Lancaster Center
Serving Lancaster County — reunifying pets, fighting cruelty, and supporting families.
About the Lancaster Center
The PSPCA’s Lancaster Center has served Lancaster County since 2017, when it joined the Pennsylvania SPCA family. As the municipal animal control provider for Lancaster City, and a partner to 26 surrounding police departments and townships, the Center is often the first stop for a stray dog anywhere in the county — and the last stop before a forever home.
Adopt Constance
Open daily from 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. for adoptions — no appointment needed, just walk right in.
More pets seeking homes in Lancaster
Our Promise to Lancaster County
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Municipal Animal Control
We hold the animal control contract for Lancaster City, and partner with 26 surrounding police departments and townships to help reunite stray dogs with their owners. On average, 60% of the dogs we take in make it back home.
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Fighting Neglect in Large-Scale Breeding Operations
Lancaster County is home to a concentration of large-scale breeding operations. When conditions cross into neglect or cruelty, our Animal Law Enforcement team investigates and holds those responsible accountable.
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Community Pet Pantry
No family should have to give up a pet because they can't afford to feed them. Our Community Pet Pantry keeps food bowls full and families together — stop by during open hours for free pet food and supplies.
Second Only to Philadelphia
Lancaster County sees some of the heaviest animal cruelty investigation activity in our entire territory — second only to Philadelphia. That’s real, demanding work: rescuing animals from neglect, building cases, and giving every one of them the care they need to heal.
The Riley Mathias Fund was created specifically to support this effort — helping Lancaster’s dogs and cats get the medical care, behavioral support, and comfort they need while they wait for their family.
Lost or Found a Pet in Lancaster County?
As the municipal shelter for Lancaster City, we accept stray dogs picked up by Lancaster City Police.
We also accept dogs from 26 surrounding police departments, townships, and boroughs across Lancaster County. That means if your dog was lost or found anywhere in the county, there’s a good chance they’ll end up here. Pennsylvania law requires a minimum 48-hour hold for stray dogs, giving owners time to reclaim them. We also accept found cats as space allows.
Lost A Pet
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File a PSPCA Lost Pet Report
By filing this report directly with the Lancaster Center, our team will have your lost pet on record, increasing the chances of reunification.
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Report on Petco Love Lost
Petco Love Lost uses photo-matching and facial recognition technology to automatically check for possible matches with lost pet reports across the region.
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General advice on a lost pet search?
See our tips and tricks to help bring your pet home.
Found A Pet
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File a PSPCA Found Pet Report
By filing this report directly with the Lancaster Center, our team can start working to reunite this pet with their owner.
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Report on Petco Love Lost
Petco Love Lost uses photo-matching and facial recognition technology to automatically check for possible matches with owners searching across the region.
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General advice on a found pet?
See our tips and tricks to help this pet get home safely.
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Found a Dog in Lancaster City?
Please call the Lancaster City Police Department first. They'll coordinate the next steps for a stray dog found within city limits.
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Found a Dog outside of Lancaster City?
Contact your local police department or dog warden — either can help reunite the dog with their owner or bring them to us if needed. Use this Dog Warden search tool to help locate your local dog warden.
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Found a Cat in Lancaster County?
We accept found cats as space allows. Call ahead before bringing one in.
Lancaster Events
View all events
Other Ways to Support Animals in Lancaster County
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Volunteer
Walk dogs, socialize cats, or lend a hand at events — every hour you give helps an animal get closer to home.
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Foster a Pet
Open your home while an animal heals, waits for adoption, or needs a break from the shelter. We provide all supplies and medical care.
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Join Our Team
Turn your love for animals into a career — see open positions at the Lancaster Center.
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Shop Merch
Wear your support. Every purchase helps care for the animals at the Lancaster Center.
Store
We came in to meet one cat and left with two. The staff knew every animal in the building by name and by temperament, and they matched us with a pair we never would have picked ourselves. They were exactly right.
Animal Law Enforcement
Lancaster County sees a concentration of large-scale breeding operations, and our Animal Law Enforcement team is here when conditions turn to neglect or cruelty. If you suspect an animal is in danger, tell us.
Leadership at the Lancaster Center
Local expertise, backed by an entire organization — meet the team leading the Lancaster Center.
Help Lancaster Animals Thrive
Your support extends our mission throughout Lancaster County.
