Animal Friends
Saving Lives. It’s What We Do.
Animal Friends is a full-service companion animal welfare organization dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating, and rehoming animals in crisis. We strive to inspire a community where the animal-human bond is celebrated and nurtured, thinking outside the cage to build a more humane future for every animal friend.
Our History and Our Mission
Since our beginnings in 1943, we have remained committed to a compassionate solution to pet overpopulation. For more than 80 years, we have served the Pittsburgh region by providing rescue services, education, and advocacy, staying true to our vision that no animal should ever be unnecessarily euthanized.
How We Care for Our Animals
Operating from our 75-acre campus, we provide a safe, clean, and organized environment for animals waiting for their forever homes. Our care model includes comprehensive medical examinations, behavioral assessments, and personalized enrichment to ensure every resident is happy and healthy. By working with a dedicated network of foster families, we ensure our animals receive the individual attention they deserve while they await adoption.
Your Partner in Adoption
Adopting is a joyful journey, and we believe in thoughtful matching to ensure a perfect fit for both you and your new family member. Our team provides professional guidance and behavioral resources to set you up for success from day one. We are proud to support you in creating a lifelong, loving bond with your new companion.
Connect with Us
Whether you are ready to welcome a new pet into your life or simply want to learn more about our mission, we invite you to join us. Browse our current residents online, visit us at our Caryl Gates Gluck Resource Center, or explore our events to see how you can get involved today.
Trust Assessment
BronzeRated Oct 10, 2026
NonprofitVerifiedOperating 50+ years
FinancesOnline Review Highlights
- High quality facility
- Genuine care for animals
- Difficult to reach by phone
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How we assessCoverage We Reviewed
NewsBreak
8/16 - 🐱 Gentle Pittsburgh Cats & Kittens Ready for Adoption Today - NewsBreak
Looking for a new feline friend in Pittsburgh, PA? These adoptable cats and kittens are waiting patiently for loving homes, from cuddly seniors to playful
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
5/15 - Seeing them in action proves these adoptable dogs would be perfect pets
Shelter Soulmates is a monthly column spotlighting animals waiting for forever homes at Pittsburgh area shelters and rescues. In addition to descriptions...
Recent Videos
10/13 - We’re going to be friends. Meet Natalie, a seven year old sweetheart just waiting for someone to call her their best friend. She dreams of a home where she can parade around with her favorite toys, share all the cuddles and spend that lazy afternoon right by your side. Natalie has so much love left to give. All she needs is someone willing to give her a chance. Could you be the friend she’s been waiting for? Natalie would love a home with children 13 and older where she can be your one and only companion. Fill out an application now at ThinkingOutsideTheCage.org Animal Friends 562 Camp Horne Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15237 KL 1042 #animalshelter #adoptashelterdog #adoptabledog #animalfriends #pgh
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10/12 - POV: You ask for a nice picture, but your personality takes over. Tongues out, ears up, eyes crossed and absolutely zero thoughts behind these adorable pups eyes. These guys understood the assignment . . . they just had their own interpretation. We promise they are just as cute and goofy in person. And behind every silly snapshot is a pup hoping to be someone’s next best friend. Think one of these goofballs belongs in your family? Fill out an application now at ThinkingOutsideTheCage.org Let’s get these adorable pups adopted. Animal Friends 562 Camp Horne Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15237 KL 1042 #animalshelter #puppies #puppiesoftiktok #adoptable #animalfriends
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10/10 - It’s Caturday, and Whistle is ready to whistle his way into your heart! This six-year-old handsome boy loves attention, playtime and making new friends — though he may need a little time to warm up to new people and surroundings. Once he feels comfortable, he’ll be ready to show you just how special he is. Whistle is looking for a fresh start and a home where he can feel safe, loved and cherished. Could you be the one he’s been waiting for? Apply to meet Whistle at ThinkingOutsideTheCage.org #Caturday #AnimalFriends #AdoptACat #CaturdayCuties #AdoptMe
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10/10 - Drake? Nah. We’ve got Tito! This talented two-year-old has tricks up his sleeve, moves worth watching and enough personality to steal the whole show. From showing off his skills to zooming his way into your heart, Tito’s got the whole package. Now he just needs one thing to make it a chart-topper: YOU! Tito is looking for a home where he can be your one and only furry friend, with human companions ages 13 and up. Ready to make Tito your main character? Visit ThinkingOutsideTheCage.org to fill out an application. Animal Friends 562 Camp Horne Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15237 KL 1042 #AdoptAShelterDogMonth #AdoptTito #AnimalFriends #Shabang #AdoptMe
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10/9 - How long must a heart wait to find its home? The Rock has been waiting. Waiting for someone to stop, see him and decide that he’s the one worth taking a chance on. Behind his big personality is a dog who deserves a place to call home, a person to call his own and the chance to finally leave the shelter behind. We know the right match is out there. The Rock may not be the right fit for every family, but to the right person, he could be everything. Please don’t let his story end with another day spent waiting and watching. If you think you could be the person The Rock has been hoping for, fill out an application at ThinkingOutsideTheCage.org Animal Friends 562 Camp Horne Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15237 KL 1042 #animalshelter #adoptabledog #adoptashelterdog #therock #adopt
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10/8 - Stunning! No matter which side of Julia you see, the verdict is the same: stunning! This high-energy girl is looking for an adult-only home where she can be the only pet and spend her days playing, solving puzzles, sniffing and learning. With the right person, patience and guidance, Julia is ready to show you just how stunning adopting a shelter dog can be. Could Julia be your perfect match this Adopt a Shelter Dog Month? Fill out an application at ThinkingOutsideTheCage.org Animal Friends 562 Camp Horne Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15237 KL 1042 #animalshelter #adoptabledog #stunning #adoptme #dogsoftiktok
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10/7 - Ka-Chow! Meet Tripp! He may not be a race car, but this three year old pup is ready to speed his way into your heart. Like Lightining McQueen, Tripp is learning that having the right team by your side can make all the difference. New places and loud noises can make him a little nervous, so he is looking for a patient pit crew who will help him take things one lap at a time. Once he’s comfortable, Tripp is ready to put the pedal to the metal on fun. He would do best with human friends six years and older and he may be able to have a canine co-pilot after a proper introduction. This Adopt a Shelter Dog Month, skip the fast lane and take a pit stop at Animal Friends. Tripp is ready for his future home! Fill out an application at ThinkingOutsideTheCage.org Animal Friends 562 Camp Horne Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15237 KL 1042 #animalfriends #adoptable #animalshelter #adoptabledog #tripp
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10/4 - It’s your lucky Bunday, meet Leprechaun! You don’t need to find a pot of gold to strike it lucky—just find Leprechaun! This handsome 5-year-old Harlequin rabbit is one sweet little treasure. Leprechaun came back to Animal Friends when his previous family no longer had time for him, but this gentle guy hasn’t let that dampen his spirits. He’s friendly, loves being petted and prefers to stay cozy in his enclosure while getting to know new friends. Once you settle in with him, his sweet personality really shines. Leprechaun can live with children of all ages and may even enjoy a bunny buddy of his own after a successful meet and greet. Ready to add a little hoppy magic to your home? Stop by and meet Leprechaun today! 🐰💚 Apply to adopt at ThinkingOutsideTheCage.org #AnimalFriends #Adoptable #Bundaysunday #bunny #bun
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10/3 - Meet Xian! Some cats supervise. Some cats manage. And then there’s Xian—our eight-year-old feline who has basically appointed himself Head of Medical Office Operations. Xian came to Animal Friends after being found abandoned and rescued by our Humane Investigations team. This sweet, social boy LOVES people, attention and being wherever the action is. While spending some extra time in our medical suite for some tummy TLC, Xian quickly made himself at home—and became an enthusiastic assistant to our veterinary team. His specialty? Desk work. Naturally. Xian has a history of PICA, meaning he may try to eat non-food items, so his future family will need to keep tempting objects safely out of reach when he’s unsupervised. He also has IBD, which can occasionally cause some tummy trouble, but our medical team has gotten to know him very well and made sure he received plenty of care and attention. His medical coworkers may be sad to lose their favorite office assistant, but Xian is ready for his next big promotion: Beloved Family Cat! And as one of Yana’s Special Felines, Xian’s adoption donation has been generously underwritten, and he’ll go home with an individualized starter kit and additional support tailored to his needs. Could you give this sweet supervisor a desk—and a home—of his own? Fill out an adoption application at ThinkingOutsideTheCage.org #AnimalFriends #Caturday #CaturdayCuties #AdoptableCat #Pgh
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10/2 - Transforming the Animal Friends campus for Black Tie & Tails: It’s All Fun & Games. Inspired by the nostalgia of a classic town fair, we brought the theme to life through playful environments, interactive moments, custom details, and unexpected touches throughout the campus. From popcorn and fresh-squeezed lemonade to themed games and immersive guest experiences, every element was designed to feel fun, elevated, and intentional while supporting the incredible mission of Animal Friends. We are always grateful for the opportunity to reimagine this event year after year alongside the Animal Friends team and our incredible creative partners. Thank you to everyone involved!! Event Producer: Martin Potoczny @creativedirectormartin A LUXE Creative Production. @luxecreativeofficial
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10/1 - What a night to remember! Black Tie & Tails 2026 was truly all fun and games — and we couldn’t have done it without you. From the laughter and friendly competition to the heartfelt moments shared throughout the evening, every part of the night was made more meaningful because of the incredible community that came together for the animals. Thanks to our guests, sponsors, volunteers, vendors, donors and everyone who helped bring this special evening to life, we’re one step closer to giving more animals the second chances they deserve. Take a look back at a night filled with big smiles, big hearts and even bigger support for Animal Friends! Thank you for playing — and for always playing it forward for the animals. #AnimalFriends #BlackTieandTails #Enrichment #Funandgames #Wrap
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9/27 - LAST YEAR WE FILLED THE BARN. ❤️🎻 The music. The laughter. The conversations around the tables. The feeling in that room. That’s why we’re doing it again. And this year we’re bringing Authentic Unlimited to the stage! If you were with us last year, tell everyone in the comments what you remember most. 👇👇👇 6 DAYS TO GO! #authenticunlimited #bluegrass #bluegrassatthebarn #music #pittsburgh
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