Partial List of Delaware County Stray Cat Feeding Ordinances

 

Partial List of Stray Cat Feeding Ordinances & Policies in Delco

It's important to know that ordinances can vary by township/borough within Delaware County. Always consult your local municipal code or animal control office for the most accurate and current regulations.

*****************************

🐱 1. Stray Cats and Animal Control Services

Most municipalities in Delaware County, Pennsylvania rely on local animal control officers to respond to issues with stray animals, but enforcement varies by township. In some areas, you must call the township offices to report stray cats or request an animal control service visit.

🐾 2. Definitions & Regulations on Feral/Stray Cats

Some local codes (e.g., Middletown Township’s animal ordinance) define terms like feral cat and include rules about trapping, keeping, or feeding stray and feral cats. These ordinances also often establish criteria for how stray or feral cats are managed and can include provisions such as required humane handling and Trap-Neuter-Return protocols.

🐾 3. Feeding & Nuisance Rules

Local ordinances in parts of the county may prohibit feeding stray or feral cats in ways that create a nuisance or affect neighboring properties. In those cases, fines can be assessed or enforcement action can be taken against persons who harbor or feed stray cats if it becomes a public nuisance.

🛠 4. Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) Practices

While there has been no countywide animal control, there are some individuals and rescues that provide humane Trap-Neuter-Return programs which the many municipalities allow. TNR programs trap free-roaming cats, have them spayed/neutered and vaccinated, and then return them. This helps manage the population humanely and may be referenced in local ordinances or policies.

🏙️ 5. Contact Local Animal Control

For issues with stray or feral cats, the first step in many Delaware County municipalities is to contact your township animal control officer or municipal office or view this list. They can advise on local ordinances, proper handling, and next steps.

---

💡 Tip: Ordinances often differ between townships (e.g., Middletown, Upper Darby, Springfield), so always check your specific municipal code or animal control department for exact wording and enforcement details.

A List of Pet Food Pantries in Delco and Beyond

Pet Food Pantry Service Areas in Delco and Beyond

                           *************************************

We get this question a lot: “Do you serve people outside of Delaware County?”

We wish we could say yes. The need is real everywhere, and if we had unlimited resources, we’d love to help every pet family who reaches out. But right now, our focus is right here at home — serving the Delco community. As much as we’d like to expand beyond the county lines, it’s just not something we’re able to do at this time.

Thanks to our some wonderful friends, we’ve put together this list of Pet Food Pantries in Delco and beyond. Whether you live in or outside of Delaware County and need pet food or cat litter, we hope this list helps you find the support you need.

Because every pet deserves to be fed, loved, and at home no matter where they live. 🐾🐾

How To Donate

If you'd like to donate to Purr Love's Pet Food Pantry monetary donations can be made at The Spayed Club. If you donate online, please email Kim Reid at kreid518@gmail.com with your name and amount of donation so that the funds can be directed to the Pet Food Pantry. 

If you'd like to donate through the Pet Food Pantry Wish Lists, please see below:

• Amazon Wish List     
• Chewy Wish List

Disclaimer:

Rich and Lisa Small and Delco Loves Animals do not guarantee the accuracy of the information in this list. Details are subject to change at any time, and we cannot confirm that all listed pantries are currently operating. Please contact each organization directly for the most up-to-date and complete information. Furthermore, these pet food pantries and organizations are not being recommended by Rich and Lisa Small or Delco Loves Animals. Contact them and enroll at your own risk. 

DLA's Zoom Meetings Canceled Until Further Notice

 

Delaware County People & Pets Need Help—We Can’t Wait Any Longer - PART 3

New York Takes Bold Action — Now Pennsylvania Must Follow

In November 2025, New York Governor Kathy Hochul announced that $10 million in funding is available to support animal shelter improvements across her state through the Companion AnimalCapital Fund — the eighth round of this pioneering program. This state-run initiative provides grants for urgent capital projects such as kennel renovations, medical facility upgrades, HVAC and safety system improvements, and expansions that increase shelter capacity and animal welfare. Of the total, $1 million is reserved for rescue organizations not under municipal contracts, helping independent shelters that often operate without public funding.

Since its inception in 2017, the Companion Animal Capital Fund has dedicated more than $48 million to 161 projects statewide, helping facilities modernize and improve care while increasing adoption opportunities for dogs and cats.

This leadership from New York sets an important example. While shelters in many states — including Pennsylvania — struggle with aging facilities, limited capacity, and a constant influx of animals in need, New York’s funding initiative shows what’s possible when a state government prioritizes animal welfare infrastructure.

Why Pennsylvania Needs Similar Funding

Right now, Pennsylvania does not have a statewide capital fund dedicated to animal shelter upgrades anywhere near the scale of New York’s program. Many Pennsylvania shelters and rescues operate out of outdated buildings, with limited space for medical care, safe housing, or expanded intake — challenges that directly impact animal wellbeing and adoption outcomes.

A statewide funding initiative in Pennsylvania could:

• Help shelters modernize and expand to meet current and future needs.
• Reduce overcrowding and improve health outcomes for animals in care.
• Support nonprofit and municipal shelters alike, especially smaller organizations that struggle to raise capital for infrastructure upgrades.
• Increase adoption rates by creating more humane, welcoming environments for animals waiting for their forever homes.

How We Can Make It Happen

Getting Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro’s attention and support for this issue is the first step toward change. Here’s how the community can act:

📣 Raise Awareness: Share New York’s example with local lawmakers, shelter leaders, and animal advocates to show what’s possible with dedicated funding.

✉️ Contact Elected Officials: Write to Governor Shapiro and your state representatives to express support for a Pennsylvania companion animal capital fund. Personal stories from volunteers, adopters, and shelter workers are especially impactful.

🤝 Build Coalitions: Shelters, rescues, and animal welfare nonprofits across Pennsylvania can work together to advocate for similar legislation — uniting voices will amplify our message.

💬 Use Social Media & Local Press: Share updates, statistics, and community voices to spotlight the need for shelter infrastructure funding.

Change doesn’t happen overnight, but when a neighboring state takes action, it gives us both hope and a blueprint for success. Now is the time for Pennsylvania to take a stand for better shelter care, improved outcomes for homeless animals, and a more compassionate community.

Podcast | Grants For Rescues & Shelters from the Companion Animal Capital Fund

Letter to Animal Sheltering Community Members (NY)