200 Lives Saved in First Month at PAWS Downtown Adoption Center

PHILADELPHIA, PA (February 22, 2008) — Open just one month, PAWS’ adoption center in Old City has found forever homes for more than 200 of Philadelphia’s homeless dogs and cats. “We are overjoyed to have Fergus as a part of our family,” said adopter Susan Rodriguez-Hawthorne. “The new PAWS adoption boutique, with its quiet, bright, and friendly environment, is a wonderful setting to get to know the animals and make a good match. And we are proud to be doing our part for the pet population problem by rescuing an unwanted pet.”

The adoption center houses approximately 30 cats and 4 dogs; windows on both Arch and 2nd Streets allow potential adopters to look in – and the animal residents to look out. “We are thrilled to be located in Old City, and we couldn’t be happier with the warm welcome we have received from the community,” said PAWS President Dana Spain-Smith.

“Philadelphia is pet-friendly, and with this adoption center, it will be easier for residents to find a new furry friend,” said City Councilman Jack Kelly.

PAWS, the Philadelphia Animal Welfare Society, is a donor-funded division of the Philadelphia Animal Care and Control Association (PACCA), dedicated to saving Philadelphia’s homeless, abandoned, and unwanted animals. PACCA is a private, non-profit 501(c )3 organization that is Philadelphia's contracted animal control shelter. PACCA is the highest volume shelter in the region, taking in nearly 30,000 homeless animals each year. PAWS partners closely with the city, and local dignitaries including Mayor Michael Nutter and City Council members Jack Kelly, James Kenney and Blondell Reynolds-Brown were some of the first visitors to the satellite PAWS adoption center when it opened on January 17, 2008. The main facility is located at 111 West Hunting Park Avenue.

Thanks to improved processes and partnerships with the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) and the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, the percentage of cats and dogs saved has increased from 57% in January 2007 to 70% in January of this year. “We are excited about the improvements that have helped us save so many lives,” said Tara Derby, PAWS CEO. “Our doors are open to anyone – volunteers, rescue groups, or ordinary citizens – who wishes to visit either of our locations and learn more about us and the work we do.”