Progressive Animal Welfare Services, Incorporated (PAWS ...



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Progressive Animal Welfare Services, Incorporated (PAWS) is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to enriching the lives of companion animals and their guardians. It has emerged from the leadership of the original founding organization, The Co-operative for Companion Animals. The goal of PAWS is to provide a wide range of services including assistance for pets of vulnerable individuals such as abused women, the homeless, mental health patients and the elderly. During times of crisis, these people and their pets especially need our support. PAWS has applied to the City of London in response to a “Request for Proposals” for the City’s Animal Welfare Services contract. Our the aim is to exceed the breadth and scope of the services while decreasing the reliance on the tax-base. PAWS aspires to the "No More Homeless Pets" philosophy where the number of healthy and adoptable pets killed is reduced to zero.

To our knowledge, there are no homeless or abused women’s shelters in Ontario, and perhaps in Canada, that accommodate pets. As a result, homeless/abused individuals with pets are forced to endure extreme temperatures and other dangers because they do no wish to leave their animal unattended and uncared for by entering a homeless shelter or care facility. Up to 48% of battered women have delayed their decision to leave, have not left or have returned to the abusive partner out of concern for their pets. Between 65 - 85% of women entering domestic abuse shelters report that the partner had injured or killed a family pet.  Children often protect their mothers and pets from being battered, which is associated with children’s future abuse of people, while the main concern expressed by children transitioning from domestic abuse is separation from and safety of their pet. Many patients suffering from mental health disorders or addictions do not enter or leave treatment/rehabilitation prematurely because of concern for their pet.

PAWS is working towards developing the first comprehensive program in Ontario, to our knowledge, that will support continuity of pet companionship for these disadvantaged individuals. Partner Community Agencies will identify animals at risk. A protocol will be developed by mutual agreement between PAWS and the Community Agencies regarding specifics for transfer of animals from guardian to PAWS, and then back to guardian. The Community Agency will ensure that appropriate documentation is signed by the guardian to transfer “Temporary Ownership” to PAWS. PAWS staff will provide all transport, care and housing for the animal, either in their Shelter or a “Co-operative for Companion Animals” foster home, as deemed most appropriate, until the Community Agency requests return of the animal. All costs for animal care at the PAWS Shelter, and emergency veterinary treatment performed at the PAWS Companion Animal Hospital/Shelter or referral veterinarian, will be covered by PAWS.

PAWS is excited about new partnerships with Mission Services of London, London Abused Women’s Centre, Women’s Community House, WOTCH Community Mental Health Services, and London Health Sciences Centre’s Mental Health Care Program, to assist them better serve the most vulnerable adults and children in our community.

We are most pleased to also partner with the London Homeless Coalition.

pawslondon.ca info@pawscanada.ca

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