Pet adoption can be a wonderful experience both for the pet and you. Companion animal adoption can be performed through a private or public organization, or through a “foster-based” rescue organization.
Thousands of animals are being put to sleep every day in shelters because they can’t find homes. If you’re thinking about getting a new pet and want to save a life, then consider going to one of the following shelters.
Pets For Adoption In Pennsylvania
If you live in Pennsylvania and are looking to adopt a pet, there are several options available to you. If you’re not sure where to start, consider contacting the following organizations:
-The Humane Society for Greater Philadelphia: This organization helps to place homeless animals in foster homes and find them permanent homes. They also provide education on animal care, as well as offer adoption events throughout the year.
-Animal Rescue League of Berks County: This organization has pet adoption events throughout the year and also provides low-cost spay/neuter services for animals that are not yet ready for adoption. They have a main shelter in Reading, PA, but they also have a satellite location in Lancaster City and another satellite location in Wyomissing Township.
-Animal Rescue League of Lancaster County: This organization also has several satellite locations throughout Lancaster County. They provide low-cost spay/neuter services as well as pet adoptions through their main shelter in Lititz, PA.
You can find a pet for adoption in Pennsylvania with the help of this directory. It lists all the shelters, rescue groups and other animal organizations in Pennsylvania that are committed to helping animals find loving homes. This directory includes all sorts of pets, such as dogs, cats, birds and snakes. You can also find information on each organization’s website so that you can learn more about what they do and how they work with animals.
Pets For Adoption In Pennsylvania
10 of the Best Dog Rescues in Pennsylvania
If a search for the best dog rescues in Pennsylvania has brought you here, you’ve come to the right place. Below we’ve featured 10 top rescues across the state.
1. Wet Nose Rescue (Philadelphia)
Based in the Southampton/Philadelphia area, Wet Nose Rescue was founded in 2008 and provides foster-based care for dogs of all breeds that are rescued. This nonprofit organization is comprised completely of volunteers and is licensed in the State of Pennsylvania.
Once a dog is rescued (often from overcrowded shelters), they are fostered with a family who usually already have a dog. This allows for socialization and temperament evaluation before being listed for adoption. View available dogs here, or click here to donate.
2. Humane Animal Rescue (Pittsburgh)
Humane Animal Rescue is based in Pittsburgh, PA. It was formed in 2017 due to a merger between two large rescue organizations, and now has more resources and space than ever before. They offer pet surrender services, services for lost and found pets, training and behavioral classes, and more.
All pets available for adoption at Humane Animal Rescue are spayed/neutered, treated for fleas and worms, and microchipped. They have all current vaccines and have undergone a health check led by a veterinarian. View available dogs here, or donate to Humane Animal Rescue here.
3. Furry Feet Rescue (Allentown)
Furry Feet Rescue is located in Allentown, PA, and focuses on rescuing unwanted, abandoned, or stray small animals. They work hard to find forever homes for these animals and ensure that they are lovingly cared for. They also focus on public education regarding responsible pet care, including health and dietary needs, vaccinations, and how to be a great friend to your pet.
This nonprofit rescue offers dogs, cats, and occasionally other small animals. Prior to adoption, dogs are vaccinated, microchipped, and spayed/neutered when old enough. If you’re looking to adopt, you can view available dogs here. Alternatively, click the button on the left side of this page to make a donation.
4. Because You Care (Erie)
Because You Care is a nonprofit animal rescue organization based in Erie, PA. They bring in abandoned, abused, or unwanted dogs and cats and nurse them back to health. They use a network of foster families to lovingly care for each animal until their forever home can be found and have been committed to caring for small animals in need since 1981.
Adoption fees include the cost of spay/neuter surgery for each animal. If you’re interested in adopting a dog from Because You Care, you can view their available canines here. There are also many ways to get involved with the organization – you can volunteer, foster, or donate to Because You Care here.
5. Animal Rescue League of Berks County (Reading)
The Animal Rescue League of Berks County is a nonprofit organization located in Reading, PA. They care for almost 5,000 animals each year and have been working hard for 65 years to treat sick, injured, and unwanted pets. They nurse animals back to health, treat injuries, and offer affordable veterinary services to prevent pet owners from surrendering their animals.
The organization hosts many fundraisers and relies on donations to care for these animals while in foster care. If you’re looking to adopt from the Animal Rescue League of Berks County, you can view available dogs here. Alternatively, visit this page to donate to the rescue.
6. Street Tails Animal Rescue (Philadelphia)
Street Tails Animal Rescue (STAR) is located in Philadelphia, PA, and was founded in 2001 by Lindsay Condefer. Lindsay was on a mission to rescue as many dogs as possible, and initially started operating the organization from her pet store. By 2010, STAR had outgrown this space and has blossomed into a successful nonprofit animal rescue run by many dedicated volunteers.
STAR does not accept pets from the public; all of their animals are rescued from overcrowded shelters. Once ready for adoption, the animals are listed here. If you would like to help the team at Street Tails Animal Rescue, you can donate items such as canned dog food, flea/tick treatment, trash bags, cleaning supplies, dog toys, harnesses, and more. Or, learn how to make a financial donation here.
7. Animal Friends Rescue (Pittsburgh)
Animal Friends Rescue was founded in 1943 and has since expanded into a large rescue organization providing animal welfare services throughout Pittsburgh. As well as taking in surrendered pets, they also offer preventative measures like educational services and low-cost veterinary care in an effort to keep pets with their families.
Before being listed for adoption, dogs at Animal Friends Rescue have undergone an extensive medical evaluation, received all relevant vaccinations, been spayed/neutered, and are microchipped. If you’re interested in adopting, view available dogs here. Alternatively, donate to Animal Friends Rescue here.
8. Happy Bark Dog Rescue (Erie)
Happy Bark Dog Rescue is based in Erie, PA. They are a foster-based dog rescue meaning that each rescued dog lives with a family and without the stress of a crowded shelter. This allows the foster family to get to know the dog and learn what their forever home might best look like.
The organization hosts many fundraising activities to raise both money and awareness and relies heavily on dedicated volunteers and foster families. If you’re looking to adopt, view the available dogs here. If you would like to donate to Happy Bark Dog Rescue, visit this page.
9. Main Line Animal Rescue (Reading)
Main Line Animal Rescue is a rescue facility located in Reading, PA. This nonprofit organization receives no government funding and relies on donations and a team of dedicated volunteers to provide help and support to thousands of animals each year. They have an on-site veterinary clinic and are involved in educational and training programs to help reduce animal abandonment.
Before adoption, all dogs are evaluated by a veterinarian and have received all necessary vaccines. They are microchipped and spayed/neutered if old enough. View available dogs here, or click here to make a donation to Main Line Animal Rescue.
10. Paws 2 Freedom (Allentown)
Paws 2 Freedom is a nonprofit dog rescue organization based in Allentown, PA. They rescue dogs from animal control groups, humane organizations, owners who can no longer care from their pets, and high-kill shelters. The group rescues dogs of all breeds and ages and ensures they undergo appropriate veterinary care.
Once rescued, dogs are cared for in foster homes until the right adopter can be found. If you’re looking to adopt from Paws 2 Freedom, view available dogs here.