Pennsylvania church’s Animal Cabin gives shelter animals, caretakers a quiet break from the cage

The Animal Cabin at St. Thomas’ Episcopal Church in Whitemarsh, Pennsylvania, is a day respite space for shelter, rescue and foster dogs on the parish’s 42-acre campus. Photo: St. Thomas’ Episcopal Church/Facebook

[Episcopal News Service] St. Thomas’ Episcopal Church in Whitemarsh, Pennsylvania, expanded its animal ministry by launching the Animal Cabin, a respite space for shelter, rescue and foster dogs on the parish’s 42-acre campus.

Thousands of stray animals enter shelters throughout the Philadelphia area annually. In 2025, ACCT Philly, the city’s only open intake animal shelter, recorded more than 20,000 intakes. Shelters can be stressful for animals because they are confined to loud, crowded spaces. This often triggers anxiety and behavioral issues in animals. Through this designated quiet space, the ministry aims to give these canines a chance to exercise and spend more time outdoors while they wait to be adopted into their “furever” homes.

“The power of being around animals and the love they bring, it’s a gift that I can’t even put into words,” Jennifer Tucker, the Diocese of Pennsylvania’s canon for communications and a chaplain for veterinarians, previously told Episcopal News Service. Tucker also serves on a Philadelphia pet shelter’s board and helps run both the diocese’s and St. Thomas’ animal ministries.

Year-round, caretakers ages 18 and older can reserve the free cabin for eight hours a day, Sundays through Thursdays, by filling out an online form or calling the Diocese of Pennsylvania. One dog may use the cabin per day. A prayer space is also available. Volunteers clean the cabin between each visit. Walking on the church’s property is also encouraged.

Animal bereavement groups and owners needing temporary support for their pets may also reserve the Animal Cabin.

Inside the Animal Cabin, which opened in March and is enclosed in a fenced-in yard, are dog treats, a desk, Wi-Fi, a mini refrigerator, pet-safe plants and a TV set to Animal Planet.

Plans to develop the Animal Cabin began in 2023, when the Diocese of Pennsylvania launched its Animal Ministry to connect owners, caretakers and pets in the Greater Philadelphia region through adoption and foster events. The ministry also helps provide access to free and low-cost vaccines, pet food and more.

“Domesticated animals are inherently dependent on us,” Gutiérrez previously told ENS. 

The diocesan ministry inspired parishes to establish their own ministries. St. Thomas’ ministry additionally offers short- and long-term fostering assistance, pet supplies and vaccines. The church also hosts dog and cat adoption events for local animal organizations. Additionally, St. Thomas’ provides resources for pet owners and foster parents to receive low-cost or free food, medical supplies and veterinary treatment, including spay and neuter services.

St. Thomas’ also occasionally hosts social “Yappy Hours” events to help broaden local foster networks.

-Shireen Korkzan is a reporter and assistant editor for Episcopal News Service. She can be reached at skorkzan@episcopalchurch.org.