Second Chances Are Made Possible Thanks to Foster Families

Do you ever wonder where our adoptable animals come from? The majority arrives at PAWS via regular transports from overcrowded shelters across the country. By coming to PAWS, these cats and dogs are spared from euthanasia and given a second chance for a happy life. Periodically, animals are transferred to PAWS due to natural disasters that impact shelters and rescue organizations in areas with severe weather. PAWS has accepted hundreds of cats and dogs over the years from places affected by hurricanes and flooding. We would not have capacity to provide care for these animals without an extensive volunteer foster program. At any given time, two dozen cats or dogs might reside at the PAWS shelter, but a hundred or more are preparing for adoption while living with foster families.

Foster care for shelter animals offers several benefits for both the animals and the animal welfare system. First, it reduces stress. Living in a shelter can be

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