PAWS - Protection Of Animals In Wakefield Society, Inc.

Protection of Animals in Wakefield Society, Inc. (PAWS) is an all-volunteer, non-profit foster network based in Wakefield, Massachusetts. Our mission is to promote and protect the rights and well-being of all domestic animals and wildlife, and to foster a greater understanding of animal welfare and animal rights. PAWS responds to animal-related needs in Wakefield, Reading, Lynnfield, Stoneham, and surrounding communities. PAWS receives no local, state or federal funding, depending entirely on adoption services, annual fundraising efforts, and kind donations from friends and supporters. PAWS provides the following services to the community: Humane response line: linking our members and the public to our volunteers to help find solutions for animal-related questions and issues. On average, PAWS responds to more than 6,000 phone and email messages every year. Pet adoptions and re-homing: matching pets and people for companionship. Since 1982, PAWS has helped more than 12,500 local cats, dogs, guinea pigs, ferrets, birds and other animals-in-need, providing food, shelter, medical care, and foster homes until forever homes could be found. Low-cost spay/neuter: PAWS works with the community to ensure that pet guardians have access to affordable spay/neuter and vet-care options for their companion pets. Feral colony management: PAWS works with the community to ensure that free-roaming cats are spayed or neutered, vaccinated, and provided with food and appropriate shelter. Community outreach and education: PAWS provides educational opportunities for schools and the community regarding animal welfare and animal-related issues.