BENSALEM TOWNSHIP, PA — While March marks Women’s History Month, this year also celebrates the 157th anniversary of America’s first animal shelter.
The Women’s Animal Center began in Philadelphia with 30 women joining forces on April 14, 1869, to establish the Women’s Pennsylvania Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.
Concerned by the cruel way strays on Philadelphia streets were captured and killed, they successfully petitioned the mayor to take over the municipal pound as their initial order of business, repurposing it as the first facility in the country for sheltering and rehoming animals.
The Women’s Animal Center also pioneered the nation’s first humane education programs, continuing today in teaching young people compassion, kindness, and respect for animals; first free veterinary clinic; and first anti-vivisection society.
Although living during an era that constrained their status as second-class citizens with minimal rights, the founders of
Women’s Animal Center — led by the courageous and formidable Caroline Earle White — used what little voice they had to speak on behalf of the voiceless, officials said.
The power of their message continues to be told today through the daily, lifesaving work of more than 3,500-plus animal shelters currently in operation across the country.
“The extent of their influence is written on the heart of American culture itself, reflected in an estimated 90+ million American households now shared with pets,” the center said. “America is today one of the most impassioned nations of pet lovers on the planet, and where over 4 million cats and dogs were adopted from shelters in 2024 alone.”
In 2025, Women’s Animal Center found homes for 1,152 homeless animals; 19,725 pets were treated in the Center’s
Veterinary Hospital; 1,800 families received pet food through a community food pantry, helping prevent surrender during
financial hardship; and 2,121 children and teens participated in the Center’s education programs.
The countless lives saved since the formation of America’s First Animal Shelter are reason enough to celebrate the
women who made it possible this Women’s History Month, officials said.
The Women’s Animal Center continues to be governed by an
all-women board of directors and executive leader. The organization marks its 157th founding on April 14 and remains
dedicated to its lifesaving work.
Women’s Animal Center bears a great honor and responsibility to the fundamental role women have played in the founding and evolution of animal welfare in our great nation, past and present.
About Women’s Animal Center
In addition to Animal Sheltering and Pet Adoptions, Women’s Animal Center is a ‘Center’ of resources for people and
pets providing vital services to the Greater Philadelphia region, including dog training, behavioral and veterinary
resources, pet food pantry for pet owners in need, and educational community programs.
As part of its mission, the Women’s Animal Center’s Veterinary Hospital provides affordable high-quality veterinary care to families in need, thus keeping more animals in their homes and out of shelters.
The hospital is among just 15 percent of veterinary practices in North America to be accredited by the American Animal Hospital Association.
Contributions to the non-profit 501 C 3 organization from generous donors and a portion of proceeds from veterinary service fees support shelter, meals, enrichment, and medical care for the surrendered and stray animals waiting to be adopted into loving forever homes.
The Women’s Animal Center is located at 3839 Richlieu Road, Bensalem, PA and can be reached by phone at 215-750-5252.
For programs/services, to adopt a shelter pet and/or make a monetary donation: womensanimalcenter.org.