Animal Shelter National Day of Service

On April 14, 1869, Women’s Animal Center was established in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania as America’s First Animal Shelter. Accordingly, this date in 2019 will mark the 150th Anniversary of Animal Sheltering in the United States, and a chance to reflect upon the millions of lives near and far that have been saved since its inception.

To celebrate this extraordinary milestone, Women’s Animal Center has designated April 14th as the “Animal Shelter National Day of Service.” On this day, we invite animal lovers across America to show support for the lifesaving work of their own local shelters through acts of kindness big or small!

Ten Ways You Can Help Your Community’s Shelter and the Animals in Their Care on

Animal Shelter National Day of Service:

1. Adopt a Pet

The most impactful way you can make a difference on April 14th is by adopting from your local shelter! Animal shelters simply can’t do all that they do to help animals in need without adopters stepping forward to open up their hearts and homes.

2. Foster a Pet

If you can’t make a permanent commitment through adoption, fostering also makes a huge difference for animal shelters, helping to free up limited space, while providing foster pets a healthy break from the stress of the shelter environment.

3. Volunteer

Often under the constraints of limited funds, resources and staff, many shelters depend upon the work, time and dedication of volunteers in their community for animal care, cleaning, office duties and other daily tasks.

4. Donate Money

The majority of animal shelters receive no federal, state or local government funding. They rely solely on the financial support of the citizens in their community to care for animals and keep their facility open.

5. Donate Supplies

If you’re not able to donate monetarily, donating vital supplies necessary for the daily operation of the shelter is another meaningful way to help. Commonly needed items include food, treats, kitty litter, towels and detergent.

6. Organize a Fundraising Event or Collection Drive

Holding an animal-themed party, holiday collection drive or other organized festivities with friends, family or coworkers can be a way to socialize, promote teamwork and have fun in support of a cause everyone cares about.

7. Spread the Word

Help to promote the great work your local shelter does for the animals in your community. Follow them on social media, and invite friends and family to do the same. Engage by sharing, commenting and ultimately inspiring more adopters and donors to support your shelter.

8. Advocate

Become educated about the track record on animal welfare of your elected officials at the state and local levels. Rally their support for issues affecting animals and the organizations that work to help and protect them.

9. Be a Responsible Pet Owner

You can do your part to help animals, while lightening the burdens of your local shelter, by being a responsible pet owner. The most significant way you can prevent overpopulation of unwanted animals in shelters is by having your pets spayed or neutered and microchipped.

10. Say Thank You

Working or volunteering at an animal shelter is not always the easiest job, but for many, it is a labor of love that can often come with few rewards. Taking a moment to express your gratitude is a simple, but truly meaningful gesture of kindness for those on the front lines.

The above is a list of suggested ways you can participate in the Animal Shelter National Day of Service by supporting your local shelter on April 14th. Women’s Animal Center encourages you to check with your shelter about their priority needs, and the way you can have the most impact.

The History of Women’s Animal Center, America’s First Animal Shelter:

At a time when women’s rights were limited, and more than fifty years before they could even vote, thirty compassionate yet determined Philadelphia women led by Caroline Earle White joined forces to change the way society thought about and treated the cats and dogs who shared their lives. They established the Women’s Branch of the Pennsylvania Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, formally incorporated on April 14, 1869. Although it was called a “branch,” it was fully independent from the beginning, bearing separate leadership and accounts. As their first order of business, this pioneering organization took over the Philadelphia City Pound and repurposed it as the first such facility in the United States for sheltering and rehoming animals. Today, Women’s Animal Center continues its generations-long mission to provide shelter, care and new homes for thousands of animals in need each and every year, for 150 years and counting. Learn more about our remarkable history.