The Pennsylvania SPCA is dedicated to rescuing animals from abuse and neglect, providing lifesaving care and treatment, guaranteeing a home for every adoptable animal, and reducing pet-overpopulation through low-cost spay-and-neuter clinics and public awareness initiatives. Through these efforts, we prevent cruelty towards animals and promote respect for their welfare, thus enhancing the lives of people and their companion animals throughout the state of Pennsylvania.

History:
The Pennsylvania SPCA was started in 1867, when Colonel M. Richards Mucklé, a Philadelphia businessman, was outraged at the abuse horses endured on a daily basis as they pulled people and cargo around the city. He was also frustrated that the authorities were not enforcing the few anti-cruelty laws that existed.

On April 27, 1866, Mucklé inserted a notice in the Philadelphia Evening Bulletin. It announced the intention of forming the Pennsylvania Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. It took more than a year, but on June 21, 1867, the Pennsylvania Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals was organized.

On April 4, 1868, the Pennsylvania legislature granted a charter to the already functioning Pennsylvania SPCA. It was now established as the first humane society in the state and the second in the nation.

As the Society gained successes in helping horses it was able to further expand its attention to other areas. Securing the humane treatment of livestock and pet animals became a natural part of the PSPCA and was enforceable under its legal jurisdiction.

Shelters were erected throughout the state to house, feed and care for the millions of homeless or unwanted animals. The PSPCA currently has 6 branches.

We began our work in Philadelphia. The headquarters were originally in the 1300 block of Chestnut Street but soon moved to 1627 Chestnut Street. The need for more space (including a veterinary clinic) required moving the headquarters to North Broad Street, (just below Girard Avenue), in the early part of the 20th century and when that building proved too small for our ever-expanding Society the move was made to our present Erie Avenue location in 1948.

The Rutherford Animal Hospital was added in 1952. It was named after Frank B. Rutherford, the Society’s manager from 1905 to 1937. He and his wife both provided for the hospital in their wills.

Today, veterinarians in the clinic handle over 30,000 cases each year—from preventative treatment to sick and injured animals.

Problems concerning animals are always shifting. With your help the PSPCA will continue to smooth the path of the human/animal relationship through education, compassion and consideration.

Contact person: Stacey Plattenberger, Volunteer Coordinator, (phone), (email)
Office fax number: (215) 426-4517

Address:

350 E. Erie Ave. Philadelphia, PA 19134 (See a map)

Web Site: http://www.pspca.org

Directions:

From 95N: Get off at the Allegheny Ave exit. The exit lets you off at Westmoreland St. Take a left at the bottom of the ramp, then another left at Richmond St. (first light). (**)Turn right onto Allegheny Ave (first. . . (more)   Nearest Bus Stop: 56 and 89 bus (stop in front of facility). 57 bus (Front and Erie), 1-7 minute walk For maps or information, please see http://www.septa.com/

Miscellaneous Information

Are court referrals welcomed?
	No