Who we are

A vision

​P.A.W.S.S. envisions a community where people experiencing homelessness and/or financial hardship who are also on their journey to sobriety, can access treatment and rehabilitation without the barrier of concern for their animals’ well-being, fostering both human and animal welfare through compassionate support services. 

and a mission

A person hugging a dog against a brick wall, the person wearing a dark hoodie and jacket, and the dog wearing a patterned bandana.

P.A.W.S.S. serves our community by removing barriers to sobriety. We provide temporary boarding and pet care for animals belonging to individuals seeking treatment who are experiencing financial hardship and/or housing insecurity.

  • PAWSS supports individuals who:

    • Are entering treatment or recovery services

    • Are experiencing financial hardship and/or housing insecurity

    • Have a pet they are unwilling to abandon

    • Need temporary support to focus fully on healing

  • PAWSS is not a typical animal rescue or paid boarding service. We provide temporary care with the goal of reunification.

    Our process includes:

    • Referral and intake screening

    • Matching pets with vetted temporary fosters

    • Providing food, supplies, and veterinary coordination

    • Ongoing communication and support

    • Reuniting pets with their people after treatment

    This structure protects clients, fosters, animals, and volunteers.

    • Compassion — We meet people where they are

    • Dignity — We respect autonomy and the human–animal bond

    • Accountability — Clear expectations and boundaries matter

    • Community — Recovery is stronger with support