Pennsylvania SPCA

Our Mission

The Pennsylvania SPCA is dedicated to rescuing animals from cruelty and neglect, rehabilitating them medically and behaviorally, and placing them into loving, permanent homes. We envision a community where every animal is protected and supported by people who truly value their welfare.

Our History and Purpose

For 160 years, we have shown up whenever animals needed us most. We operate independently across Pennsylvania, ensuring that every donation stays within our community to help local animals 365 days a year.

How We Care

Our work is built on a no-kill philosophy that guides every rescue, treatment plan, and enrichment program we run. We provide comprehensive care through our in-house shelter hospitals and specialized Animal Law Enforcement division, giving every animal the time and medical attention they need to thrive. Whether through our facilities in Philadelphia, Danville, Lancaster, or Main Line Animal Rescue, we offer a system of care designed to help animals heal and recover.

Your Adoption Journey

We believe adoption is a joyful partnership, which is why our counselors focus on thoughtful, individual matching to ensure a successful lifelong transition for you and your new pet. Our team works hard to get to know each animal’s unique personality so we can connect them with a family that offers the right fit for their temperament and needs. Every pet comes to you with medical evaluations, vaccines, and our lifetime support, meaning we are always here for you long after you bring your new friend home.

Join Our Mission

Are you ready to find your perfect match? We invite you to browse our available animals online or visit any of our four locations to start your own adoption story. You can also support our lifesaving work by volunteering, fostering, or making a donation that gives vulnerable animals their much-deserved second chance.

Trust Assessment
GoldRated Sep 26, 2026
NonprofitVerifiedPhysical FacilityOperating 50+ years
Finances
Online Review Highlights
  • Staff dedication and empathy
  • Affordable veterinary services
  • Extreme wait times and capacity limitations
Vetted byASPCABanfield FoundationPETCO LOVEPedigree Foundation
How we assess
Coverage We Reviewed
Audacy

10/14 - Meet Cookies! Bennett's Buddies at the PSPCA

Cookies is a 4 year old female pittie who was rescued by the PSPCA's Animal Law Enforcement team, but is ready for her fresh start and is bringing a lot of happiness with her. | The NEW 96.5

Billy Penn at WHYY

10/14 - This female-led story deserves a spot in city’s 52 Weeks of Firsts

The first animal shelter in the United States was founded in Philadelphia by a group of women. Why aren’t we celebrating it?

Audacy
Improves Trust

10/5 - Bennett's Buddies Paws For A Cause 2026 | The NEW 96.5

Join Bennett and The NEW 96.5 for Bennett's Buddies Paws For A Cause benefiting the Pennsylvania SPCA! | The NEW 96.5

pennlive
Improves Trust

10/2 - Owner lied about having 78 cats in dirty, overheated central Pa. home: police

She told an officer there were 15 cats in the Lancaster County house, which was “wholly incorrect just by anyone’s basic observations," police said in court documents.

6abc Philadelphia

10/2 - Shelter Me: Meet lucky charm Clover from the Pennsylvania SPCA

This week's in Shelter Me, meet Clover - a lucky charm with a whole lot of love to give.

Audacy

9/30 - Meet Brownie! Bennett's Buddies at the PSPCA

Brownie may be tiny, but this 3-pound Chihuahua has a whole lot of personality waiting to shine. After being rescued by the PSPCA's Animal Law Enforcement team from a cruel situation, Brownie spent some time in our shelter hospital getting the care she needed. Now, she’s ready to find a home where she can continue to learn what it means to feel safe and loved. | The NEW 96.5

NBC10 Philadelphia

9/22 - Rescue group offers $2.5K reward after dog found starving in trash bag in Philadelphia

A rescue group is offering a $2,500 reward to find those responsible for starving a dog and leaving him in a trash bag in Philadelphia.

Audacy

9/16 - Meet Bach! Bennett's Buddies at the PSPCA

t 105 pounds, Bach may be a big guy, but he's truly a gentle giant at heart. This sweet 11 year-old Akita mix recently found himself back in the PSPCA's care after the heartbreaking loss of his owner, and now he's hoping to find a loving home to spend his golden years in. | The NEW 96.5

Audacy

9/2 - Meet Bella Lynn! Bennett's Buddies at the PSPCA

This cute little pocket pittie is a total ball of energy who loves to bounce around, but she’s just as happy to settle in for some cuddles once playtime is over. | The NEW 96.5

Yahoo Life
Improves Trust

9/1 - Tröegs teams up with PSPCA for campaign to raise awareness for pet adoption

Tröegs Independent Brewing announced it is teaming up with the Pennsylvania SPCA to launch "PALs With Your Pal," a new campaign to help raise awareness for pet adoption. Each week throughout the mont...

NBC10 Philadelphia

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.

Audacy

8/26 - Meet Fat Boy! Bennett's Buddies at the PSPCA

He may be 10 years old, but don’t let that number fool you - this boy has plenty of energy, personality, and spunk left to share. He absolutely loves people and will happily roll right over for a belly rub. | The NEW 96.5

Northeast Times

8/22 - Josh Hutcherson pushes big-dog adoptions in national shelter campaign - Northeast Times

Actor Josh Hutcherson teams with Hill's Pet Nutrition for the 12th annual Clear The Shelters campaign, advocating for large-dog adoptions through August.

Audacy

8/19 - Meet Sky! Bennett's Buddies at the PSPCA

Rescued by the PSPCA's Animal Law Enforcement team in rough shape, this spirited Cocker Spaniel has come a long way. She’s healing well and showing more of her fun, energetic personality every day. | The NEW 96.5

NBC10 Philadelphia

8/8 - Clear the Shelters: Meet Devon

Devon is a tiny baby boy with giant paws and ears that make him look like a wizened wizard. The best part? He his ready to find his forever family and make you laugh every day! You can adopt this sweet boy at the Pennsylvania SPCA.

Upworthy

6/12 - Dogs really do have favorite people, and here's how they decide who it will be

Experts explain how dogs choose their favorite person, and it's not always who gives the most treats.

NBC10 Philadelphia
Improves Trust

6/11 - Find your new four-legged friend through Pennsylvania SPCA's adoption event

If you're looking for a new four-legged friend, you're in luck! Pennsylvania SPCA is waiving adoption fees for dogs looking for a fresh start.

WGAL
Improves Trust

6/11 - Child present | Lancaster County man convicted of raping a woman and threatening her with a knife

A jury in Lancaster County has convicted Efrain Mateo of raping a woman and threatening her with a knife in her home while a child was present.

WGAL
Improves Trust

6/10 - Pennsylvania SPCA rescues 78 cats and kittens from a home in Lancaster County

Authorities rescued 78 cats and kittens from a Lancaster Township home described as "extremely unsanitary," with conditions among the worst the Pennsylvania SPCA has ever encountered.

Yahoo News

6/7 - Decoding your cat's behavior | Pet Project

Is your cat being silly? Or is their behavior an indication of something more serious? On this week's Pet Project, Pennsylvania SPCA animal advocate Carol Erickson takes a look quirky cat attitudes.

6abc Philadelphia

6/5 - Shelter Me: Meet Sven from the Pennsylvania SPCA

In this week's Shelter Me, we introduce you to Sven from the Pennsylvania SPCA.

Audacy

6/3 - Meet Mr. Wilson! Bennett's Buddies at the PSPCA

This week on Bennett's Buddies with the PSPCA, meet Mr. Wilson! | The NEW 96.5

6abc Philadelphia

6/3 - Pennsylvania SPCA hosting free spay, neuter event for Philadelphia pets

The Pennsylvania SPCA is hosting a free spay/neuter event for Philadelphia pets.

PHL17.com
Improves Trust

6/1 - 25 arrested after authorities break up alleged cockfighting operation in Chester

CHESTER, Pa. (WPHL) — Twenty-five people were arrested after authorities raided an alleged cockfighting operation in Chester over the weekend, rescuing dozens of birds and halting a fight tha…

fox43.com
Improves Trust

6/1 - Authorities break up cockfight in Chester County, rescue 52 live chickens, arrest 25 suspects

PSPCA and law enforcement broke up a brutal cockfight in Chester, arresting 25 and rescuing 52 birds. Learn more about this shocking case of animal cruelty.

Visit Us At

350 E Erie Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19134

(215) 426-6300
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