News & Noteworthy 

PHILADELPHIA, PA — ACCT Philly, the only animal care and control service provider and open-intake animal shelter in Philadelphia, is thrilled to announce it has been awarded a $50,000 grant from the Foxwynd Foundation. This funding helps create a play yard which dogs in isolation for illness can use, and is part of a larger project to renovate and create additional play yards. Previously dogs  in isolation had no access to yards and were limited to only having walks. Playgroups play a vital role in improving the well being of dogs in a shelter environment by reducing stress, encouraging positive social behavior, and providing much needed mental and physical enrichment during their stay. This grant was funded through the Foxwynd Foundation Donor-Advised Fund (DAF) to support this important improvement.

“We’re very excited to have a play yard for our dogs in isolation which will result in them getting outside more,” said Sarah Barnett, Executive Director of ACCT Philly. “Playgroups are an essential way to decrease stress and improve the wellbeing of the thousands of dogs who enter our shelter each year, especially those who are recovering from illnesses.” 

With nearly 20,000 animals cared for annually, ACCT Philly operates as Philadelphia’s only open-intake shelter, accepting every animal in need from within Philadelphia while also providing resources to owners to help keep their pets out of the shelter whenever possible, and recognizing that regular access to playgroups is critical to reducing stress and supporting positive outcomes for dogs in its care.

“We are excited to support ACCT Philly in enhancing the care and well-being of shelter dogs. This project reflects our commitment to innovative programs that improve daily life and overall outcomes for animals in need,” said Pamela Villagra, Executive Director of Foxwynd Foundation.

For more information about ACCT Philly and their programs, please visit www.acctphilly.org. ### 

About ACCT Philly: 

ACCT Philly is the largest animal care and control service provider in the region, caring for nearly 20,000 animals annually. It is the only open intake animal shelter in Philadelphia, serving the City by contract. ACCT Philly manages the city’s animal shelter facility in North Philadelphia handling nearly 20,000 animals, from dogs and cats, to small animals, reptiles, birds and wildlife, annually. The organization is dedicated to saving the lives of Philadelphia’s homeless and abandoned animals and relies on the support of the community to fulfill its mission.