Unfortunately, city funding does not adequately staff Philadelphia’s City Animal Shelter to give the staggering number of animals in its care the proper love and attention they need. As a result, dogs lack walks and exercise, cats lack socialization and human interaction, adoptable animals are not posted on the Internet in a timely manner, adoption events at off-site locations with shelter animals are understaffed, and much more. The volunteer opportunities at Philadelphia’s City Animal Shelter are practically endless and include hands-on activities with the animals and many non-animal contact activities that are equally vital in saving lives.
Volunteer opportunities at Philadelphia’s City Animal Shelter include:
- Cat Socialization
Provide exercise, play and hands-on activities for cats in the shelter. - Dog Socialization
Provide exercise, play, leash manners and hands-on activities for dogs in the kennels. Without volunteers, dogs are not walked. Dogs in animal shelters are confined to cages. The isolation and restricted activity can cause health and behavior problems that affect the dogs’ quality of life and chances for adoption. - Grooming
Bathe and groom dogs and cats to make them as attractive as possible for potential adopters. - Off-site Adoption Events
Select animals, bathing them if necessary, and feature them at various mobile sites throughout the Delaware Valley - Office
Office work for mailings; put together adoption and educational packets; photocopy; return phone calls; file; help with other office tasks as needed. - Fostering
Provide temporary home care for shelter animals and litters who need a little extra time and attention.
HOW DO YOU BECOME A VOLUNTEER?
The Pennsylvania SPCA manages the city’s animal control contract so all volunteers must go through the Pennsylvania SPCA. It’s an easy process. The first step is to fill-out submit a PSPCA volunteer application. The PSPCA will contact you regarding an orientation date. After that, you’ll simply need a brief tour of the Philadelphia City Animal Shelter and you’re ready to start saving lives at your city shelter.
For more information, please contact the Volunteer Coordinator at volunteers@pspca.org. If you fill out an application and do not hear back or do not hear about orientations at the City shelter, please email michelle@philadoptables.org
The ACCT shelter is located at:
111 W. Hunting Park Ave.
Philadelphia, PA 19140
Click on marker below for directions:
