About Us

The Pennsylvania SPCA Our Story

Smiling young woman in red Maryland t-shirt sitting on the floor petting a grey and black schnauzer mix
Young blonde woman in colorful 'LOVE' t-shirt holding a white kitten with blue eyes outdoors at the shelter — cat social
Blonde woman in PSPCA blue t-shirt sitting on a metal bench petting a dark brindle pit bull with tongue out in the outdo
Two vet techs in blue scrubs treating a large tan hound on a stainless steel exam table with IV supplies and peanut butt
Smiling blonde woman in grey sweatshirt holding a fawn Pug in her lap on a bench outside the shelter
PSPCA animal photo
Female vet tech in blue surgical gown, mask, and yellow headband cradling a tiny kitten in blue-gloved hands on a green
Black and tan Australian Cattle Dog mix rolling happily on its back on green grass with leash visible
What We Do

The Pennsylvania SPCA has spent the past 160 years rescuing animals from cruelty and neglect, rehabilitating them medically and behaviorally, and ultimately, placing them in new, loving homes.

Mission & Vision

For almost two centuries, one simple belief has guided our work: every animal deserves compassion, and every community deserves a partner in protecting them. This is what we stand for, and what we’re building toward.

  • Our Mission

    The Pennsylvania Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals rescues animals from cruelty and neglect, rehabilitates them medically and behaviorally, and places them with new, loving families.

  • Our Vision

    We envision a Pennsylvania where animals are protected from cruelty and neglect, have access to lifesaving care, and are supported by communities that value and promote animal welfare.

What's in a name?

ASPCA, PSPCA, SPCA. What does it all mean?

It may surprise you that the Pennsylvania SPCA is not affiliated with the ASPCA or other SPCAs. While we often collaborate, each organization operates independently with its own mission. At the PSPCA, our focus is protecting animals, preventing cruelty, and improving quality of life across Pennsylvania. We do this through our locations in Philadelphia, Danville, Lancaster, and the PSPCA’s Main Line Animal Rescue, as well as our Animal Law Enforcement team serving 18 counties. What does this mean for you? Your support stays right here, helping animals in your own community, 365 days a year. Thank you for making this lifesaving work possible.

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Services

What we do at the PSPCA

From rescue to rescovery to reform, this is how we bring our mission to life.

  • PSPCA humane law enforcement officer holding a white puppy outside the 'Rescue And' building next to transport van with
    Animal Law Enforcement

    We protect the voiceless across Pennsylvania.

    One of the largest Animal Law Enforcement divisions in the country, with 10 sworn officers covering 18 counties across Pennsylvania. We rescue animals from dangerous situations and prosecute cruelty cases to hold abusers accountable.

  • Forensics

    We build the cases that bring justice.

    One of the country's most advanced animal forensics programs, we collect and analyze evidence to strengthen cruelty prosecutions and secure justice for abused and neglected animals.

  • Shelter Hospital

    We heal what others can't.

    One of the largest in-house shelter hospitals, we provide comprehensive medical care, from routine checkups to complex surgeries, to thousands of rescued and surrendered animals each year. We give every animal the best chance at a healthy life.

  • Rescue

    We offer the only way out for thousands of animals.

    The region's only large-scale rescue organization, we give abused animals a chance to escape horrific conditions. Our rescue operations bring animals to safety and into a system of care designed to help them heal and find loving homes.

  • Humane Education

    We're raising the next generation of animal advocates.

    Philadelphia's only full-time humane education program, we work directly with the city's youth to prevent animal cruelty before it starts. Through hands-on learning, we're building the next generation of animal advocates.

  • Keeping Pets Healthy

    We bring quality care within reach.

    One of Philadelphia's largest sources of accessible veterinary care, we provide low-cost wellness visits, vaccines, and spay/neuter to families who need it most. Because a healthy pet shouldn't depend on what you can afford.

Young woman in blue PSPCA shirt sitting with a white rabbit on a hay bed in the shelter
Same staff member now embracing the black dog who is jumping up affectionately — shelter bonding moment

Get to know the team behind PSPCA’s life-saving work

Our People
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Brindle pit bull in pink bandana running on grass with two people behind at an outdoor PSPCA event
Our promise

Every animal deserves a chance, and we ensure they get one.

Our no-kill philosophy isn’t just a policy. it’s the foundation of every program we run, every rescue we make, and every treatment plan we write. From our Shelter Hospital to our behavior and enrichment program, every effort is designed to give animals the time and care they need to heal, recover, and find a loving home. We’re proud to have achieved a 97% live-release rate,  proof that when you refuse to give up on animals, the results follow.

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Every life saved is because of you

We don't receive a single dollar of government funding. Our mission is made possible by the generosity of donors like you.

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