Morris Animal Refuge
1242 Lombard Street, Philadelphia, PA 19147 USA
DIRECT : (215) 735-9570
FAX : 215.735.6398
Hours of Operation
Except for Holidays
Mon, Tues, Sat, Sun : 11am - 4pm
Wed & Fri : 11am - 4pm
The Refuge is closed to the public on Thursdays
View Off Site Adoption Centers
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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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!
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1874
Morris leased a small house on 10th Street to take in more homeless cats and dogs.
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1878
Realizing the need for additional space, the current location 1242 Lombard Street was purchased.
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1880
Elizabeth Morris and her Shelter gain international attention by the city of Paris France.
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1886
Needing more space for the shelter, Elizabeth Morris purchased adjacent 1238 Lombard Street.
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1907
Elizabeth Morris passed away at the age of 80 years after pioneering American Animal Shelters.
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1924
Morris Animal Refuge uses the first motorized Ambulance.
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1964
First Spay and Neuter program launched.
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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
Lewis Checchia
Executive Director
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Darryl Moore
Director of Operations
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Laura Zemanian
Head Veterinarian
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Tyke Quintana
Assistant Shelter Manager
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Alisa Rubinstein
Adoptions and Enrichment Coordinator
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Carly Gove
Communications & Community Engagement Coordinator
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Sarah Meding
Special Events and Development Coordinator
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Kristina Dalessio
Animal Care Attendant
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Junior Rogers
Animal Care Attendant
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Josh Vieth
Board of Directors, President
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Matthew E. Pilecki
Board of Directors, Vice President
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Anne Evans
Board of Directors, Vice President of Affiliations
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Sally Wirts
Board of Directors, Treasurer
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Steve Kwaszkiewicz
Board of Directors, Secretary
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Wayne D. Humphrey III
Board Member
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Donielle R. Powell
Board Member
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The Morris Animal Refuge is always looking for qualified animal lovers to join our staff. Check out any open positions we have at the Refuge!
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