Looking to Adopt, Volunteer, or Support Local Animal Shelters in Berks County, PA?

You're in the right place. Whether you're ready to meet your future furry best friend or you're just looking to give back, this is your ultimate guide to the top Animal Rescue Leagues (ARLs) in Berks County.

  1. Animal Rescue League of Berks County

📍 58 Kennel Rd, Birdsboro, PA 19508
🌐 www.berksarl.org
📞 (610) 373-8830
✅ Open admissions shelter
✅ Adoption services, low-cost spay/neuter, vaccine clinics
✅ Volunteer & foster programs

Social Media Pages: Instagram | Facebook

As Berks County’s largest open-admission shelter, the Animal Rescue League (ARL) of Berks County has been serving animals and the local community since 1952. Their mission is to protect and advocate for animals while ensuring every pet has a chance at a loving home. With thousands of intakes annually, the ARL plays a critical role in rescuing strays, reuniting lost pets with families, and rehabilitating abused or neglected animals.

The Animal Rescue League (ARL) of Berks County is more than just a shelter—they’re a full-service animal welfare hub. From low-cost vaccination and microchip clinics to spay/neuter assistance and community outreach, the ARL is committed to tackling the root causes of pet overpopulation and homelessness. Their compassionate staff and robust volunteer program make it easy for locals to get involved and make a difference.

2. Humane Society of Berks County

📍 1801 N 11th St, Reading, PA 19604
🌐 www.humanepa.org
📞 (610) 921-2348
✅ Pet adoption, pet pantry, community vet services
✅ Part of Humane Pennsylvania network

Social Media Pages: Instagram | Facebook

The Humane Society of Berks County is part of the larger Humane Pennsylvania network, a forward-thinking organization that combines sheltering with proactive community services. This location focuses heavily on accessible care for all—offering public veterinary services, a pet food pantry, wellness programs, and adoption counseling to make sure every match is the right fit.

More than just a shelter, Humane PA empowers pet owners with resources to keep their animals healthy, safe, and in loving homes. Their Reading, PA campus is a beacon for pet lovers and first-time adopters alike, offering a clean, welcoming environment and a dedicated team that supports pets from intake through adoption—and beyond. Whether you’re looking to adopt or support the mission, this ARL makes it easy to get involved.

3. Fairchild Foundation for Domestic & Feral Cats

📍 Mohnton, PA (location varies by program)
🌐 www.fairchildcat.org
✅ Trap-neuter-return (TNR) focused
✅ Feral & outdoor cat rescue
✅ Volunteer-based

Social Media Pages: | Facebook

Specializing in Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) and community education, the Fairchild Foundation is a vital resource for feral and free-roaming cats in Berks County. This nonprofit doesn’t operate a public shelter—instead, they work behind the scenes to stabilize local cat colonies through humane management, sterilization, and support for caregivers. They’re making a long-term impact on the stray cat population one colony at a time.

What makes Fairchild unique is their deep commitment to both the cats and the people who care for them. Volunteers are the heart of this operation, often going into tough conditions to rescue litters, provide medical care, or educate communities. They’re not only reducing unnecessary euthanasia but also showing the power of compassion-driven change through advocacy, field work, and accessible support.

4. One By One Cat Rescue

📍 Temple, PA
🌐 www.1by1catrescue.org
✅ Cat-only rescue
✅ Foster-based program
✅ PetSmart adoption partnerships

Social Media Pages: Instagram | Facebook

If your heart is set on rescuing a feline friend, One By One Cat Rescue is a standout, no-kill, all-volunteer shelter devoted exclusively to cats and kittens. Operating out of a dedicated facility in Temple, PA, this rescue takes in stray, abandoned, and surrendered cats—often ones that other shelters may not have room or resources for. Each cat is housed in a cageless environment and receives loving care until adoption.

Their mission goes far beyond simply housing cats. One By One focuses on finding the right home for every animal. Their dedicated foster network and PetSmart adoption center partnerships make it easy for adopters to meet cats in relaxed, accessible environments. Plus, their team provides ongoing education and support to ensure that every adoption leads to a lifelong bond. If you’re looking for a community-driven rescue with a heart for felines, One By One delivers in every way.

💖 How You Can Help Stray Cats in Berks County, PA!

🐈 Adopt — Every animal deserves a forever home.

🧼 Foster — Provide temporary love and shelter.

💸 Donate — Even $5 feeds a pet for days.

📣 Share — Promote adoptable pets on social media.

🤝 Partner — Local businesses can support via sponsorships or donations.

🐾 Why Support Local Animal Rescue Leagues (ARLs)

Supporting local rescues helps reduce animal overpopulation, keeps pets out of kill shelters, and builds a stronger, more compassionate community.

Every time you adopt or support an ARL, you're not just helping one animal—you’re creating a ripple effect that saves lives.


💬 Know a rescue we missed?

Nominate them to be added to our guide! Email us at meow@straycatcollective.com or send us a DM @strayzcatcollective