Looking to add a furry friend to your family?
In this article, we’ve compiled a list of some of the best dog rescues in Philadelphia!
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1. PAWS Adoption Center
PAWS Adoption Center has three locations in Philadelphia and is the largest no kill rescue in Philadelphia. They save stray and surrendered dogs from animal control shelters or take them in from owners who can no longer care for them.
The rescue also offers dental care, medical care, and hospice care. They are dedicated to caring for the needs of at risk dogs and have saved nearly 5000 dogs to date. PAWS is also a founding member of the Philadelphia No Kill Coalition, a collective of welfare agencies working to end the killing of saveable pets in shelters.
They require you to fill out an application for a specific dog, and you will be contacted if you are a match. The adopted dogs are spayed or neutered, vaccinated, dewormed, treated for fleas, and microchipped.
They are a non profit organization and greatly appreciate donations and foster volunteers. To view their adoptable dogs, check out their Instagram or visit PAWS Adoption Center.
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2. Providence Animal Center
Providence Animal Center is located in Upper Providence Township near Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. On top of adoption, they also offer affordable veterinary services, medical care, and training. They rescue dogs from overcrowded shelters and surrendered pets, rehabilitating animals who have suffered from cruelty.
Originally established in 1911 to provide watering troughs for workhorses, Providence Animal Center expanded to serve all animals in 1930. In 2012, it became a no kill shelter.
To adopt with them, you will need to fill out an adoption application. Meet and greets with current dogs are required. If approved, you will meet with an adoption counselor to make sure the dog you chose is the right fit for you.
Check out their Instagram to view the adorable animals in their care and visit Providence Animal Shelter to learn more about the dog rescue process.
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3. Brandywine Valley SPCA
Brandywine Valley SPCA is located in West Chester near Philadelphia and is Pennsylvania’s first no kill, open admission rescue.
Founded in 1929, their goal has always been to end animal suffering. In 2019, they opened a rescue center for animals that need extra support, such as dogs who faced cruelty or disaster, and pets at risk of euthanasia.
To adopt with them, you may drop by the center to visit the dog you’re interested in. You will then complete the adoption application and meet with an adoption counselor. Adoption fees include spay/neuter surgery, vaccinations, medical treatments, and microchipping.
They also offer free access to their behavior team for follow up training, a free follow up exam at their clinic, and access to their 24 hour emergency line. To learn more about their dog rescue, visit Brandywine Valley SPCA.
4. Morris Animal Refuge
Located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Morris Animal Refuge is one of America’s first institutions for abandoned animals, caring for and rehabilitating pets since 1874. They are a no kill shelter with a 98% save rate.
Founder Elizabeth Morris (1827-1907) brought in 860 animals in her first year. The first veterinary school wasn’t opened until 1884, but this didn’t stop Morris, or her friend Annie, from caring for unwanted pets.
In 1888, Morris acquired a horse and wagon, their first ambulance for cats and dogs. They partnered with the City Pound to give the owners of lost dogs an extra couple of weeks to claim them. 140 years later, they have yet to turn an animal away from their rescue.
To adopt with them, visit their rescue to view their available dogs. If you find your new best friend, they will process your information so they can go home with you the same day. All dogs are spayed/neutered, treated for fleas, vaccinated, and microchipped.
Check out their Instagram and visit Morris Animal Refuge to see their adoptable dogs!
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5. Wet Nose Rescue
Wet Nose Rescue is located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and rescues dogs from being euthanized. They do not keep their adoptable dogs in a kennel and instead keep them in local foster homes, giving them the opportunity to become social with families and other dogs.
Currently, they are developing the Grey Nose Society program, where senior dogs will be matched with senior citizens. This will be a full sponsorship, meaning that the cost of vetting, food, and other needs will be met.
To adopt a dog, fill out an application for the specific dog you want. References may be required from a vet (if you currently own an animal) or friends/family. Following the process, you will then be able to meet your new friend and take them home!
They are a non profit organization and greatly appreciate donations and foster volunteers. Check out their Instagram or visit Wet Nose Rescue to learn more about their dog rescue.
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6. National Greyhound Adoption Program
National Greyhound Adoption Program was founded in 1989 and is located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Their goal is to provide loving homes for former racing greyhound dogs.
Their kennel began acquiring greyhounds from Florida, caring for and finding them forever homes where they could rest. In 1995, NGAP opened a clinic for specialized greyhound care. Their care ranges from surgery to annual check ups, and even specializes in dentistry.
To adopt a greyhound, fill out an application and reference sheet. The adoption fee includes spaying/neutering, vaccines, microchipping, bloodwork, and more. They will then match you with a dog.
They are a non profit organization who greatly appreciates donations. Any items donated that that cannot be used are donated to other rescues in the area. To give a greyhound a loving home, visit National Greyhound Adoption Program.
7. To Love a Canine Rescue
To Love a Canine Rescue is located in Chester County near Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. They are a no kill, non profit rescue.
Dogs at TLC are not kept in a shelter but live in foster homes instead. This way, dogs become accustomed to family, are house trained, and behavior trained. Dogs are also socialized and observed to evaluate their temperament and personality for better placement.
To adopt, you will need to fill out an application, but there is no cost to apply, nor is there a deposit required for a meet and greet. At least two personal references will be required if you cannot obtain one from a previous vet (if you are already a dog owner). A landlord reference will also be needed if you do not own your home.
Once you have gone through the application process, you will be able to contact the foster to meet your future best pal! To view their adoptable dogs, visit To Love a Canine Rescue.
Summary for Dog Rescues in Philadelphia
We hope you found a shelter off our list of dog rescues in Philadelphia and wish you all the best in finding your new best friend!