What Is P.A.W.S.?

  Mission Statement

Our mission is to provide comprehensive services for the therapeutic companion animals of low income persons who are elderly, disabled or chronically-ill while serving as a resource for these often isolated and vulnerable individuals to access services that improve their well-being. 

  Vision Statement

PAWS envisions a world where it is universally accepted that Helping Pets = Helping People. Where animal care, health care and social service providers work collaboratively to address human wellness and strengthen the human-animal bond. Where volunteers feel empowered and successfully advance the well-being of people and pets in need.  Where our services are broad enough that we positively impact people and pets we may never see.

  Core Values

1.  Care, compassion, and respect for all living things. -- Dignity & Independence    

2.  Promotion of the human-animal bond.

3.  Collaboration with others in pursuit of our vision.

4.  Accountability for the resources entrusted to us.

5.  Recognition of staff, volunteers and community as a vital resource.

  What We Do

P.A.W.S. believes in the human-animal bond.  Not only do pets provide friendship and company, but they also help us heal.  The therapeutic properties of being around pets has been widely documented.  Physical and mental health benefits are numerous.  They bring us out of depression; make us laugh; get us out of the house to excercise and give us a sense of responsibility.

Each month P.A.W.S. volunteers deliver free pet food, litter and other supplies to clients across the county.  With up to two companion animals per client, more than 86,000 pounds of food were delivered last year!  Pet food is donated by pet stores, shelters and humane societies with excess, but the bulk of it comes from individuals, schools and community groups.  We also purchase Vet Prescibed food and allergy formula food for our special-needs companion animals.  Unfortunately, litter has an endless shelf life so we receive few donations of scoopable cat litter.  P.A.W.S. spends more than $12,000 each year on scoopable litter!

Over $50,000 in vet vouchers are sent out each year to help with the care of client companion animals.  Each companion animal receives up to $200 each year for veterinary care.  Over 100 vet clinics and hospitals provide care to our client's companion animals, most at a reduced cost, so that even if their pet is completely healthy, they are getting a veterinarian to give a full exam to their pet each year. 

We also provide information to the general public as well as our clients on pet-related resources, social service resources and more. 

Most of all, we provide hope and a feeling of confidence for our clients who may not know how to provide for their pet without us.

  Donate with Confidence!

PAWS San Diego is entirely funded through individual donors, volunteer pet food drives, special events, foundation grants and local San Diego businesses. As a non-profit with less than a $260,000 annual operating budget, we fall well below the IRS requirement ($350,000+) for Audited financial statements. However, to ensure transparency, compliance and donor confidence, PAWS completes and files an annual 990 and completes a comprehensive bi-annual financial review, on even numbered years. To view our 990 on-line, please visit www.guidestar.org For more information about our most current financial review or current financial statements, please contact paws.ed@pawssdc.org. 
501(C)3 Information: Nonprofit Tax I.D. #33-0632209