Mixed Breed Dogs Available for Adoption in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Marty is a sensitive boy who is still learning to trust the world around him. He may be a little unsure at first, but beneath his nervous exterior is a pup who simply needs time, patience, and kindness to feel safe.
When meeting new people, Marty prefers to take things slow. He's cautious but shows curiosity, especially when treats are involved. While he's not yet seeking out attention or play, he's taking small steps toward confidence every day. On walks, he's more interested in sniffing and exploring than socializing, and he'll need a patient handler to help him feel secure.
Marty would thrive in a calm, understanding home where he can decompress and build trust at his own pace. With time, consistency, and a gentle touch, he has the potential to blossom into a loving and loyal companion.

Meet Marty at ACCT Philly any day of the week from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

BEHAVIOR NOTES:
03/16/2025 volunteer notes: I had the best time with Marty today! He was curled up asleep on his bed. He keeps his kennel so tidy! I really wanted to take him out as he likely hadn't been out for some time while waiting for test results to rule out pneumonia. Once I woke him Marty was easy to leash. Outside he sniffed for a long time. He seemed afraid of other dogs, he tucked his tail when he saw them. Once we got to the side walk he took off with some energetic running. He can be strong on the leash but I didn't have any trouble. Marty enjoyed running and when we stopped he leaned on me for pets. He is a very gentle treat taker and licked all the peanut butter off my hand for me. I loved spending time with Marty today.

03/16/2025 staff notes: A volunteer mentioned that they took Marty out for a jog, and he did great! Though they were initially cautious due to his stress levels (they noticed especially his reddened eyes), they had no issues whatsoever. If he began to get overaroused, she'd address him as "Martin!" and he'd ease back down.

03/09/2025 volunteer notes:
KENNEL PRESENTATION:
Marty was sleeping facing the opposite on his bed in the front of the kennel when I approached. I called for his attention and he woke up to approach the door. He accepted a treat through the bars. I opened the kennel door and he retreated to the back side of the kennel. I tried to get low and encourage him to approach the leash but he did not budge past the threshold. I threw treats towards him. He ate the treats that landed near him but would not approach me to eat treats closer to me. His ears were back and his eyes were wide. Other dogs in his row were quite vocal so I decided to try on the other side. I closed the divider, went around and opened the door. He was standing at the door way and I was able to leash him with no issue.

LEASH SKILLS:
Pulls minimally - nervous on leash, needed direction.

HANDLING :
I initially took Marty outside because it does not appear he had been out yet. He was only interested in sniffing in the yard. He was avoidant of his handler and did not solicit any attention. He did not take treats. He was not interested in toys or play. He was flighty and dodgey not allowing the handler close enough to attempt to pet him. When the handler went to pick up the leash, he lowered his body and flinched. I walked Marty out of the yard and went for walk around the parking lot. He continued to focus on sniffing only. He did flinch at any sudden movement or sound. I noticed he was starting to salivate and his face & eyes were red. I stopped by the play yard where playgroup was happening to see if he was on their list. He approached the fence and low growled at two dogs who were in the group. The dogs seemed to hyperfixate and ended up redirecting on each other. It was decided that Marty would not be a good fit for the current play group so we returned to his kennel. He seemed uncomfortable with me reaching over his head to clip the leash but he allowed it. He initially put on the breaks when I opened the door to the kennel but I threw a special treat inside and he followed it. I was able to remove his leash using the clip method with no issues.

PLAY:
No interest

TOYS:
No interest

03/08/2025 finder noted Marty to be "friendly"

ACCT Philly is located at 111 West Hunting Park Ave in. We are open for adoptions 7 days a week. Please visit www.acctphilly.org/adopt for details.

If you are a rescue interested in pulling this animal, please email our lifesaving team, or visit here if you are not currently a rescue partner: https://acctphilly.org/acct-philly-love-local-partnership-program/

Confirmed placement is considered a confirmation of an actual rescue pull. Possible placement, interested parties, and other "TBD" statuses are not considered confirmed and do not indicate an animal is no longer urgent.


All animals at ACCT Philly are from Philadelphia, as the only open-intake animal shelter in Philadelphia, we are not able to accept animals from outside of Philadelphia. ACCT Philly's Pennsylvania kennel license number is 08313

The mixed breed dogs, often referred to as mutts, are a diverse and unique group with a blend of different characteristics from various purebred dog breeds. These dogs come from a mixture of lineages, resulting in a wide range of sizes, coat types, and temperaments. While each mixed breed dog is distinct in its own right, they are known for their resilience, adaptability, and often have fewer health issues compared to purebred dogs due to their genetic diversity. Mixed breed dogs make wonderful companions for families looking for a loyal and one-of-a-kind pet.

Animal Care & Control Team of Philadelphia is the region's largest high-volume, open-admission animal shelter.  Open every single day of...