Philly PAWS, a local pet rescue organization, is raising money for its Grays Ferry location. The Grays Ferry shelter is undergoing a major overhaul that “includes creating a new dog adoption and foster care office, replacing a broken washer with a commercial-grade machine, and replacing old computers and furniture,” according to the PAWS website.

When the renovations are complete, the Grays Ferry location will be able to accommodate a growing staff, serve more adopters, and rescue more homeless pets.

Their goal is to raise $7,500 and they have already raised $5,100 as of 3:45 p.m. on Thursday. Every contribution to this project will be matched thanks to the generosity of two anonymous PAWS donors.

If you want to help, go to this page for more information and to donate.

PAWS Clinic is organizing a community Pet Day tomorrow at Cedar Park, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Low-cost shots and microchips will be available. See the flyer below for more information.

This is a reminder that PAWS (Philadelphia Animal Welfare Society) is offering free spay and neuter surgeries to low-income residents of the following zip codes: 19143, 19145, and 19146. This offer is only valid until November. Residents can call 215-298-9680 or email: clinic@phillypaws.org to make an appointment. The spay or neuter surgery is completely free with an ACCESS card, or any other form showing low-income. See the flyer below for more information.

When the weather heats up and folks start opening their windows and doors more, many pets venture outside and many go missing. You can’t always prevent your cat or dog running out the door or sneaking out the window, but it’s easier to find them if they are microchipped and tagged.

If you want to microchip your pet, PAWS clinic might be a good option, especially for folks on tighter budgets. PAWS does microchipping for $20, which is about a third of what vets usually charge. PAWS is located at 2900 Grays Ferry Avenue. No appointments needed on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. For more information, visit their website or call 215-298-9680.

It is also important to have an ID tag on your pet. The style of tags and the amount of information on them may vary, but they should include your pet’s name and your phone number. Baltimore Pet Shoppe (4532 Baltimore Ave) has a new engraving machine and can now make pet ID tags instantly. Visit the shop’s website for more information and for tips on finding lost pets.

(Thank you Linda Lee for contributing to this story. See more in Comments).

Here’s some great news for low-income pet owners. PAWS (Philadelphia Animal Welfare Society) is now offering free spay/neuter for residents of 19143, 19145, and 19146 who are on any form of public assistance (Access, Medicaid, etc.). This is thanks to funding from PetSmart Charities and the ASPCA. In addition to the spay/neuter surgery, pets also receive rabies and distemper vaccinations if needed, and pre- and post-operative exams.

The goal is to spay/neuter 1,200 animals by the end of November as part of this program, in hopes of reducing the number of animals that end up in Philadelphia shelters or produce unwanted litters.

All services are provided at the PAWS Clinic, located at 2900 Grays Ferry Avenue. You can call 215-298-9680, email clinic [at] phillypaws.org, or stop in to make an appointment. They are open seven days a week.

Since opening in March 2010, the PAWS Clinic has served more than 24,000 rescued and owned pets. “I know we can make an even bigger difference in the community, thanks to this funding,” PAWS executive director Melissa Levy says.