Family Foundation honors the legacy of its namesake founder by giving to organizations that provide for the welfare of those in greatest need, including pets and their humans,’’ says Joseph Glyn of The Landenberger Family Foundation. “Through its critical, lifesaving services, PAWS helps create a healthier, happier, more humane and loving (and adorable) society. We hope you will join The Landenberger Family Foundation and Paw it Forward!”

The Landenberger Family Foundation and an Individual Donor in Loving Memory of Little One are generously matching all Paw it Forward gifts up to $30,000. Gifts made between Tuesday, July 22-Thursday, July 24  will go twice as far in reducing and preventing pet homelessness.  

As thanks for providing care to Philadelphia’s pets and families in need, Paw it Forward donors at the “Hometown Hero” level ($350) and above will receive a custom pet portrait by Char & Whiskers. Donors at the “Good Neighbor” level ($500) and above will also receive an exclusive invitation for two to the Paw it Forward Summer Soirée on August 14.

For all details about how to support the Paw it Forward campaign visit phillypaws.org/pawitforward.