One of the most common kind of questions on West Philadelphia-local mailing lists, forums and Facebook communities has to do with what to do about lost, stray or injured animals. Here are some official resources that can help if you find one of those animals and want to help:

If you find a lost or stray dog, cat, or other household pet, ACCT (Animal Care and Control Team) Philadelphia are the most likely to be able to take a found animal. You can visit http://www.acctphilly.org/foundpet/ for more information. Make sure to fill out the ACCT Found Pet Report: http://www.acctphilly.org/foundpet/foundreport/. If you can’t keep the animal until its family can be located, ACCT will accept it at their central location. They are not a no-kill shelter.  Continue Reading

It will be a busy weekend for local pet owners.

Blessing of the Animals at St. Francis de Sales Church (photo by West Philly Local)

Philadelphia Episcopal Cathedral will hold their annual Blessing of the Animals in Clark Park on Saturday, Oct. 7 from 10 a.m. – noon. The event will include free pet treats, a craft project, and some human snacks too! This fun tradition is connected to the celebration of St. Francis of Assisi, an Italian monk who’s remembered for his love of nature, care for the poor, and commitment to peace (as well as a sweet tooth!).

St. Francis was a friend to all animals, so communities throughout the world celebrate his life by celebrating the pets in their lives. This is not a church or worship service, but a space to drop by to meet other pet owners in the neighborhood and – if you wish – receive a blessing for your pet. If you have any questions, please contact The Reverend Sarah Hedgis at shedgis@philadelphiacathedral.org.  Continue Reading

Residents are invited to celebrate Father’s Day at Greensgrow West (5123 Baltimore Ave.) this Sunday and bring their dogs for a wash, pedicure and treats. The event, which will be held from 12-4 p.m., will benefit Philly PAWS (suggested donation is $10).

For more information, visit the BABA West Philly website.

A male terrier mix was found this morning in Clark Park.

“It was cold, wet and shivering. It seemed to have been out in the rain all last night,” the person who found him, Jeff, wrote in an email.

The dog has a blue collar but no tags. For more information, please call Darcy at 303-579-4162 or Jeff at 215-687-6710.

Project MEOW, a West Philly-based non-profit, has been helping lost or abandoned cats and kittens to find new homes for 10 years since its inception in 2007. Project MEOW volunteers have also been helping to control local feral cat population through their Trap-Neuter-Return program. On Saturday, May 20, from 6:30 – 8:30 p.m., the organization that is mostly funded by donations is holding its first fundraiser at Greensgrow West (5123 Baltimore Ave.).

The event will feature wine, non-alcoholic drinks, and hors d’oeuvres from local businesses as well as live music. A variety of exciting items will be up for auction, including Phillies tickets, Barnes Foundation guest passes, and gift certificates from area restaurants. Raffle tickets for the auction will be available for purchase at the event and door prizes will be awarded. A playpen full of kittens will be there as well for your amusement!  Continue Reading

Dogs on and off leashes in the Clark Park Bowl will be the main focus of Monday’s annual members meeting of the Friends of Clark Park.

The Philadelphia Department of Parks and Recreation has promised to step up enforcement of rules about off-leash dogs in city parks following dog attacks in Pastorius Park in Chestnut Hill. City park rules require dogs outside of a dog run to be on a leash that is 6-feet long or shorter.

But what about the Bowl, where dogs have been running free with their owners nearby for years and years? Monday’s meeting, which starts at 7 p.m. in the University of the Sciences’ Griffith Hall (43rd and Woodland), will take up this discussion – again.  Continue Reading