Lend a paw

The P.S.P.C.A.

What they do: In addition to providing shelter and adoption services for the city’s abandoned, abused and unwanted pets, the Pennsylvania Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals enforces animal welfare laws and provides low-cost (or even free) veterinary care and obedience training.

How you can help: They have a ton going on here, and just as many opportunities to pitch in. Visit www.pspca.org to make a general contribution, a donation to special funds or to sponsor lights on the Tree of Memories, a holiday tree in honor of special pets.

The Schuylkill Center’s Wildlife Rehabilitation Clinic

What they do: As the only fully licensed wildlife rehab in Philadelphia, the SWRC provides care for thousands of injured and orphaned wild animals annually with the hopes of returning the critters to their natural habitats.

How you can help: Unfortunately, some animals — such as Sneakers the opossum and Blade the box turtle — have injuries that prevent them from returning to the wild. These little guys are kept on-staff as animal ambassadors, and are available for sponsorship at www.schuylkillcenter.org. (If the donation is a gift for someone, SWRC will send an adoption package to the recipient.)

P.A.W.S.

What they do: The Philadelphia Animal Welfare Society is the city’s largest no-kill shelter, helping pets find homes through adoption clinics, special events and a supported foster care network.

How you can help: Visit www.phillypaws.org to donate (there are special funds including pit bull care and special needs animals) or to purchase a super-comfy Kuranda dog or cat bed for the shelter.