Founded in 2004, the Animal Coalition of Delaware County (ACDC) is a 501(c)(3), non-profit animal rescue organization that primarily serves Pennsylvania’s Delaware County and immediate surrounding areas.

ACDC rescues and places homeless cats, dogs, and rabbits in the care of our loving foster homes where they are socialized and well-cared for until they find permanent adoptive families. ACDC pays for all veterinary care (i.e., veterinary examinations, vaccinations, spaying and neutering, microchips, and any necessary testing such as FeLV and FIV in cats) until the animals are adopted. ACDC also focuses on educating the public about the importance of spaying and neutering pets, as well as encouraging the humane treatment of companion animals.

Since its founding in 2004, ACDC estimates it has rescued and found homes for more than 2900 animals.

ACDC is entirely run by volunteers who are committed to ensuring that every animal has a loving and secure home. Volunteers foster ACDC animals, staff outreach events, design and hang flyers, return phone calls, transport and care for animals in the adoption center and the Cat Nook Cafe, help with fund-raisers, and more. ACDC is governed by a Board of Directors, also composed of volunteers.

It is estimated that between three and four million perfectly healthy and adoptable animals are euthanized each year simply because there is not enough space or resources to care for them. Using a foster-based rescue model, the founders of ACDC wanted to try and save animals who may not do well in a shelter environment.  Nursing or pregnant mothers, animals with medical issues, or just simply those who are scared and shy. 

ACDC is supported entirely by donations from the public and through any income generated from the Cat Nook Cafe.  Several fundraising events are held throughout the year and the organization also seeks funding support from grants. Because ACDC is run entirely by volunteers, all donations go directly toward benefiting the animals in the care of ACDC.

Until they find permanent adoptive families, the animals that ACDC rescues live in ‘foster homes.’ These are ACDC volunteers who have been screened and approved by the organization to be foster parents. The animals live in the home of their foster parent who cares for them as if they are their own. ACDC is always in need of foster parents. More foster homes mean more animals can be rescued.

The animals rescued by ACDC come from a variety of situations. Oftentimes, good Samaritans find homeless animals in need and contact us. Sometimes, animals are surrendered to ACDC by their owners for a variety of reasons such as finding that a family member is allergic to a pet. In some cases when an elderly person dies, the surviving family is unable to care for the animal(s) the person leaves behind. In addition, ACDC rescues from local animals shelters when they have animals that are not suited to a shelter environment.