Animal Friends

Holiday Pet Photos
2025-12-06 10:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York)
Bring your furry friends for a festive photoshoot.

On Saturday, December 6th, Animal Friends will welcome guests and their pets to campus for a festive photoshoot, complete with a cozy winter background and featuring the photography of White Deer Photography. All activities will take place in the Animal Wellness Center, which is Building 2 on our campus.

Please select a half-hour time slot for your session. There will be 8 sessions scheduled for each half-hour time slot. Your single session can include all pets (and humans, if you want!) in your household. Once you have registered for a time slot, you must arrive in that time window. Please come to the AWC Lobby for check-in and a volunteer will help you find your place in line.
*Your purchase includes the photoshoot and a digital download of your photo(s). Final images will be provided by email, so please make sure to register using a valid email address*
All proceeds benefit our life-saving mission.

https://secure.qgiv.com/…/event/holidaypetphotos2025/
For questions about this event, please contact Kelly King, Special Events Manager, at 412-847-7076 or kking@thinkingoutsidethecage.org.

BunRun
2025-12-06 14:30 - 16:00, 2025-12-13 14:30 - 16:00, 2025-12-20 14:30 - 16:00, 2025-12-27 14:30 - 16:00, 2026-01-03 14:30 - 16:00, 2026-01-10 14:30 - 16:00, 2026-01-17 14:30 - 16:00 | Animal Friends Classroom, 562 CAMP HORNE RD, Building 1, PITTSBURGH, PA, 15237
BunRuns are held nearly every Saturday from 2:30-4 p.m. and are a great opportunity to meet the rabbits we have available for adoption. Because the bunnies are free to roam, their personalities really shine! And, our knowledgeable staff and volunteers will be on hand to answer any questions you may have. No need to sign up in advanced, simply stop by our Classroom to see our resident rabbits in action!

Small Dog Social
2025-12-07 10:15 - 11:15, 2025-12-21 10:15 - 11:15, 2026-01-04 10:15 - 11:15 | Animal Friends Outreach, 562 CAMP HORNE RD, Building 1, PITTSBURGH, PA, 15237, United States
For dogs 4 months or older that are both people- and dog-friendly.

Join other small dogs and their people for an hour of social time. Dog play increases social skills and provides lots of exercise and fun for the small dog crowd!
We define “small” dog as approximately 35 pounds or less. Also, consider your dog’s personality in choosing to attend dog social. Group play can be overwhelming or overstimulating for some dogs.
Please bring vaccination records. We require an up-to-date DHPP and rabies. Bordetella is strongly recommended for your dog’s best protection, but not required.
Tuition: $10 per dog (max $20 per family), per visit – humans free!
NOTE: buy four socials, get the fifth FREE!
Any questions, please contact Donna at AFU@ThinkingOutsideTheCage.org.
No advance registration is required to attend dog socials; just come on over!
Please bring vaccination records. We require an up-to-date DHPP and rabies. Bordetella is strongly recommended for your dog’s best protection, but not required.

Teacup & Friends
2025-12-07 11:30 - 12:30, 2025-12-21 11:30 - 12:30, 2026-01-04 11:30 - 12:30 | Animal Friends Outreach, 562 CAMP HORNE RD, Building 1, PITTSBURGH, PA, 15237, United States
For dogs 4 months or older that are both people- and dog-friendly.
A special time for the tiny dogs and other small dogs who prefer a less active play style. This social is recommended for small shy dogs, younger pups and senior dogs to mingle with other dogs and people in the Outreach Center.
Requirements: No pre-registration. Bring vaccination records showing up-to-date DHPP and rabies. Bordetella is strongly recommended for your dog’s protection but not required.
Tuition: $10 per dog (max $20 per family) per visit – humans are free!
Special Offer: Buy four socials and get the fifth one free!
Any questions, please contact Donna at AFU@ThinkingOutsideTheCage.org.

Giving Week 2: Cats
2025-12-08 - 2025-12-14
Giving Weeks at Animal Friends: A Different Way to Make a Difference
This holiday season, we’re inviting our compassionate community to join us for Giving Weeks—a multi-week celebration of generosity, where each week highlights a different species or department that plays a vital role in caring for the animals who rely on us from December 3rd to January 2nd.
Every week brings a new opportunity to support a specific area of need, ensuring that every rabbit, cat, dog, and more receives the comfort, enrichment, and care they deserve.
Weekly Giving Focus:
Week 2: Cats From cozy bedding to canned food and litter, your support will help keep our feline residents healthy, comfortable, and ready to find their purr-fect homes.
Listed below are a few items that our resident felines would enjoy:
Purina Fancy Feast Wet Kitten Food
Purina Kitten Chow Dry Cat Food
Purina One Grain Free Pate Wet Kitten Food
Sheba Perfect Portions Wet Cat Food
INABA Churu Lickable Cat Treats
Meow Mix Chunks in Gravy Wet Cat Food
9 Lives Wet Cat Food
Meow Mix Indoor Healthy Dry Cat Food
Purina One Natural Dry Cat Food
Once you have donated, please fill out this form to enter to win a delicious Sarris Chocolate Basket. One free entry per donor. Runs Dec 3, 2025 – Jan 3, 2026. One winner will be pulled on Jan 5, 2026.

Small Dog Social
2025-12-10 11:00 - 12:00, 2025-12-17 11:00 - 12:00, 2026-01-07 11:00 - 12:00, 2026-01-14 11:00 - 12:00 | Animal Friends Outreach, 562 CAMP HORNE RD, Building 1, PITTSBURGH, PA, 15237, United States
For dogs 4 months or older that are both people- and dog-friendly.

Join other small dogs and their people for an hour of social time. Dog play increases social skills and provides lots of exercise and fun for the small dog crowd!
We define “small” dog as approximately 35 pounds or less. Also, consider your dog’s personality in choosing to attend dog social. Group play can be overwhelming or overstimulating for some dogs.
Requirements: No pre-registration. Bring vaccination records showing up-to-date DHPP and rabies. Bordetella is strongly recommended for your dog’s protection but not required.
Tuition: $10 per dog (max $20 per family) per visit – humans are free!
Special Offer: Buy four socials and get the fifth one free!
Any questions, please contact Donna at AFU@ThinkingOutsideTheCage.org.

Giving Week 3: Financial Donations
2025-12-15 - 2025-12-21
Giving Weeks at Animal Friends: A Different Way to Make a Difference
This holiday season, we’re inviting our compassionate community to join us for Giving Weeks—a multi-week celebration of generosity, where each week highlights a different species or department that plays a vital role in caring for the animals who rely on us from December 3rd to January 2nd.
Every week brings a new opportunity to support a specific area of need, ensuring that every rabbit, cat, dog, and more receives the comfort, enrichment, and care they deserve.
Weekly Giving Focus:
Week 3: Financial Donations Your monetary gifts make the biggest impact! This week supports our lifesaving programs—from medical care to humane education—ensuring we can continue to say “yes” to animals in need.
Click here to learn all the ways your donation can make a difference.
Once you have donated, please fill out this form to enter to win a delicious Sarris Chocolate Basket. One free entry per donor. Runs Dec 3, 2025 – Jan 3, 2026. One winner will be pulled on Jan 5, 2026.

Deck the Paws
2025-12-20 10:00 - 17:00
Deck the Paws at Animal Friends!
Saturday, December 20 | 10 AM – 5 PM
Get ready to jingle all the way to Animal Friends for our most festive celebration of the season! Join us for Deck the Paws, a full day of holiday cheer, furry friends and family fun.

What’s Happening:Day-of Adoption Promotions – Meet our adoptable animals and maybe even find your new best friend just in time for the holidays.Shelter Showcase – Get a behind-the-scenes look at the lifesaving work you support.Holiday Bake Sale – Treat yourself (and maybe grab a few gifts!) with delicious, homemade goodies.Humane Education Children’s Activities – Our Humane Education and Enrichment center will be open for you and your young child to explore. Or, for just $40, your child can join one of our Winter Workshops where our Humane Education staff will guide participants in some crafts, learning and hands-on fun for little animal lovers! To register, please visit our website. Wrapping Paper Clearance Sale – Stock up on festive wrap while supporting our animals!

New at Deck the Paws!

We’re excited to share that present wrapping has been added! For a small donation, our team will wrap your gifts in adorable holiday paper — all while supporting the animals in our care.

Food & Drinks: Urban Trails Coffee Truck | 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. Revival Chili Food Truck | 12 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Whether you’re sipping warm coffee, enjoying hearty chili, shopping for holiday goodies or meeting adorable adoptables, Deck the Paws is the perfect way to celebrate the season and support the animals who need us.

Come spread the cheer—we can’t wait to celebrate with you!

Giving Week 4: Dogs
2025-12-22 - 2025-12-28
Giving Weeks at Animal Friends: A Different Way to Make a Difference
This holiday season, we’re inviting our compassionate community to join us for Giving Weeks—a multi-week celebration of generosity, where each week highlights a different species or department that plays a vital role in caring for the animals who rely on us from December 3rd to January 2nd.
Every week brings a new opportunity to support a specific area of need, ensuring that every rabbit, cat, dog, and more receives the comfort, enrichment, and care they deserve.
Weekly Giving Focus:
Week 4: Dogs
Our canine companions count on you! Support this week helps us provide high-quality food, durable toys, training tools, comfy beds, and more for the dogs awaiting their second chance.
Listed below are a few items that our resident canines would enjoy:
Pedigree Choice cuts gravy adult wet dog food
Milk-Bone original dog treats medium
Purina Beneful small breed wet dog food
Purina One dry dog food lamb and rice
IAMS proactive health adult wet food chicken and rice
Purina One natural high-protein wet dog food
Large Dog Stroller
Once you have donated, please fill out this form to enter to win a delicious Sarris Chocolate Basket. One free entry per donor. Runs Dec 3, 2025 – Jan 3, 2026. One winner will be pulled on Jan 5, 2026.

Dine Out & Do Good for Animal Friends!
2025-12-23 16:30 - 21:30 | 20111 Route 19 in Cranberry Twp, 20111 Route 19 in Cranberry Twp
Dine Out & Do Good for Animal Friends! Looking for a feel-good way to celebrate the season?
Join us at Togyu Restaurant on Tuesday, December 23, where your meal does more than delight your taste buds — a portion of the proceeds from the evening will be donated to Animal Friends! Every bite helps provide care, comfort and second chances for animals in need. So gather your friends, make it a night out and turn dinner into a gift that truly gives back.
Togyu Asian Barbecue & Bar 20111 Route 19 in Cranberry Twp. Tuesday, December 23, 4:30-9:30 p.m.

Giving Week 5: Animal Enrichment
2025-12-29 - 2026-01-02
Giving Weeks at Animal Friends: A Different Way to Make a Difference
This holiday season, we’re inviting our compassionate community to join us for Giving Weeks—a multi-week celebration of generosity, where each week highlights a different species or department that plays a vital role in caring for the animals who rely on us from December 3rd to January 2nd.
Every week brings a new opportunity to support a specific area of need, ensuring that every rabbit, cat, dog, and more receives the comfort, enrichment, and care they deserve.
Weekly Giving Focus:
Week 5: Enrichment A mentally stimulated pet is a happy pet! This week focuses on donations that provide enrichment for all species in our care, from puzzle feeders to sensory toys and beyond.
Listed below are a few items that our residents would enjoy:
Shoelaces
Cat Combs
WOOF Party Popsicle
Kaytee Timothy Hay Blend Cubes
Woof Honest Dog Toy Antler
Joytale Dog Leash 6 FT
Fresh Step Clumping Litter
Once you have donated, please fill out this form to enter to win a delicious Sarris Chocolate Basket. One free entry per donor. Runs Dec 3, 2025 – Jan 3, 2026. One winner will be pulled on Jan 5, 2026.

On-Site Vaccine Clinic
2026-01-09 15:00 - 17:00
We are hosting an On-Site Vaccine Clinic on Friday, Jan. 9, from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. at our Animal Wellness Center (Building 2).
Please note there will be an administration fee of $15 per pet in addition to the cost of the vaccines.
Services Offered:
Rabies – $20
FVRCP – $20
FeLV– $20
DAPP – $20
Lepto – $20
Lyme – $25
Bordetella – $20
No sign-up necessary. A copy of an up-to-date rabies vaccination must be provided otherwise, the Rabies vaccine will need to be administered. Please note that a Rabies tag does not count as proof of vaccination. Questions? Call 412.847.7004

NEW! Puppy Playschool
2026-01-10 11:15 - 12:15, 2026-01-17 11:15 - 12:15
For puppies 6 months and under and their families. All sizes and breeds are welcome to attend.
Supervised playtime for puppies to build dog and people social skills. Pups will be divided into larger, more confident pups and small, shyer pups for playtime under the supervision of experienced, certified dog trainers. There will be several very short “training breaks” and a “potty break” for each group.
Requirements: No pre-registration required. Please bring vaccination records and some training treats to the social. Puppies must have a minimum of two DHPP vaccinations before attending.
Tuition: $15 per puppy, per visit – humans are free!
Visit our events page to find out when our dog socials are happening.
If you have questions about our course offerings or registration, please contact us at AFU@ThinkingOutsideTheCage.org or by phone at 412.847.7035.

Community Outreach - Sharpsburg
2026-01-12 10:00 - 14:00 | Roots of Faith, 800 Main St, Sharpsburg, PA, 15215, United States
Come discover what Animal Friends has to offer.

Visit us at Roots of Faith in Sharpsburg on Monday, Jan. 12, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Learn about all of the fantastic community programs that we offer and how we help support and engage pet guardians in and around your community.

Bunny Yoga
2026-01-16 18:00 - 19:00
Wind down from the week with a relaxing hoppy hour of Bunny Yoga with Jen, from Jen’s Yoga Zen! Practice your Sasangasana, or rabbit pose, with the professionals – our very own rabbit residents. Class will start promptly at 6 p.m. and will end around 7 p.m.

Please plan to bring your own yoga mat, water bottle and anything else you may need. Children 11 years or older are welcome to attend but must be accompanied by an adult and remain on their yoga mat during class. Giving the bunnies and fellow class participants a calm and comfortable environment is very important!

Any questions? Please email Kelly at kking@ThinkingOutsideTheCage.org

Register Here!

Benefit Concert for Animal Friends
2026-01-17 17:00 - 22:00 | Fermata Brewing, 918 Merchant Street, Ambridge, PA, 15003, United States
Join us at Fermata Taproom on January 17.
Four local bands are joining the party. PAPLŪ, Beach Boise, ID, Morning Dive, and Carini will be taking the stage from 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Plus, there will also be a raffle basket full of goodies from local businesses.
The best part is a portion of the proceeds from ticket sales and all proceeds from raffle tickets benefit Animal Friends.
