The History of PAWS Adoption Center
The Progressive Animal Welfare Society, now better known as PAWS Adoption Center, was originally formed by a small group of concerned animal lovers in 1980.
Our goal is to establish a dog and cat adoption center that does not utilize euthanasia. In addition to wanting to provide a no-kill alternative, years ago, PAWS’ founders realized the importance of providing spay/neuter and medical treatment for all animals in their care.
Having established its goals, PAWS moved into an existing dog boarding kennel. A trailer was added to provide office space and housing for cats.
In 1989, the trailer was replaced by expanding the original kennel, and since then all animals have been housed in the same building. (The picture to the left is from our OLD Middletown Ohio facility, taken in 2010.)
In 2014, after years of planning and hard work, we moved to our new, spacious building in Monroe, OH. With this more visible location, our adoptions tripled!
PAWS Adoption Center earned the Gold Level of Transparency award for GuideStar in 2018.
PAWS Adoption Center has Operated for Over 40 Years!
Our Adoption Center Goals from the start still remain:
PAWS was established as a “no-kill” animal shelter and remains so to this day. Our founders were ahead of their time – few “no-kill” shelters existed over 40 years ago, and today the “no- kill” movement is popular and growing steadily. PAWS salutes the many shelters in this country who are working to make this country a “no-kill” country.
The PAWS mission is to address the issue of pet overpopulation by providing a no-kill shelter for dogs and cats dedicated to the reduction of homeless pets by promoting adoption, spay/neuter, and responsible pet ownership. Our long term goal is to continue to find forever homes for lovable, adoptable pets. We also want to increase our impact on the communities we serve to provide educational avenues for responsible pet ownership.
PAWS serves animals and families in the Butler, Warren and surrounding counties. 95% of the animals coming to PAWS are pulled from kill-shelters locally and from Pendleton and Estill counties in Kentucky. PAWS has developed strong relationships with these animal shelters to save as many adoptable pets as possible. The other 5% are brought in as owner-surrendered animals that are in danger of being euthanized at the county shelter as their last option.
PAWS Promotions & Animal Adoption Center Events
~ PAWS has built relationships with other local media such as Journal News.
~ PAWS has a strong connection with local police departments, including Trenton and Monroe, to help lost animals find their way back to their owners.
~ PAWS collaborates with other rescues. In 2016 PAWS provided food for 1,950 shelter animals from 26 county-supported and privately-funded shelters and rescues in Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana.
~ PAWS frequently has representatives talk with local schools about the problem of pet overpopulation and the importance a spaying/neutering your pet.
~ PAWS organizes annual events to connect with our community. One popular annual event is our Barks, Bourbon, and Spirits event.
~ PAWS initiated a Puppy Training pilot program in June 2018. We have engaged a Dog Behaviorist to work with some of our longer-term residents. These dogs are not aggressive, however, they exhibit behaviors that make them challenging and therefore, harder to adopt. The Behaviorist has been instrumental in giving these dogs better behaviors which eventually led to adoption.
~ Cat Chat Society Literacy Program – gives elementary school children a safe, non-judgmental environment to develop their reading skills and confidence. 135 students participated in 2016.
~ Visiting Companions – in 2016, we provided companion animal visits to residents of four (4) local nursing homes. PAWs Animal Adoption Center also provided companion animal visits to 78 private residents in Butler, Warren, and Hamilton Counties. This program was suspended in 2017 for want of a coordinator. We would like to resurrect this program in the future, especially focusing on senior animals visiting senior individuals, providing love and companionship.
FAQ about Our Animal Shelter
PAWS recognizes that no adoptable animal should be euthanized if it can be adopted into a suitable home.
A treatable animal includes any animal that is not adoptable but that could become adoptable, with reasonable efforts.
All PAWs animals receive veterinary care.
This includes spay/neuter as part of the standard care package.
PAWS adopts to all demographics.
This includes seniors. Seniors are often turned away from other adoption centers because of concerns about the animal’s care after the owner passes. PAWS offers an Animal Bequest Program and also a return option for adopters.
PAWS has a screening process.
We avoid adoptions to those who are known to be irresponsible or abusive toward animals.
PAWS has a return policy.
If a pet isn’t working out, we will take them back.
PAWS does not receive any type of tax-based funding for operations or any other purpose.
We are 100% funded by the generous donations of animal lovers, and by special fundraising events and occasional grants. Private donors gave PAWS enough to pay down the facility mortgage plus additional for vetting. The absence of debt means that PAWS can focus its efforts and financial resources directly on the animals. PAWS was even featured in an episode of the Dave Ramsey Show because if it.
If you have not guessed, we love animals!
If you have any other questions, please contact the volunteers at PAWS!