Morris Animal Refuge

The Morris Animal Refuge is an open-admission shelter serving the abandoned, abused, and neglected animals of the greater Philadelphia area. Since 1874, we have remained at the forefront of animal welfare through our adoption and fostering programs, veterinary and behavioral rehabilitation efforts, humane education, and community outreach, with the expressed goal of never turning away an animal in need.

The Morris Animal Refuge offers innovative and high quality care for cats, dogs and other small animals. The Refuge provides a full range of preventive, protective and adoption services for abused, neglected and abandoned animals.

The Morris Animal Refuge adoption services cover the Greater Philadelphia Pennsylvania Region only; consisting of an area in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, and Maryland. In more than 135 years, no animal has ever been turned away from our door. The Refuge, the first in the United States to care for cats, was founded by Elizabeth Morris, one of our nation's pioneers in animal welfare, in 1874. The Refuge continues to operate today in Center City Philadelphia at its home at 1242 Lombard Street. The Refuge is run by a small and dedicated staff whose primary responsibilities include animal care, adoptions and humane education. Our volunteers provide many hours of additional support with all phases of animal care and fund raising.