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COMING SOON - FEB 2026!
Sponsor a Philly Shelter Dog!
Want to be a shelter hero? Through our Rescue Romps program, you can sponsor an adoptable dog at Philadelphia Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) and one of our trained walkers will take them on an one-on-one urban adventure. This program is open to everyone and not limited to our clients. Because lots of rescue dogs want to romp!
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As a sponsor, you will receive a post-Romp Visit Report. We'll let you know how much fun the dog had, along with photos of their adventure for you to share with your network. (Your sponsored pup could reach their future family through you. Share away!)
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Shelter dogs are some of the most overlooked members of our community. In Philly, even though the shelters work around the clock to find adopters, dogs often wait weeks (or months) for a second chance and a forever home. In the meantime, they spend most of their time in kennels, with limited opportunities for fresh air, undivided attention, or the simple joy of a sidewalk sniff-a-thon.
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A hour-long Rescue Romp might not seem like much, but for a shelter dog, it can mean everything.
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Our Rescue Romps offer:
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60 minutes of one-on-one time with a compassionate and experienced dog walker
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Mental stimulation and exercise to reduce stress and anxiety
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Positive exposure to new people, places, and smells
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Better behavior in the kennel, making them more appealing to adopters
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Extra promotion on social media, helping to spread the word about adoptable dogs in Philadelphia.​
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Eases the workload of shelter employees, allowing them to focus on finding homes for the most vulnerable pups.
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For every Sponsorship, we donate $5 to PAWS to directly fund their lifesaving work.
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Right now, we’re in a soft-launch phase with a small group of Monster Minders clients who are helping us test the program. Their early feedback will help us make Rescue Romps sustainable, smooth, and beneficial for the dogs, the shelter, and the community long-term. If you want to be notified when we are open for sponsorships in Feburary 2026, follow us on Instagram or send an email to: rescueromps@themonsterminders.com
romp (verb)
1: to run or play in a lively, carefree, or boisterous manner
2: to move or proceed in a brisk, easy, or playful manner
How Rescue Romps Work:
Step One:
Sign up to Sponsor
When you sign up to be a Rescue Romps sponsor you'll have the option to sponsor on a monthly basis or as a one-time romp adventure. You will receive a confirmation email from us and information about the sponsorship timeline and what you can expect. Sponsoring is great for folks who may not have the time and flexibility to volunteer, but they want to make an impact.
Step Two:
Romp Time!
When you sponsor a romp, The Monster Minders will coordinate with PAWS to figure out which dog would most benefit from an outing. One of our pro walkers will take that dog on an enriching adventure (or one-on-one play session in the yard - depending on the shelter's preference for the dog.)
Step Three:
Romp Report
After your session, we'll send you a Romp Report with pictures of the pup you sponsored and a summary of the fun that was had on their adventure. You'll get feel-good fuzzies knowing your generosity made a tangible difference in the life of a shelter dog. We encourage our sponsors to share their reports with friends and family to help get their sponsored dog adopted!
Why it Matters
Rescue Romps help dogs remember how to be dogs: sniffing trees, playing fetch one-on-one in the PAWS play yard, and trotting beside a friendly human through the neighborhood. It’s a vital part of their well-being. By sponsoring a romp, you're not only giving a dog a better day. In fact, you might just be helping them get closer to their forever home.
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On average, shelter dogs wait about a month or longer to find their forever homes. Shelter teams work tirelessly to give each dog the care and attention they deserve, but there’s always more need than there are hands.
We know not everyone can adopt, foster, or volunteer right now, but that doesn’t mean you can’t make a difference.​
Sponsorship FAQ
What exactly am I paying for?
A Rescue Romp is a 60-minute, private adventure for a shelter dog currently in the care of PAWS. One of our trained, insured dog walkers will take the dog out for fresh air, exercise, and enrichment. After the romp, you’ll receive a visit report and a photo of the pup you helped. (On the administrative side, the sponsorship covers liability insurance, workers comp and employee time.) We realize not everyone has the time, schedule flexibility or ability to volunteer directly. This gives dog lovers a tangible way to give back. (And our employees are highly experienced, dog-fanatics!)
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Do I get to choose the dog that will be walked?
No. We work closely with PAWS staff to select dogs who are most in need of enrichment sessions. Our employees verbally check in with shelter employees upon arrival at PAWS to know which dog would most benefit from an hour of one-on-one time. Often dogs with longer stays, high energy, or fewer volunteers available will be chosen. Every Romp makes a difference, no matter who it’s for though! And we can't promise you won't fall in love with the dog you sponsored after getting your Romp Report and cute photos!
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Can I share my pup’s photos on social media?
Yes, absolutely! We encourage it. Sharing your sponsored dog’s photos and walk report helps them get seen by more people, which can boost their chances of finding a foster or adoptive home. Feel free to post away and tag @rescueromps and @phillypaws so we can cheer the pup on too.
Is my sponsorship tax deductible?
Because the sponsorship is a paid service that helps support both a shelter and local small business, it is not tax deductible. However, the program directly benefits shelter dogs at PAWS, and we’re exploring ways to expand its impact. We also donate $5 from each romp to PAWS.
Can I sponsor more than one pup?
Absolutely! You can sponsor as many Rescue Romps as you'd like. (One-time or on a recurring basis.) Some people choose to give a session in honor of a pet’s birthday, to honor a family member, in memory of a beloved companion, or just because they love helping dogs but are short on time. Others sponsor monthly so they have a lasting impact all year long.
How often do sponsored dogs go on a romp?
It depends on the number of sponsorships we receive. Every sponsorship ensures another romp can happen, especially for dogs who need it most.
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