Pets are family. They offer hope, companionship, and unconditional love to their people. By adopting a pet in need, you not only gain a loyal friend but also help ease the strain on overcrowded shelters, which positively impacts the entire community. That’s why PAWS (Philadelphia Animal Welfare Society) is proud to participate in PetSmart Charities® National Adoption Week. From March 24-30, PAWS will have cats available for adoption in-store every day at PetSmart (1415 Washington Ave.) with the goal of finding as many loving homes as possible. Additionally, a special in-store adoption event for both dogs and cats will take place on March 29 from 12-2pm.

WHO: Philadelphia Animal Welfare Society (PAWS)

WHAT: PetSmart Charities® National Adoption Week

• Meet adoptable cats
• Adopters enjoy exclusive savings on PetSmart products
• Learn how to get involved with and support PAWS

WHERE: PetSmart (1415 Washington Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19146)

WHEN:

• Cat Adoptions (March 24–30):
  • Monday–Friday: 9–11 AM & 6–8 PM
  • Saturday & Sunday: 11AM–3PM, 4-6PM
• Dog and Cat adoptions (Special In-Store Adoption Event)
  • March 29, 12–2 PM

WHY: To find loving homes for homeless pets and raise awareness of PAWS’ lifesaving efforts.

HOW: Folks interested in adopting are encouraged to submit an adoption application in advance at phillypaws.org/adopt

Meet Franklin! This sweet 3-year-old loves to be by your side, offering endless head bumps in exchange for pets. Whether you’re reading, lounging, or watching TV, he’s the perfect cuddly companion. He’d also enjoy a home where he can play to stay active and healthy. Meet him at PetSmart this week!

PetSmart Charities’ Adoption Prep Grant is enabling PAWS to expand its adoptions team in 2025, enhancing its matchmaking and lifesaving efforts. A new staff role coordinates intake, scheduling, and transport for cats to be adopted at PetSmart, while also overseeing the in-store volunteer team. The expanded team also has dedicated time for animal promotion and community outreach—two activities critical to maximizing adoptions.

PetSmart Charities® connects adoption partners such as PAWS with local PetSmart stores to showcase adoptable pets. Staff and volunteers are available to help make ideal matches, considering lifestyle and other preferences such as energy levels, personalities, sizes, etc. PAWS has long specialized in great matchmaking, ensuring a good fit for humans and pets alike, and offers support, guidance, and training for adopters as they welcome a new pet into their lives.

“PAWS is incredibly grateful for our longtime partnership with PetSmart Charities® and the PetSmart store at Broad and Washington, where our collaboration allows us to adopt out an additional 200 cats annually,” says Allison Lamond, PAWS’ community outreach and volunteer manager. “Having a welcoming space within PetSmart gives our adoptable cats the best chance to connect with families, helping us expand our lifesaving efforts and make an even greater impact in the community.”

In addition to its role as Philadelphia’s largest rescue partner, PAWS works to keep pets out of shelter in the first place through vital prevention programs such as affordable veterinary care at its two clinics, a pet food pantry, behavioral and training resources, and a safety net foster program that provides temporary housing for pets while their owners navigate periods of transition.

For more information about PAWS’ adoption process and services, including information on National Adoption Week, as well as its pet owner support programs, please visit phillypaws.org.