Leading Progress, Creating Change
For two decades, PAWS has led tremendous progress in Philadelphia — driven by a clear vision, a commitment to collaboration, and metric-driven strategies.
When PAWS began 20 years ago as a small, volunteer-based group with a big dream, only 11% of animals entering the city’s animal control center survived. Today, 87% survive, and shelter intake has been cut nearly half.
PAWS has grown into a team of more than 60 extraordinary staff members who work tirelessly – seven days a week, alongside hundreds of volunteers — across three facilities and at events across the region to save and serve the pets and people who need us most. Our rescue and prevention programs impact more than 40,000 animals — and the people who love them — each year.
Mission + Vision
PAWS is dedicated to saving Philadelphia’s homeless and at-risk pets and serving pet owners in need. We fill a singular niche, as the city’s largest rescue partner and provider of affordable veterinary care and other support services for pet owners who could not otherwise access them.
PAWS serves more than 40,000 animals and their families each year. PAWS’ mission is to make Philadelphia a place where every savable pet is guaranteed a home, and every pet owner has the support they need to keep their family whole.
Rescue, Rehabilitate, Rehome: New lives for homeless pets
PAWS strategically focuses its rescue efforts on the most vulnerable animals in shelters — cats and dogs with complex medical needs, fragile seniors and neonates, small animals, and large dogs. We save thousands each year, primarily from the city''s shelter (ACCT).
We provide the veterinary care, enrichment, and socialization they need, and through our proven matchmaking process, we find them loving foster and adoptive homes. Then, we fill their spaces with more pets who are waiting.
Treat, Prevent, Protect: Making vet care affordable and accessible
In Philadelphia, where 20% of the population lives in poverty, hundreds of thousands of pet owners need affordable vet care to avoid surrendering their pets and prevent unwanted litters.
PAWS’ two spay/neuter and wellness clinics provide trusted veterinary care to pet owners in need, as well as to fellow rescue organizations and community cat caregivers so they can stretch their limited funds and maximize their lifesaving ability.
Our clinics serve nearly 30,000 pets each year who would not otherwise receive care.
Support, Retain, Strengthen: A safety net for beloved pets
For pet owners facing difficult times or insufficient resources, PAWS' safety net programs offer holistic support — food, supplies, counseling, training, referrals, temporary care, and more — so they can keep their cherished pets as part of their families, and make shelter intake a true last resort.
Preserving the powerful bond between people and their pets isn’t just important for their wellbeing, but for the health of our community.
PAWS By the Numbers
100%
donor-funded
44,900+
animals rescued
$0.91
of every dollar is spent on lifesaving programs
423,900+
pets served in our clinics
64
dedicated, compassionate, and skilled staff members
172,400+
animals spayed/neutered
500+
committed, hardworking, and passionate volunteers
27,500+
pets served through our Safety Net programs
There is much work to do
Together, we will make Philadelphia a place where no savable animal loses its life, shelter surrender is an absolute last resort, and hope and new beginnings are possible for all pets and people who need them.
