‘We are deeply grateful’: PAWS reopens after deadly parking garage collapse in Grays Ferry

The Philadelphia Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) reopened its doors on Friday after being closed for days due to the deadly collapse of a parking garage in Grays Ferry.

On Thursday, April 16, PAWS staff posted an update on their Facebook page to inform the community that they were resuming their normal services after the facility was deemed safe to access and Grays Ferry Avenue reopened.

PAWS said while the reopening is an “important step forward,” the team and the whole community is still mourning the deaths of the three workers who lost their lives in the partial collapse on April 8.

“Our hearts remain with their loved ones and all those affected by this devastating loss,” the staff wrote.

The organization also thanked the community for their support in safely evacuating every animal in the building and for those who stepped up to care for them during the closure.

“We are deeply grateful for your patience, compassion, and support over the past week,” PAWS said.

Staff said as cleanup efforts continue at the demolition site, 30th Street remains closed, as does the 30th Street exit to the shelter’s parking lot.

For that reason, PAWS encouraged visitors to enter and exit through their entrance on Grays Ferry Avenue. The facility doesn’t have full access to the parking lot, so parking spots are limited.