Welcome to PAWS 

The Public Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) was founded in 1976.  We are a 501(c)3 non-profit organization considered to be one of Ohio’s most reputable long-standing cat and dog humane rescue groups. 

Our group is dedicated to the rescue of pets in Northeastern Ohio. Our mission is to rescue stray and/or abused cats and dogs and place them in good homes. It is a PAWS policy to adopt animals to responsible homes only in the greater Cleveland area. We provide medical care to rescued animals and foster them in our own homes. We also make sure that they are spayed or neutered so that they do not continue the cycle of births that result in more pets than homes. The advantage of adopting a fostered animal is that we know all about our adoptable pets! They have lived with us and we know their personalities, habits, likes and dislikes. We can help you find the perfect companion for your home and lifestyle!   We are a no kill organization (the only time we euthanize is on the advice of a vet in order to end suffering where no hope of recovery exists). Everything we do is out of love for the animals. 

PAWS philosophy is that kindness to animals helps build a better world for all of us.  Through the generosity of other caring individuals, we can ensure that animals who come into the care of PAWS will never again be alone, hungry, sick, afraid, or in pain.

Our mission is ….

• To provide for the welfare, medical care, temporary housing, and adoption of dogs and cats in northeast Ohio.

• To Work for the prevention of cruelty to all animals.

• To work to form coalitions and working relationships with other local and national humane organizations.

• To actively create, promote and implement a humane education program.

• To reduce the over population of cats and dogs in northeast Ohio through education.