Morris Animal Refuge
A Legacy of Compassion
Founded in 1874, Morris Animal Refuge is a pioneer in animal welfare, committed to providing high-quality care and finding positive, humane outcomes for every animal in need. We strive to save lives and ensure that every animal that enters our care is given a meaningful chance at a loving forever home.
Our History
Our journey began with Elizabeth Morris, a true trailblazer who started caring for abandoned animals in Philadelphia long before formal veterinary schools were established. Today, we carry on that proud tradition as one of America’s first institutions dedicated to rehoming suffering and abandoned pets.
Our Approach to Care
As a lifesaving organization, we operate as a managed-admission shelter located in Center City, Philadelphia. We focus on providing medical care and behavioral support for animals of all backgrounds, allowing us to maintain a 98% save rate. We are more than just a facility; we are a community-focused team dedicated to helping animals in our region thrive.
Finding Your Perfect Match
We believe in a holistic, conversation-based adoption process that focuses on finding the best fit for both the adopter and the animal. By taking the time to understand your lifestyle and preferences, we can make thoughtful recommendations that ensure a successful, lifelong partnership. There is no need for pre-approvals or appointments; we are here to help you meet your new best friend.
Join Our Mission
Are you ready to welcome a new furry family member into your life? We invite you to visit our shelter on Lombard Street or our PetSmart Adoption Center to browse our current adoptable pets. Your decision to adopt not only changes the life of an animal, it opens up space for another pet in need, continuing the cycle of hope and care.
- Staff kindness and dedication
- Efficient and smooth adoption process
- Administrative/volunteer enrollment issues
8/28 - Help Philly-area animals find forever homes on ‘Clear the Shelters’ day
On Aug. 29, 2026, animal shelters across the country, including the Philly area, will waive adoption fees as part of the Clear the Shelters campaign.
10/8 - POV: you’re a volunteer at our PetSmart adoption center 🐾 It means cuddle breaks, fresh water bowls, clean litter boxes, and a whole lot of purring. Our amazing volunteers show up every single day to keep our cats happy and healthy while they wait for their forever homes. They play, they snuggle, they make sure every cat feels safe and loved. We couldn’t do it without them! 💛 Want to meet the adorable felines at our adoption center in person? Visit us at PetSmart, 2360 Oregon Avenue! Mon to Sat: 12 to 2pm & 6 to 8pm Sun: 12 to 2pm Because our center is volunteer-run, hours can change based on availability. We recommend booking an appointment (link in bio) so a volunteer is there to greet you. 🐱
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10/5 - If you’re looking for a sign, this is it🌟 Rolo, Bruno, Milo and Carmi are still looking for their forever homes this fall and would love to find it as the cozy months roll in 🍂 Want to meet these precious pups and fall in love? Stop by our adoption hours or send a message to adopt@morrisanimalrefuge.org for more info! 💌 Tuesdays & Saturdays: 12-5pm Wednesdays & Fridays: 12-7pm Kennel 3068
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10/2 - The contest may be over, but Bourbon’s still got a few ideas for you. Here’s the game plan: 1️⃣ Order your 2027 calendar 2️⃣ Grab a few extra copies for friends and family 3️⃣ Spread the word so everyone you know can order theirs too To all of our amazing contest participants: your calendar is in the works and will get to you later this year, but why stop at one? The holidays are coming, and there’s no better gift than showing off your furry superstar to everyone on your list! Grab a few extras for the family, coworkers, and friends who’ve been hearing all about your pet’s calendar campaign. 🌟 All of our winners will be receiving a congratulations message soon with next steps, stay tuned! Make Bourbon proud, order your calendar at the link in our bio!🐱📆
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10/1 - Lulu and Amber want you to enter the 2026 Philly Sports Raffle! 🏆🐶 This senior chihuahua mom and daughter duo still are puppies at heart, and they’re hoping you’ll help them and all the animals here at Morris by grabbing a ticket. Each ticket is $20, and 50% goes directly to Morris Animal Refuge. 🎟️ Grand Prize: Two tickets to every Flyers, Sixers, Phillies, Union, Wings, and Philly pro football regular season home game (200 pairs of tickets!) ✈️ Second Prize: Phillies Spring Training trip for 4, with hotel, airfare, and tickets to two games 📺 Third Prize: 70” TV and a catered party for the NFL’s Big Game The drawing is Sunday, October 18th, between 1 and 5 PM at West End Boat Club in Essington. The winner will be posted on the website by 5 PM that day. Grab your tickets at the link in our bio! And if want to meet Lulu and Amber, they are a bonded pair looking for one forever home to share their golden years and would love if you stopped by to fall in love with them…after all, two chihuahuas really are better than one!🐾 Kennel 3068
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