About the Refuge | Morris Animal Refuge

Morris Animal Refuge

1242 Lombard Street, Philadelphia, PA 19147

DIRECT : (215) 735-9570

FAX : 215.735.6398

Hours of Operation

Except for Holidays

Mon, Tues, Sat, Sun : 11am - 4pm

Wed & Fri : 11am - 7pm

The Refuge is closed to the public on Thursdays

View Off Site Adoption Centers

Mission

Began by Elizabeth Morris in 1858, the Morris Animal Refuge is America's First Animal Shelter. We are committed to adoption, education and high-quality care, and as an open admission, lifesaving shelter, we have never turned an animal away.

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History

The Refuge was founded in 1874 and is unique in its early attempt to humanely treat pets, particularly cats. Keeping with Philadelphia tradition, the Refuge established a number of "firsts" in animal welfare.

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1858

Elizabeth Morris began sheltering animals in her home and America's first animal shelter was born!
1874

Morris leased a small house on 10th Street to take in more homeless cats and dogs.
1878

Realizing the need for additional space, the current location 1242 Lombard Street was purchased.
1880

Elizabeth Morris and her Shelter gain international attention by the city of Paris France.
1886

Needing more space for the shelter, Elizabeth Morris purchased adjacent 1238 Lombard Street.
1907

Elizabeth Morris passed away at the age of 80 years after pioneering American Animal Shelters.
1924

Morris Animal Refuge uses the first motorized Ambulance.
1964

First Spay and Neuter program launched.

Our Impact

In more than 140 years of operation, the Morris Animal Refuge has cared for hundreds of thousands of animals and shaped the course of animal welfare in the United States. See our annual animal care statistics and see the impact of our work for yourself!

Sheltering Statistics

Our Staff

Lewis Checchia

Executive Director

1858

1874

1878

1880

1886

1907

1924

1964