You can improve your social life and decrease negative life experiences such as loneliness, stress, and depression. Other benefits are exercise, security, and happiness.

My favorite benefit is having a hiking and camping buddy who loves being with me. What is your favorite reason for having a dog?

What Are The Main Health Benefits Of Having A Dog

By having a dog in your life you will have a healthier heart and body. You will also be happier, have more social interactions with other people, and you feel safer in your home. Let’s take a look at these benefits starting with heart health.

5 Scientific Heart-Related Reasons to Get a Dog

There have been studies that show that heart health is improved when people own a dog. This includes 1) lower blood pressure and 2) heart rate, 3) reduced cholesterol & triglyceride levels, 4) fewer heart attacks and 5) better recovery after a heart attack.

I did a quick read through the studies below and tried to make sense of the medical mumbo-jumbo.

Cardiovascular effects of human-pet dog interactions
This first report is on how petting and talking to your pet can lower your blood pressure. Touching a dog leads to the greatest reduction in blood pressure and with the lowest heart rate. Talking to a dog resulted in slightly higher pressure and heart rate. Both levels were highest when talking to people.

Your dog will love hearing that because more belly rubs and butt scratches are coming his or her way.

Benefits: Lower blood pressure and heart rate

Dogs & Health…
This study also showed a reduced blood pressure in dog owners versus non-owners. It also found that triglycerides and cholesterol levels were lowered. And it mentions improved survival rates following a heart attack for dog owners.

They also note that the physical activity involved with having a companion dog “…may also influence health.”

Benefits: Lower blood pressure, lower triglycerides and cholesterol levels, improved heart attack survival rate

The Effect of Walking on Risk Factors for Cardiovascular Disease
Wow, a lot of numbers and measurements in this study but it’s basically about the positive effects of walking on cardiovascular health. The results were that walking reduced blood pressure, weight, and body mass index (BMI).

Benefits: Lower blood pressure, weight loss

The Truth about Cats and Dogs
Another abstract of a study by a number of doctors that mentions “…people with pets had significantly lower heart rate and blood pressure levels during a resting baseline.”

I do not understand the remainder of the sentence or following sentences. But it sounds like because pets are perceived as important and supportive, cardiovascular and behavioral benefits are the result.

Benefits: Lower heart rate and blood pressure

Exercise with Your Dog: Pet Owners Get More Exercise

This section covers 5 more physical benefits as well as 4 psychological benefits. I go into more detail about exercise at the end of this section. The psychological benefits are covered in greater detail in the following section.

Influence of Companion Animals on the Physical and Psychological Health of Older People
This study states that elderly pet owners are slightly more physically active than non-owners. I think that is misleading because the elderly aren’t known for massive activity levels.

But the report goes on to say that “…pet ownership significantly modified the relationship between social support and the change in psychological well‐being”. My translation of that statement: Granny has more friends and is happier.

Benefits: Increase in physical activity, increase in social activity

Health Benefits …Due to Pets
This article is a survey in Australia and not a scientific study. The results of the survey were that dog owners make fewer doctor visits and “…are less likely to be on medication for heart problems & sleeping difficulties” than people without dogs. And that saves you money.

Benefits: Fewer doctor visits, less need for medication

Potential Benefits of Pet Ownership…
You can only see one paragraph except for this report. The excerpt mentions that having a pet increases exercise while reducing anxiety, loneliness, and depression.

It goes on to say “The benefits of pet ownership are consistent with health promotion and disease prevention goals… (which) include (a) increasing physical activity and fitness and (b) improving mental health and preventing mental disorders”

Benefits: Increase in physical activity, reduced anxiety, loneliness, and depression

The Benefit of Increased Exercise and Activity

So this was touched on in some of the benefits above, but dog owners tend to have higher activity levels. I would think mostly from walking their dog.

They have to because their dogs need exercise and to relieve themselves. Take a look at my article on How Much Exercise Does A Dog Need for more information.

Many people do not get enough weekly exercise. Taking your dog outside gets you a mile or two of walking each day. I average under an 18-minute mile when I go hiking.

The amount of time to walk a mile is much slower with a dog that stops to sniff, but you should still be able to walk a mile in 30 minutes. That equates to at least two miles of walking each day with three 20-minute dog walks.

That’s important for the elderly as it helps with mobility. And though walking is not a major calorie burner, it can help to reduce your weight.

Walking your dog is great when the weather is beautiful. The trick is getting motivated when the weather stinks. You have to stick with it and give your furry friend some exercise.

Benefits: Increase in physical activity, mobility and life expectancy

Dogs Help Reduce Allergies & Can Detect Cancer

Here are two more physical benefits but with some caveats.

Cats and Dogs and Allergies
Atopy is the genetic tendency to develop allergies. It is often stated that owning a pet helps reduce the development of allergies, but this seems to only be true if you have atopy in your family.

The focus of this study is only on children with atopy in their family history. It looks like you are very likely NOT to develop allergies if you had a dog and a cat as a child.

Growing up with only a cat or a dog did not show to reduce developing allergies, though having both later in life seems to help.

Does early exposure to cat or dog protect against later allergy development?
This study shows that children exposed to pets in the first year of life “…had a lower frequency of allergic rhinitis at 7-9 years of age and of asthma at 12-13 years.”

So this seems to contradict the study above, but that may be given the introduction of an animal before the child turns one.

Their conclusion: “Pet exposure during the first year of life and an increasing number of siblings were both associated with a lower prevalence of allergic rhinitis and asthma in school children.”

Detection of Prostate Cancer by Dogs
That dogs can detect if you have cancer is an amazing talent. However, the majority of the studies mention that the dogs have to sniff your urine for prostate cancer detection.

Well, they like sniffing butts, so why not sniff your pee. Though there is a requirement to this benefit – they have to be trained to smell cancer in urine. So this doesn’t seem like an immediate benefit.

They can also sniff out lung and breast cancer from your breath. But once again they need to be trained.

Benefits: Less likely to develop allergies, possible cancer detection

Improved Social Life and Mental Health Benefits

You are more likely to meet and talk to other dog owners or people asking about your dog. People will strike up a conversation while you are walking your dog when normally they probably would not.

I walk my dog in the wintertime with a red & blue striped sweater. He looks like Charlie Brown in the sweater and it always gets comments like “Love the sweater!”

There are some people who are extremely shy or just bad with interacting with people. In this case, a dog may be the closest relationship they will ever have. Dogs rule!

Benefits: Improved social life, reduces loneliness

Fight Depression, Loneliness & Stress

The Effects of Animal-Assisted Therapy on Loneliness in the Elderly
The title says it all. But it’s not just the elderly that have a reduction in loneliness as a result of owning a dog. It’s everyone who owns a dog. No more studies. Here are the final benefits of owning a dog.

Therapy dogs “ease” depression in many different demographics of people. Spending time with dogs can lower anxiety. Petting makes you feel good, makes you relax and reduces stress.

So it was interesting to find out that getting vitamin D from the sun. It has been proven that vitamin D fights depression. If you are feeling down, get your dog outside.

Your dog is always there for you – a constant companion. The “man’s best friend” phrase isn’t just a saying (a woman’s best friend too).

Some of the final mental health benefits of owning a dog revolve around anxiety. Dogs really help people with PTSD, ADHD or high anxiety. There are a lot of studies on those benefits. You should look into that subject further if you know someone who could benefit from a dog.

I sometimes get asked to add a link to my Links page but I rarely oblige. But I agreed when someone from Recovery Village asked for a link. They help with dog adoption for people recovering from substance addiction. That’s a worthwhile link.

Benefits: Reduces loneliness & stress, fights depression

Dogs Make you Happy

This one doesn’t need a scientific study to prove. Dogs make you feel good, smile more and generally feel happier. If you don’t own a dog, then you have to take my word for it. Every other loving dog owner will agree with me.

Benefits: They make you 🙂

Safety from Fire, Intruders

There have been multiple accounts of dogs waking up family members when there was a fire in the house. How many ways can a dog save our lives?

And although the barking can be annoying, it is nice to know that they will alert you when there is someone approaching your house.

Benefits: You sleep better

Disadvantages of Having a Dog

Many people are injured from falling due to their pets, most by dogs. This one can be serious, especially for the elderly. Some people avoid stepping on their dog’s paw and fall as a result. Try putting a bell on their collar.

There is also time commitment, cost, coverage when you travel, and training involved. Newly adopted dogs have also been known to chew shoes and make a mess. And let’s throw in barking and an occasional “accident”.

If you can handle those issues, then I believe the benefits outweigh the disadvantages.

Conclusion

Hopefully, these benefits to having a dog convince you to adopt a dog. I believe you will not regret it. And I think that is 19 benefits, but I lost count. Maybe it’s 20 with the weight loss benefit.

If you already own a dog,. what benefits would you add to the list? I definitely get out of the house more often, especially during great weather. It is great camping and hiking with my dog, and he often makes me smile.

Share your thoughts and experiences below. (I know there are more benefits.)

The post 19 Health Benefits Of Having A Dog In Your Life appeared first on Fairmount Pet Service.

You can be a first-time dog owner as an adult even though you grew up with dogs. It helps if you grew up with a dog as a child, but you still may need some tips. If you NEVER even had a dog growing up then you definitely need tips on what to do.

There is a lot to know and it takes time. Just remember the reasons you got a dog and focus on the safety and happiness of your dog. And you’ll get lots of joy in return.

The 17 first-time dog owner tips are grouped into categories with similar tips together. You don’t tend to see tips grouped in this way. I grouped the tips this way so that they are easier to understand and remember.

The“Getting-to-Know-One-Another”  Category

This group of tips is geared towards having your dog get along with everyone and everything. You need to get to know your dog and your dog needs to learn to trust you. The following five tips build-up to the vital importance of socialization.

Tip #1 Bond Right Away

Don’t adopt a dog right before you have a trip planned. You need a lot of personal one-on-one time to bond with him. Adopting a dog, then going on a trip would be too confusing and stressful for him. The goal here is to have your dog trust you. You want him calm and relaxed whenever he is with you.

You don’t know the dog and he doesn’t know you. He is in a new environment and is unsure of what is going on. Make him feel safe and secure thru attention and affection. Just go slow. Bond with your new dog through regular feeding times, grooming, walks and playing.

This is a feel-good type tip. Try sitting on the floor so that you are less of a threat. Use treats or toys to lure him to you if he does seem shy or scared. Basically, try to get him to play with you or to sit quietly near you as you pet him.

Do NOT use a rope and play “tug-of-war” as that creates a literal war between the two of you in his mind.

Eventually, you will have to walk him or let him out in your yard to go to the bathroom. The walks will not be fun if he doesn’t trust you and constantly pulls on the leash.

Bonding is so important. Do whatever it takes for him to feel comfortable and safe with you.

Tip #2 Learn How to Read a Dog’s Body Language

Fear. If you want your dog to be safe and happy, then at least learn to read when he is afraid. A dog that is afraid will adopt the flight or fight mentality.

If your dog hides from other dogs or people, then they are not happy and you need to work on socialization. But if they get aggressive in similar situations, then that is a big problem. Both situations are behavior issues that you need to change with training.

This is a big subject so I won’t go in detail, but I found one article and two videos that are very good if you want to learn more.

• Read Your Dog’s Body Language Like a Pro: Video is best but this article has good photos and supporting text.
• Understanding Dog Body Language Part 1: This is a great video with actual dogs showing the body language. Same with the link below.
• Understanding Dog Body Language Part 2

And by learning how to read your dog’s body language, you will be able to spot potential problems with other dogs. When in doubt, pull your dog away before an attack occurs.

Tip #3 Get Physical and Touch Your Dog

This is another way to bond with your dog and learn their body language. It also helps when you need to groom or inspect your dog. Dogs love attention so touching them is great. Plus as a first-time dog owner, petting and playing with your dog is the best part.

You will need to bathe and brush your dog so you want them to get used to being touched. Start slow and make it fun for them.

You should also inspect them for injuries or ticks if they keep scratching or biting a certain area. And since a problem area may be sensitive, you want them to be comfortable with you touching them.

Back off if you touch them and they don’t like it. If you suspect a problem and you can’t get close enough to inspect the spot, then consider making a vet appointment.

Once you have bonded with your dog and build a solid level of trust, then you can groom and inspect them when you need to.

Tip #4 Learn Your Dog’s Habits & Behavior

This tip is tied to tip #2 on reading their body language but also has training implications. Learn how your dog reacts to different situations, sounds, weather, etc.

For example, a lot of dog’s do not like being touched on their heads. Do you know if your dog is the same way? Is your dog fearful of meeting other dogs or people, or overly aggressive in those situations? Those are the things you have to learn.

Also, you want to stop bad behavior before it escalates. Is your dog tearing things up when you are out? Having “accidents”? Each problem has a solution but you have to be aware of all problem habits and behavior patterns.

Tip #5 Socialization

The end goal is to have your dog comfortable with other people and dogs. This is one of the most important things to do. I walk dogs that I can not allow to run into other dogs. They are either fearful of other dogs or become aggressive.

My dog is great with other dogs and people. That makes walking him quite enjoyable. He gets so excited when we run into a dog that he knows. That’s how you want your dog to be.

So you have bonded with your dog and he trusts you. You have learned how to read his body language and how to touch him and play with him. And all that helps you learn his behaviors and habits. Now it’s time to meet other people and dogs.

It would be great if you can find dog playmates for him in the neighborhood. Plus it’s a great way to meet other people. It’s best if both dogs are on a leash and in a neutral place. You also want to be relaxed or your dog will sense and how you feel and become apprehensive.

Let your dog approach and sniff the other dog, but pay attention to the other dog’s body language. Make sure your leash is taut, not slack. That way you can pull your dog away if there is a problem. I can tell right away if the other dogs are okay to approach. If you are a first-time dog owner, it won’t be so easy.

Also, do not introduce a lot of new people to your dog if he is the shy type. Too many two-legged tall creatures pawing at your dog can be overwhelming. So don’t throw an adoption party unless your dog is a total attention hog.

Discipline: For Dogs & First-Time Dog Owners

These first-time dog owner tips are for preventing problems before they happen, or to change behaviors so they don’t continue to happen. Let’s face it, dogs are animals so you can’t have them running wild.

Consider all these tips if you are having difficulties with your dog. And these tips are mostly for you.

Tip #6 Dog Obedience Training

Whether you want to try it at home or attend paid classes, training can make the difference for a dog with behavior problems. Nothing is more frustrating for a first-time dog owner that an unruly dog.

Here are some of the most common problems with dogs that require training to fix:

• Chewing on things you own, things that you don’t want to be chewed.
• Pulling on the leash when you walk her.
• Separation anxiety.
• Jumping to greet people.
• Barking way too much.
• Peeing in the house.
• Aggression toward people or other dogs.

I believe that the problems that occur outside while on the walk are the biggest problems. But then I don’t have children or a super nice house. Fortunately for me, I only had to deal with leash pulling while on walks with my dog. (Read my article on how to walk a dog that pulls.)

If you want to save money, then try the training yourself. If you want to save time, then sign up for obedience classes.

Tip #7 Create and Stick to a Routine & Schedule

The one word that best describes routines or schedules is structure. Dogs benefit from having structure and it helps build trust.

Your dog will trust you if you always feed them at the same time. The same goes for always walking them at the same time or any other activity like play time.

Creating a regular schedule can help you as well. I’m always working on something. My dog knows that after a walk play time is over. I can then concentrate on what I’m doing, even though he still finds ways to “bother” me.

So, create a daily weekday schedule like breakfast then a walk. When it’s time to leave for work, then it’s in the crate or room where she will stay. And maybe a mid-day dog walker visit. When you get home from work, give her a long walk and some play time. You get the idea.

Then you can try a different daily routine for weekend days when she knows your home throughout the day. Just stick to a routine and set schedule to give her structure.

And here is a #7.2 tip. If your new dog is a puppy, they can only hold “it” for a set number of hours. The formula is (age in months) + 1 = the number of hours they can hold it (or they are peeing in the house). So if you adopt a dog at 8 weeks old, that’s 2 months + 1 which is 3 hours.

Tip #8 Discipline: Set Rules Right Away

I know puppies are cute. And you the thought of disciplining them seems absolutely cruel. You can learn the importance of discipline the easy way or the hard way. This is a first-time dog owner, and rookie, mistake. This is a part of in-home training.

Stop any unwanted behavior immediately. By letting it continue, it signals to the dog that it is okay. Is she starts chewing on your shoe, remove the shoe from her. Maybe put her in the crate for a few minutes. Or replace the shoe, or whatever she was chewing on, with a chew toy.

The list of behaviors to correct is particular to every dog. Just make sure to stop the behavior right away and let her know that the behavior will not be rewarded.

Tip #9 Be Consistent & Patient

Here is another tip that goes hand in hand with training. Let’s use the shoe chewing example from Tip #8. If you remove your favorite shoe from her mouth, don’t give her an old pair of shoes to chew on. She will not know which are your favorite shoes and which are the least favorite. Inconsistency is confusing for dogs as it is for people.

You have to use common sense and figure out exactly what she is doing. She only gets to chew on her toys and can only pee outside. Be consistent in your discipline. And don’t forget to be consistent with giving her a treat for when she does what you want.

Then there is having the patience for the entire time it takes for her to learn the rules. It can be difficult, but there will come a time when your dog is not causing any problems. Hang in there and be patient until that day arrives.

First-Time Dog Owner tips for Your Home

You want your home to be safe for your dog and where he can relax the same as you do. This is especially true if you just adopted a dog. Consider these next three tips in making your home a safe and comfortable home for your dog.

Tip #10 Dog Proof Your Home

I’ve already mentioned how both dogs and children need structure. They both also need a safe environment in which they live and play.

Some of the things you should think about are removing poisonous substances that your dog could ingest. Dogs like to chew things. So remove any chemicals or plants that he can reach.

Other things that should be dealt with are cables and electrical cords. You won’t be watching your favorite show if the cable to the TV is chewed in half. This one is tricky. You could try using duct tape, but tape can be chewed and glue has chemicals in it. You might want to try using rugs to cover all the cables and cords. Or resort to putting your dog in a different room.

And finally, move any objects that can be knocked over and broken. Decide which room of your house the dog will stay in before you bring him home. Take a look around and do some rearranging.

One thing you could try is keeping the dog in the kitchen in the beginning.

Tip #11 Give Him His Own “Room”

Who doesn’t want their own room? In the beginning, you may want to keep your dog in a small room like a kitchen as I mentioned above. You could also set up a crate or a designated corner as his space. Do this before you bring him home.

The point is to have an area where your dog can relax and sleep. I have a crate for my dog that is always open. I have a small dog bed in there plus a blanket or two. To further make it cozy, I draped some towels over it so that is dark inside. A soft and dark secure place which is a great nap spot.

You want him to understand that is where he goes when you are busy or not at home. Try feeding him treats in that spot and leave his toys there.

For the first few nights, you might want to bring his bed or crate into your bedroom.

Currently, my dog has free-roam of my place. Sometimes he’s sleeping in my bed, on the couch, on the futon or in his crate. He has more places to sleep than I do.

Tip #12 Practice Separation

This is one of the common problems mentioned under Tip #6 for training your dog. I would consider this an in-home training tip since separation anxiety will happen the first time you leave him alone. Don’t pay a dog trainer for this problem

So putting him a crate or a room that is dog-proof is a good idea in the beginning. If he is going to chew things up or make a mess, it will probably be when you are not home.

You can try leaving your place and coming back a few minutes later. If you can, look thru a window or stand near the door and listen for him whining. Give him a treat when you come back (assuming he didn’t tear up the place). Then repeat but increase the amount of time that you are gone.

But eventually, you will be gone for the entire day while you are at work. If possible, ask family or friends if they can stop by for a mid-day break. You could also hire a dog walker for walks. The last thing you could try is to leave on a radio or the TV.

Practical Tips for First-Time Dog Owners

From budgeting for all the expenses associated with owning a dog to keeping your dog healthy and safe, these are the final boring, but practical, tips. And the last two tips are the best.

Tip #13 Budget for Supplies & Gear

So, of course, there is an adoption fee that you need when you first get your dog but don’t forget all the supplies and gear you’ll need.

One-Time Expenses:

• Leash, collar and\or harness.
• Food and water bowls.
• Toys and bedding.
• Crate or gate.

On-going Expenses:

• Food and dog treats.
• Poo bags.
• Flea, tick and heartworm treatment.
• Dog shampoo.
• Annual veterinary visits.

Here are some ways to save money in the beginning.

You can use your own kitchen bowls for your dogs’ food and water. Instead of buying treats, use dry kibble food for training or when she does something good. Also, try making your own “gate” or barrier with a piece of wood like paneling. And finally, use old blankets and comforters as bedding.

But that is just to offset some of the costs in the beginning. Eventually, you’ll want to buy the best for your furry friend.

Tip # 14 Find a Good Veterinarian

If you adopted from a shelter or dog rescue in your area, then that is an option. A lot of shelters also have basic veterinary care. But how close are they and what are their hours?

That may not be the best option. Talk to other pet owners in your area to see who they recommend. You will have annual visits so the closer your vet is the better.

And then there are emergencies. Hopefully, you won’t have a medical emergency, but if you do it’s good to know where to go. Your vet should be able to see your dog in an emergency, but most vets are not 24-hour vet hospitals.

Find the nearest 24-hour animal hospitals in your area. Have their phone number and address in your phone. Also, consider driving there once so you are familiar with the route.

There is an emergency hospital near me that does not allow you to park in front of their entrance. You can only drop off a person with their injured pet. That area is always kept clear for emergency pet ambulances. It would be good to know things like that if you ever have to drive your dog to the hospital by yourself.

Tip # 15 How to Find Your Lost Dog

Plain and simple: microchip your dog and have your contact information on an ID attached to her collar.

Accidents can happen. Something like a loud noise can scare a dog. The owner drops the leash when the dog starts to run and that’s how it happens. If you have bonded with your dog and trained her, then this shouldn’t happen. But some dogs are really shy and easily frightened.

The best option is to make sure your dog is microchipped. In the event you lose your dog, every rescue and shelter in your area will scan for a chip if they find your dog.

But that may only happen after someone finds your dog and brings her to a shelter. You should also have your name and phone number on ad ID tag attached to her collar. That way the person who finds her can reunite you with her right away.

Tip # 16 Take Lots of Photos

This is my favorite tip. I had a cat named Charlie who would sometimes have her tongue sticking out of her mouth. She would be grooming herself and then look up at me with her tongue hanging to one side below her lips. Super cute and goofy.

I always meant to take a picture but I kept putting it off. She died within hours after I noticed something wrong with her. Don’t make the same mistake I did.

Now I don’t want to end this tip on a negative note. I WILL be taking a photo of my dog’s “sleepy face”. I can’t explain it, but a photo of him with that face would win a “Goofiest Dog Face” photo contest (if there were such a contest).

Tip #17 Breath, Relax and be Safety Oriented

Grouping the tips the way I have makes it much easier to remember them. But there is a lot that you need to know and it can be overwhelming.

Know for certain that in time you will be great with taking care of dogs. But it takes time. Until then, when you are unsure of what to do answer the question “Is this thing (whatever it is) safe for me and my dog, or not?”

If in doubt, don’t do it. Have a safety-first attitude and always err on the side of caution.

Good luck and love your dog and she or he will love you back.

The post First-Time Dog Owner? 17 Tips For New Dog Owners appeared first on Fairmount Pet Service.

Whether you want to adopt a dog or a cat, there are 12 animal rescues in Philadelphia where you can get your furry best friend.

Adoption fees vary from rescue to rescue. In general, dog adoption fees are more than cats, and puppy and kitten fees are higher than adult cats and dogs. And elderly \ senior dogs and cats have a very low adoption fee to make it easier for them to find a home.

Here are some of the reasons to adopt from a shelter and not buy from a breeder:

• Saving a life: A rescued animal only has so much time in some shelters. Every adoption from these rescues and shelters frees up a spot for another animal.
• Costs less: The adoption fees for both dogs and cats are far lower than the prices from a breeder or store.
• Health issues: Shelters and rescues either have vet clinics or work with local veterinarians. They will not put a sick animal up for adoption without making the health issues known.
• Not giving $ to puppy mills: Puppy mills are factory style breeders with poor conditions. No more needs to be said.
• Saving a life: Yes, I’m repeating this one because you saved an animal who will, in turn, bring you much joy.

WARNING: If you go to these websites and start looking at photos of cats and dogs, you are likely to be highly motivated to adopt one. Or more than one pet because they are way too cute.

Where to Adopt a Cat

Here are 5 locations and websites that only have cats for adoption. One is a pet store, 2 are cat cafes and 2 are cat shelters \ rescues.

City Kitties

P.O. Box 30851
Philadelphia, PA 19104

City Kitties is a nonprofit, no-kill cat shelter. The link that should show you cats for adoption (Adopt > Adoptable Kitties) does not have any results. So I guess you should contact them. Not sure why they do not show ANY cats up for adoption. They also have links if you found a cat, lost a cat, need to surrender your cat, low-cost vet care and more useful information. They also have a cat foster option if you are interested.

Adoption fee is $85.

Green Street Rescue

Greet Street
Philadelphia, PA 19130

They have a foster option and various volunteer opportunities. To see the cats currently available for adoption go to the link Adoption > Cats for Adoption. I think they are also involved with Le Cat Cafe (see below).

Fairmount Pet Shoppe

2024 Fairmount Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19130
(215) 236-6080

This is a pet shop in the Art Museum area. They often have a few cats for adoption that you can see thru their front window. Check their homepage for adoption events where they may also have dogs and rabbits for adoption. Most of their cats come from Green Street Rescue.

Adoption fee is $100.

Le Cat Cafe

2713 Girard Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19130

They have fostering and volunteer opportunities. The cafe is fully run by volunteers and donors. I don’t know if it is actually a cafe where you can get food and drink, but they have cats throughout the place.

Adoption fee is $125.

Kawaii Kitty Café

759 S. 4^th Street
Philadelphia, PA 19147
(215) 372-7763

Check their about page for all the details on the lounge area where cats roam freely. Their cats come from PAWS (see below). Click the adoption information link at the top for more details and for an adoption application.

Adoption fees are $65 for cats, $109 for kittens.

Where to Adopt a Dog, Cat or Other Pet

Here are 7 shelters or rescues where you can go to adopt a dog, cat or other types of pet. One of these resues is a dog only rescue. The rest all offer dog and cat adoptions and two of them offer adoptions for other types of animals.

Wet Nose Rescue

14425 Bustleton Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19116
(267) 684-6187

This is a dog only rescue. In their own words, they are “a totally foster based organization”, and  “an all-breed rescue”. They also offer dog training and have volunteer opportunities. And since they rely heavily on foster parents for their dogs, they want people who are interested in fostering dogs.

Adoption fees range from $200-250.

ACCT Philly

Main Adoption Center
111 W. Hunting Park Ave.
Philadelphia, PA 19140
(267) 385-3800

There are way too many links to cover but here are some interesting topics: surrendering your pet, license your dog, lost pets, found pets, animal ordinance, extreme weather info, wildlife, donations, volunteering, and fostering. To see the pets available for adoption, click the 3 bars to the far right of the text “Select Page”. You will see right away Adopt > Adoptable Cats or Adoptable Dogs or go to the Adopt page.

Adoption Fees: $25-100 for cats, $25-250 for dogs.

Northeast Animal Rescue

P.O. Box 52395
Philadelphia, PA 19115

They have links for dogs and cats, but no photos of dogs are on the Dog page. It appears they use Petfinder to list their pets, so maybe that is where their dogs are listed. They do have volunteer and foster opportunities.

Adoption Fees: $60-100 for cats, $150-250 for dogs.

PAWS

Old City Adoption Center
100 N. 2^nd Street
Philadelphia, PA 19106
(215) 238-9901

Northeast Adoption Center
1810 Grant AAvenue
Philadelphia, PA 19115
(215) 545-9600

Click the Adopt button to see the dogs and cats available for adoption. They have foster and volunteer opportunities. And if you click on the Locations button at the top, you will see the Wellness Clinic address. The Wellness Clinic is a low-cost veterinary care center located in the Grays Ferry area of Philadelphia. I adopted my dog from them in 2010 for I believe $100 . It looks like they also list their pets on PetFinder.

Adoption Fees: $60-100 for cats, $150-250 for dogs.

Street Tails Animal Rescue

1030 N. 2^nd Street, Suite 401
Philadelphia, PA 19123
(267) 761-9434

They have volunteer opportunities and both cats and dogs are available for adoption. However, the only links under Adopt are for applications or a page on adoption fees. There are no photos of cats or dogs. The cat adoption fee is the normal $75-100, but the dog adoption fees are $295-500. Those fees seem too high to have the word “rescue” in their name.

Morris Animal Refuge

1242 Lombard Street
Philadelphia, PA 19147
(215) 735-9570

They have volunteer and foster opportunities and a low-cost spay \ neuter program. You can adopt dogs or cats from them, and they currently have a Guinea pig as well. They have links for other types of pets, but the Guinea pig was the only other type of pet.

Adoption Fees: $50-100 for cats, $150-250 for dogs and $500 for puppies (ouch).

Pennsylvania SPCA

Main Location
350 E. Erie Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19134
(215) 426-6300

Like ACCT, they also have a lot of links. Here are the most interesting: vet clinic, fostering, internships, volunteering, and reporting animal cruelty. They have dogs and cats for adoption and “other animals” as well. Currently, under other animals, they have a 19-year-old horse named Sandra Dee. I’d adopt her if I lived on a farm. Also, check out their location in Fishtown.

Adoption Fees: $50-100 for cats, $150-350 for dogs.

This article should help narrow down the choices of where to adopt a dog or cat. I sincerely wish that you are able to find a fantastic pet for your home. Let me know if you have any questions or adoption stories you would like to share.

Also, I have an article on the rates and cost for every type of pet service. The article is called Pet Services Rates but it also includes other subjects like Philly dog parks, pet-friendly hotels, 24-hour emergency vets, and adoption locations. Check it out if you are interested in other pet services located in the city.

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