Old City: Animals Go From PAWS to Pethood
In 2006, the Philadelphia Animal Care and Control Association (PACCA) euthanized 90 percent of the animals that were brought to them. In an effort to ratify the high frequency of euthanasia and provide a better alternative, Dana Spain founded the Philadelphia Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) as PACCA’s life-saving department. In 2009, PAWS broke away from PACCA, […]
Brewerytown: Girard Veterinary Clinic Goes Beyond Routine “Family” Care
The Girard Veterinary Clinic has been treating animals for almost 21 years. Located at 2806 W. Girard Ave., the clinic was one of the first to open in the area and serve the community’s needs, according to owner Dr. Cynthia Balzer. It was Balzer’s love for animals that led her to Brewerytown and the animals there that needed care. […]
Point Breeze: Owners Say Dogs Ain’t Misbehavin’ After Time at Philly Pack
Krista Milito and Jeremy Burger met at a dog walking company when they were both dubbed the “go-to” people for misbehaving dogs. Recognizing their gifts for dealing with rowdy canines, the two founded The Philly Pack. The Philly Pack is a center in South Philadelphia that specializes in the obedience and behavioral training of dogs that […]
Fishtown: PSPCA Turns Art Into Activism
Renee Beaucheane is a longtime animal rights activist. In addition to working professionally with the Pennsylvania Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (PSPCA) in Fishtown, much of her personal time is devoted to animal-rights-related causes. The Fishtown PSPCA, located at the intersection of Frankford Avenue and West Oxford Street, opened in June 2015 to serve […]
Passyunk: Animal Lovers Find Pet Friendly Options in South Philadelphia Neighborhood
Anyone with a pet will tell you that Fluffy is more than just an animal. They are a member of the family. And just like a new parent is willing to pay more for the organic baby food that promises to keep their infant healthy and happy, many pet owners will go out of their […]
Kensington: Philadelphia Pet Health Center Builds Roots in the Neighborhood
The Philadelphia Pet Health Center has gone through plenty of renovations since Michael F. Wilson and his father, Dr. James F. Wilson took over in 2012. Michael Wilson (below), the center’s co-owner, jokingly described it as “the money pit” when they first started to fix the business, considering how many pieces of it had to […]
University City: Project MEOW Helping Control the Stray Cat Population
Project MEOW is a nonprofit organization helping to control the stray cat population in West Philadelphia, and it has one very important goal to accomplish: Make Every One Wanted. Founded in 2007 by Beth VanHorn, Debby Boyd and Pam Hopkins, the volunteer-run group has helped hundreds of cats per year, with their unique approach to controlling […]
Northern Liberties: Five Places To Pamper Your Pet
From the continued renovation of new apartments and residences to the influx of small businesses in Northern Liberties, this up-and-coming Philadelphia neighborhood has a lot going on. Pets play a major role in the community – so much so that local businesses have made it their mission to serve man’s best friend. Here are five […]
Feltonville: Headquarters of America’s Second-Oldest Humane Organization
Flush alongside Erie Avenue between B and D streets stands the headquarters for one of oldest organizations in the country. The Pennsylvania Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, or PSPCA, is the second-oldest humane organization in the United States and the largest in the state. Despite being located within city limits, the PSCPA […]
Cedar Park: Private Pet Service Benefits Neighborhood
Sharon Wasko never thought of herself as an animal enthusiast until she walked a 150-pound mastiff as a favor for a friend. Wasko was an artist looking for jobs and began accepting more four-legged clients as a good way to fill her time and make some extra money. A few years later, Wasko got her […]