(Philadelphia, PA) – The Animal Care & Control Team of Philadelphia (ACCT Philly) is encouraging animal lovers across the city and beyond to make a donation this #GivingTuesday, November 28th, to the shelter’s medical fund for homeless pets, the Stella Fund. The Stella Fund provides simple yet lifesaving veterinary care, diagnostics, and procedures to sick and injured pets, giving them a second chance.

“At an under-resourced shelter like ACCT Philly, a pet with a treatable injury is at risk for euthanasia if we cannot provide care or find a live exit,” said Vincent Medley, ACCT Philly Executive Director.  “The Stella Fund helps us provide lifesaving medical care to homeless pets who literally have no one else.”

ACCT Philly is an open admission animal shelter contracted by the City of Philadelphia to perform animal control, required to accept and provide services to more than 23,000 animals that come through their doors annually. Despite a limited budget and tight resources, the shelter has managed to decrease euthanasia rates every year since 2012, and pledges to continue to develop and expand efforts like the Stella Fund to save Philadelphia’s homeless pets.

Make a donation to the ACCT Philly Stella Fund on #GivingTuesday, November 28th, online at www.acctphilly.org/givingtuesday or call 267-385-3800 x136.  Mailed-in checks with “#GivingTuesday” recorded in the memo area will go directly to the Stella Fund.

Named after a beloved cat adopted from ACCT Philly, the Stella Fund provides medical care to homeless dogs and cats who have no one else. With simple surgeries or treatments, the Stella Fund transforms hurting pets into healthy, adoptable animals, allowing the shelter to focus on finding them forever homes.  Since it’s creation in 2013, the Stella Fund has provided lifesaving care to hundreds of pets.

#GivingTuesday is a day of global giving fueled by the power of social media and collaboration. Celebrated on the Tuesday following Thanksgiving and the widely recognized shopping events Black Friday and Cyber Monday, #GivingTuesday kicks off the charitable season, when many focus on their holiday and end-of-year giving. This is ACCT Philly’s third year participating in this international event.

More information about the Stella Fund and #GivingTuesday can be found at www.acctphilly.org/givingtuesday or by emailing media@acctphilly.org.