Keeping Families Together

In a city where 1 in 4 people live in poverty and many more barely make ends meet, we must help struggling pet owners care for and keep their pets rather than face the heartbreaking decision to surrender them.

Until recently, thousands of pets were surrendered to Philadelphia shelters each year due to treatable medical issues. Their owners lacked access to affordable veterinary care, and felt they had no choice but to say goodbye to their beloved pets.

PAWS opened its first Spay/Neuter and Wellness Clinic in 2010, as part of our mission to reduce pet homelessness in Philadelphia by preventing it in the first place. PAWS’ two Clinics, in Grays Ferry and the Northeast, provide a safety net to over 35,000 pets each year by offering spay/neuter and basic veterinary care, including vaccinations and treatments for common illnesses and injuries.

The positive effects of pet ownership on physical and mental health are well documented, but for those who are struggling, it is a true lifeline. For many of our clients, their pet is all they have. The bond between people and their pets is a source of comfort, companionship, and stability. Daily, pet owners tell us that our services have meant the difference between keeping and giving up their cherished companions. We are honored to provide that needed care, relieve that stress, and preserve that vital bond.

As the city’s largest provider of affordable basic vet care, the impact of our work is clear: in the last decade, the number of homeless pets entering the city’s animal control shelter has plummeted by more than 60% (from over 30,000 annually to less than 12,000). At the same time, the survival rate has skyrocketed to nearly 90%.

Meet a patient


Brownie was diagnosed and treated for a skin condition during his visit to PAWS’ clinic. We were open and ready to help him despite the pandemic, and he received lots of love from vet tech Molly while his family waited curbside.

Support our efforts


To make Philadelphia a no-kill city and a safer place for pets overall, we must serve the people who love them. Your support of PAWS’ clinic services will mean more families can remain happily together, and precious rescue resources can be saved for animals who truly have nowhere else to go.

Donate to the Family Fund

Get Care


Know a neighbor who is struggling to find affordable veterinary care for their pet? PAWS can help. Our clinics in the Grays Ferry section and Northeast Philadelphia offer basic services including spay/neuter, preventive care, and treatments for common conditions.

See Services

EXPLORE MORE LIFESAVING PROGRAMS

Spay & Neuter


Widely available spay & neuter surgery has been vital to reducing Philadelphia’s homeless pet population. PAWS’ expert surgeons have served over 100,000 dogs and cats, setting them up for healthier lives and preventing countless litters.

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Medical Care


More and more, the shelter animals most in need of rescue have illnesses or injuries requiring specialized veterinary care. They find it at PAWS: we help them heal so they can go on to enjoy the carefree lives they deserve.

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Hospice Care


When a pet we have rescued becomes incurably ill, our veterinarians, lifesaving staff, and the foster parent form a team to provide compassionate comfort care for as long as the animal is able to enjoy their time.

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