The PAWS shelter has come a long way since PAWS began adopting puppies and kittens from a small Lynnwood thrift store in 1967.

PAWS is adopting more animals than ever before. Last year 3,655 cats and dogs were adopted; more animals than any year in PAWS’s history. This year is shaping up to be just as successful. A big reason for this success has been PAWS Cat City in Seattle. “We had so many cats needing homes, “says Kay Joubert, PAWS Companion Animal Services Director, “that we transformed our old thrift store into Seattle’s first cat colony center. Now nearly 900 cats and kittens a year find homes through this unique feline adoption facility.”

Another key shelter program is the PAWS Seniors for Seniors program, which helps match older animals with older folks. “We had never focused on connecting with the seniors of our community,” says Kay, “and never effectively promoted the joys of having a senior animal in their home. This program gives us the ability to do both.

Much of the PAWS Shelter’s recent success has been with a program designed to help the most needy animals. “A quarter of all of our animals go through our Foster Care program,” says Kay. “We do it with a part-time staff person and a dedicated group of 400 amazing volunteers. We save so many lives with this program.”

Volunteers are the hallmark of the Companion Animal Services department. “We couldn’t do what we do without our wonderful volunteers,” says Kay. “In addition to foster care volunteers, we have more than 200 volunteers who dedicate more than 2,000 hours a month."