Our Mission

Pets Come First is a dedicated non-euthanasia organization committed to facilitating the placement of stray and unwanted animals into loving, forever homes. We strive to create a better future for central Pennsylvania’s animals through responsible shelter management and community-wide education.

Our Story

Founded in 2005, we began working with the local shelter to transform it from a high-euthanasia facility to a no-kill environment by 2008. Since gaining ownership of our facility in Centre Hall in 2015, we have continued to grow, annually helping over 600 animals find their perfect match.

How We Care

We operate as a non-profit organization that relies entirely on the generosity of our supporters, as we receive no government funding. Our shelter is managed by a dedicated team of paid staff and volunteers who provide daily care and medical attention to our animals. We also partner with local experts to support low-cost spaying, neutering, and community cat programs to address the root causes of animal overpopulation.

Your Role in Our Journey

Finding the right companion is a rewarding experience, and we are here to ensure that every adoption is a lasting success. We offer a transparent application process and even provide a foster-to-adopt program for dogs to ensure a harmonious fit for your family and your other pets. By choosing to adopt, you are not just getting a new family member—you are giving an animal a much-deserved second chance at a happy life.

Visit Us Today

We invite you to come and interact with our animals at our shelter in Centre Hall to find that perfect addition to your home. Whether you choose to adopt, volunteer, or donate, your support allows us to continue our vital work for local pets. Check our website to view our adoptable animals and start your journey with us today.

Trust Assessment
SilverRated Aug 30, 2026
NonprofitVerifiedPhysical FacilityOperating 20+ years
Finances
Online Review Highlights
  • Dedicated and caring staff
  • Thorough and organized adoption process
  • Communication gaps and unresponsiveness
Vetted byASPCA
How we assess
Recent Videos

10/9 - Join the 10th annual Pets Come First Subaru Raffle for a chance to win a Subaru Crosstrek or $20,000! Tickets are almost sold out. Grab yours today and help save homeless animals. Don’t miss out, your ticket could be the lucky one! 🎟️ $25 EACH | 5 FOR $100 🚗 WIN A SUBARU CROSSTREK OR $20,000 CASH 🐾 SUPPORT PETS COME FIRST BUY YOUR TICKETS BEFORE THEY’RE GONE!

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10/3 - 🐾🍂 What a fantastic day at the State College Fall Festival! 🍂🐾 More than 200 kids stopped by the Pets Come First booth to participate in our scavenger hunt! 🎉🔎 Our amazing PCF volunteers also shared stories about rescuing animals and the important work we do to give pets a second chance at a loving home. ❤️🐶🐱 Thank you to everyone who stopped by, participated, and helped us spread the word about animal rescue! And a huge thank-you to our wonderful volunteers for representing PCF and making the day so special! 🐾💙 #PetsComeFirst #AnimalRescue #StateCollegeFallFestival #AdoptDontShop #RescueSavesLives

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9/21 - 🐾💙 Meet Damien! 💙🐾 This handsome boy is 2 years old, social, and ready to find his forever family! 😻 Damien loves being around people and is hoping his next stop is a home where he can be loved, spoiled, and part of the family. 🏡❤️ Could Damien be your new best friend? Come meet him and see for yourself! 🐾 👉 Start your adoption application today: https://petscomefirst.net/adopt/ #AdoptDontShop #AdoptMe #PetsComeFirst #CatAdoption #AdoptACat #ShelterCats #DamienNeedsAHome

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9/18 - This is Molly finally opening up to a volunteer to play with a ball. Engaging our cats in play and getting to know their personalities is a big part of what we do at Pets Come First. Sometimes it takes a while to gain their trust but when we do it opens up a new world for them and for us. They begin to explore their surroundings more and trust their caregivers who play and pet them often. This helps calm their nerves, opens up the possibility for play with other animals and prepares them to be social when the time comes for them to be placed into a loving home.

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Visit Us At

2451 General Potter Hwy, Centre Hall, PA 16828

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