The bond between people and their pets is precious; it enhances mental and physical health, strengthens social connections, and improves the wellbeing of the community as a whole. It deserves to be protected, regardless of a pet owner’s resources or socio-economic status, which is what drives the Philadelphia Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) to prevent pets from entering shelters in the first place through its Safety Net programs, and to rescue the most vulnerable pets from the city shelter and match them with loving homes. To support both efforts, its Paw it Forward fundraising campaign will return for its third year, from August 6-8, 2024.

As the city’s largest rescue partner and provider of affordable veterinary care, PAWS is calling on animal lovers to celebrate the bond they share with their pets by paying it forward, ensuring others can preserve or find that same joy.

With shelter intake in Philadelphia alarmingly high, providing support for families to keep their beloved pets at home where they are loved – despite the challenging life circumstances they may be facing – is more important than ever. Donations to Paw it Forward will support Safety Net programs for pet owners such as subsidized veterinary care, temporary foster care, behavioral support and guidance, and PAWS’ pet pantry, which provides food, litter, and other supplies at no cost. All are aimed at making shelter surrender a last resort.

When Adell, the loving owner of three large dogs, learned about PAWS’ pet food pantry, it was a lifeline. She immediately visited us, and the food she received for her pups meant she could use her income to keep her dogs and the rest of her family happy and healthy.

PAWS launched its Safety Net Foster Program in 2022 to assist pet owners going through times of transition. Temporary care for their beloved animals in PAWS’ foster homes, while they get resettled or manage a difficult situation, provides pet owners with peace of mind, keeps animals out of shelters, and makes joyous reunions possible.

Brittini and her cats Simba and Smokey, who were experiencing homelessness and living in their car, were the first family to find solace in PAWS’ Safety Net foster program. After only six weeks, Brittini was settled into an apartment and ready to be reunited with her beloved cats. Since then, PAWS has supported more than 100 families by providing temporary care for 166 cats and dogs, and more than half have resulted in reunions. When reunions prove impossible, pets are matched with adoptive homes where they will be equally cherished and loved, and owners can find some relief knowing their pets are safe as they continue taking care of themselves.

Since launching its pet pantry in 2020, PAWS has distributed hundreds of thousands of pounds of food and litter, supporting over 10,000 households. Michelle Green’s is one of them. Green receives food for her two cats, Midnight and Tabitha. After being diagnosed with a health condition, her two cats have been an extra special source of emotional support. “I hope PAWS can continue this program,” says Green. “My best friend Heather and I started going during the pandemic when the price of everything went up. I would absolutely recommend utilizing PAWS’ pet food pantry program. I’ve referred several people I know, and I let them know how wonderful Allison and her team [at PAWS] are.”

PAWS staff work to develop relationships with community members, making the organization a trusted resource people can turn to — and refer their neighbors, friends, and family to — when new needs arise. Often, in accommodating one type of need, such as affordable veterinary care, it becomes clear that a pet owner is facing additional challenges that can be eased with other forms of support that PAWS offers. This holistic approach is crucial to PAWS’ ultimate goal of keeping animals out of shelters and offering safe haven to those who have nowhere else to go.

“Countless beloved pets are safe, healthy, and in their homes where they belong, thanks to our rescue and safety net efforts,” says Lauren Hanak, PAWS’ director of development. “Donations in support of Paw it Forward will ensure we can grow these important programs, offering hope to animals whose lives depend on it and to the people who love them.”

For the second year in a row, PAWS is deeply grateful to the Landenberger Family Foundation for their generous support of Paw it Forward and its Safety Net efforts. As a 100% privately funded nonprofit, the Foundation’s support is invaluable to PAWS’ lifesaving mission.

“The Landenberger Family Foundation honors the legacy of its namesake founder by giving to organizations that provide for the welfare of those in greatest need, including pets and their humans,’’ says Joseph Glyn, the foundation’s co-director. “Through its critical, lifesaving services, PAWS helps create a healthier, happier, more humane and loving (and adorable) society. We hope you will join the Landenberger Family Foundation and Paw it Forward!”

As thanks for providing care to Philadelphia’s pets and families in need, donors to Paw it Forward can receive a special care package, full of treats for humans and pets to enjoy, as well as an exclusive invitation to PAWS’ first ever Summer Soirée. For details about Paw it Forward campaign and how you can get involved with PAWS, please visit phillypaws.org/pawitforward.