Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Animal Coalition of Delaware County?
Founded in 2004, the Animal Coalition of Delaware County (ACDC) is a 501(c)(3), non-profit animal rescue organization primarily serving Pennsylvania’s Delaware County.
What does ACDC do?
ACDC rescues and places cats, dogs, rabbits, and guinea pigs in screened and loving foster homes where they are socialized and well-cared for until they find permanent adoptive families. The organization pays for all veterinary care (i.e., veterinary examinations, vaccinations, spaying and neutering if old enough, any necessary testing such as Feline Leukemia 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.
How many animals has ACDC rescued?
Since its founding, ACDC estimates it has rescued and found homes for more than 1,600 animals.


Who runs ACDC?
ACDC is run entirely 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, help with fund-raisers, and more. ACDC is governed by Board of Directors, also composed of volunteers.
Why was ACDC founded?
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. The founders of ACDC wanted to start their own rescue group because they felt they could offer people additional options due to their model of fostering animals.
Where do the animals that ACDC rescues live?
Until they find permanent adoptive families, the animals that ACDC rescues live in ‘foster homes.’ These are ACDC volunteers who have been 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 means more animals can be rescued.
Where does ACDC rescue the animals from?
The animals ACDC rescues come from a variety of situations. Often times, 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 are overpopulated.

Where can the animals ACDC has available for adoption be seen?
You can always visit the ACDC website, www.acdc.ws, to see all of the animals available for adoption. You can also meet a handful of the animals by visiting the organization’s Adoption Center located at the PetSmart in the Marple Crossings Shopping Center at 400 S. State Road in Springfield, Pa. In addition, ACDC has many outreach events at local pet stores such as PetCo, PetSmart, and Braxton’s, where you can meet some of the animals.
How do people adopt an animal from ACDC?
You will need to complete an application, which will be processed within four to five business days. You can complete the application on the ACDC website or download one to fill in by hand. Applications are also available at the Adoption Center at the PetSmart in the Marple Crossings Shopping Center. The organization takes the adoption of its animals very seriously, as the animals have been rescued and it is essential that they be placed in loving homes where they will be well-cared for for the rest of their lives.
Why should people adopt through ACDC?
The animals that ACDC rescues live in foster homes. Caring for the animals in foster homes ensures that they are socialized, become used to human contact, and are or have grown to be quite affectionate. ACDC’s foster parents know each animal’s personality very well—ACDC knows if an animal is good with children or other animals, if they are independent or require a lot of attention. As a result, the organization is able to match adopters with pets that best suit them.
How much does it cost to adopt an animal from ACDC?
When you adopt through ACDC, the animal(s) you adopt will have received a thorough veterinary exam, be up-to-date on their vaccinations, have been spayed or neutered if they are old enough, and received any necessary testing (i.e., Cats are tested for Feline Leukemia). Adoption fees are:

·  $100 for a cat

·  $250 for a dog

·  $300 for a puppy

·  $60 for a rabbit

·  $25 for a guinea pig

How is ACDC funded?
ACDC is supported entirely by donations from the public. Several fund-raising 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 for which ACDC cares.