JACKSON, Wyo. — PAWS understands that when an animal suffers, there is usually a person on the other end of the leash who needs help, too.

That is why on Friday, June 28, more than 200 passionate pet lovers will gather at the residence of PAWS’ Board Chair to celebrate PAWS’ 25th anniversary and to raise crucial funds for the social services PAWS provides.

The PAWS DIFFERENCE is a holistic approach to animal welfare. Serving as both a shelter for homeless pets and a resource center for pet owners in need, PAWS is a nurturing environment where the well-being of animals and their human companions are intertwined.

When local pet owners in Jackson, Teton Valley and Star Valley face financial hardship with unexpected vet bills, PAWS provides financial aid. When victims of domestic violence need a safe place to harbor their pets, PAWS provides safe shelter. PAWS offers low-cost vouchers for spay and neuter procedures and when homeless animals are in need, PAWS’ open admission shelter is a haven for those who have been abandoned, lost or surrendered.

“The PAWS DIFFERENCE lies in our comprehensive approach to local animal welfare issues. That’s why for 25 years, our social services have always been at the core of our mission.”

Eunice Nicholson, Sr. Director of Philanthropy at PAWS

PAWS is currently helping more than 1,100 local animals and their families each year, but this kind of growth comes with added responsibility. PAWS annual budget has increased and in the near future, PAWS will begin plans to replace the 35-year-old animal shelter.

Funds raised at the upcoming gala will be directed to the following life-saving initiatives:

  • Veterinary care at the shelter to ensure every pet is spayed, neutered, vaccinated, microchipped and treated for critical illnesses
  • Community-wide, low-cost Spay/Neuter voucher program, which will provide 700 surgeries to prevent thousands of unwanted pets from being born every year
  • Animal care supplies at the shelter, including sanitation supplies, food, microchips, tags and enrichment toys
  • The essential work of our Animal Care staff who feed our animals, administer medications, walk dogs, provide enrichment activities and clean and sanitize the facility
  • Two of PAWS’ most important safety programs: SafePAWS and Disaster Animal Response. These programs offer safety and crisis intervention for people in trouble, such as those leaving abusive homes or dealing with displacement after wildfires
  • The iconic Mutt Mitt Program, which maintains 25 local Mutt Mitt stations weekly. Since its inception, this program has removed an estimated 2.5 million pounds of dog waste from local trails, preventing it from contaminating our water

So, join PAWS! Come share a passion for pets, come support the PAWS mission to help local pets and pet owners in need, come celebrate the 25th anniversary with PAWS and party like it’s 1999!

Learn more about the PAWS Pet Gala and don’t forget to purchase raffle tickets to enter a chance to win a trip to Tuscany, Italy.