Women's Pa. Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals
Philadelphia, Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania
Marker Inscription
In 1869, thirty women, led by Caroline Earle White, set up the first office of this animal welfare organization here. They created the nation's first animal shelter and adoptions program after taking over the city dog pound. WPSPCA's work also resulted in the earliest humane education school program, junior humane society, free veterinary clinic, and anti-vivisection society. The group relocated to Bensalem in 1994.
Erected by Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission
The Story
In 1869 thirty women led by Caroline Earle White opened the first office of the Women's Pennsylvania SPCA on this spot, taking over the city dog pound and creating the nation's first animal shelter and adoption program. Their reach went far beyond stray dogs: they founded the earliest humane-education school program, a junior humane society, a free veterinary clinic, and an anti-vivisection society. The organization worked here until relocating to Bensalem in 1994.
Why it matters
Founded and run by women at a time when few public institutions were, the WPSPCA pioneered organized animal welfare in America and gave 19th-century women a powerful vehicle for civic reform.
Plan your visit
NearbyMake a day of it — museums, food, and places to stay near this marker.
Museums & culture
- Bridgette Mayer0.5 mi away · 709 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- African American Museum in Philadelphia0.6 mi away · 701 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Congress Hall0.6 mi away · Philadelphia, PA
- Liberty Bell Center0.7 mi away · 526 Market Street, Philadelphia
- Independence Visitor Center0.7 mi away · 599 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Independence Hall0.7 mi away · 520 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
Attractions
- Reading Terminal0.3 mi away
- One Liberty Observation Deck0.3 mi away
- Chinatown Friendship Gate0.4 mi away · 10th and Arch Street
- The Universal Sphere0.5 mi away
- Liberty Bell0.7 mi away · 526 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA
- President's House0.7 mi away
Food & drink
- Philly Pretzel Factory0.5 mi away
- Munchie’s Cafe0.5 mi away · 728 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Burger King0.5 mi away
- El Azteca0.5 mi away
- Fat Salmon0.5 mi away · 719 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Maya's Pizza & Grill0.5 mi away · 716 Sansom Street, Philadelphia, PA
Places to stay
- Holiday Inn Expressnearby · 1305-11 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Loews Philadelphia Hotel0.1 mi away · 1200 Market Street, Philadelphia
- Residence Inn Philadelphia Center City0.1 mi away · 1 East Penn Square, Philadelphia, PA
- Canopy by Hilton Philadelphia Center City0.2 mi away · 1180 Ludlow Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Cambria Hotel Philadelphia Downtown - Center City0.2 mi away · 219 South Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Philadelphia Marriott Downtown0.2 mi away · 1201 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA
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Related people
- · Caroline Earle White
Themes & tags
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