Pet Animal Welfare Society of Connecticut (PAWS)

Paws's efforts are focused on 4 critical needs: 1) rescue & safe shelter - supported by 230 trained volunteers and 60 very experienced foster families. Paws believes in the five freedoms all animals deserve: a) freedom from hunger and thirst access to fresh water and dietb) freedom from discomfort providing an appropriate environment including shelter and a comfortable resting area.c) freedom from pain, injury or disease prevention or rapid diagnosis and treatmentd) freedom to express normal behavior providing sufficient space, proper facilities, and company of the Animal's own kinde) freedom from fear and distress ensuring conditions and treatment which avoid mental suffering.2) medical support - including an in-house spay/neuter and dental clinic to treat paws pets before they are available for adoption. Pets receive vaccinations, spay/neuter surgery, and a microchip along with other medical treatment. Paws also supports outsourced medical procedures those procedures that paws cannot do in-house like x-rays, ultrasounds, etc. 3) outreach and education for the humane treatment of all animals, including our tnr (trap/neuter/return) program dedicated to reducing and managing the numbers of feral and stray cats in our community. Feral cats are trapped, spay/neutered, and then returned to their original territory. Friendly adults and young kittens can be placed for adoption.4) adoptions and foster programs: every adoption requires an approved application and at least one scheduled visit with an adoption counselor to our shelter. The requests for dog and cat owner surrenders have increased post covid with the financial challenges of the Pet owner owners. Adoption counselors strive to find the right Pet for every home and the right home for every Pet. Our foster program targets our most vulnerable animals, including those who are sick, injured, and too young for adoption or in need of extra socialization. Our greatest need is placement for our pregnant cats/dogs, moms with nursing kittens/puppies, and kittens/puppies too young to thrive in the shelter.5) volunteering: individuals part of the volunteer program are trained to assist in cleaning and socializing for the cats; socializing and exercising the dogs; coordinate day trips for dogs; coordinating dogs to attend community events paws is participating in; processing adoption applications by making calls to references; laundry duties; greeter for reading to rescues program. Our fosters are also volunteer based.