Causes: Animal Protection & Welfare, Animal-Related, Animals

Mission: Operation Paws for Homes, Inc. rescues dogs and cats of all breeds and ages from shelters that lack needed resources, reducing the numbers being euthanized. Most of our dogs and cats come from rural shelters in NC, SC, AL, TN, MS, VA, GA. We also work with shelters in India. Without rescue intervention the shelters are forced to euthanize anywhere between 50% and 90% of the animals that come in the front door. We also partner with shelters located in Virginia and Maryland. Our program takes a holistic approach to rescue. OPH is much more than rescue. We have programs to assist shelters in needs of resources with supplies as well as community spay and neuter. Our children’s education program is geared towards helping children understand about pet care and safe interactions. Our organization provides pet adoption services to families located in Virginia, Washington DC, Maryland, Southern Pennsylvania, and neighboring states. OPH does not operate a shelter or have a physical location. We rely on foster families who open their homes to give love and attention to each dog before finding a forever home. Through the foster care program, we are able to learn about each animal and their needs and we provide their potential and future adopters with this information. We believe in responsible adoptions and strive to work with each adopter to find a good match for their home and lifestyle. Operation Paws for Homes, a volunteer powered 501(c)(3) organization, is 100% donor funded. We receive no funding from federal, state, or county governments. As a result, we rely on donations and our adoption fees in order to save the dogs and cats in need that join our rescue organization. Our goal is to fulfill the dreams of dogs and cats who find themselves homeless or abandoned in shelters. Sadly, without our help, many of these adoptable animals would face euthanasia - usually within days or hours of arriving at the shelter. Each year we take in hundreds of wonderful animals who were left at shelters by no fault of their own. We work hard to unite them with forever families who will give them the life and love they deserve. Without the dedication of our incredible adopters, fosters, donors, and volunteers, we would be unable to fulfill this dream.

Target demographics: abandoned and unwanted dogs and cats who find themselves alone in shelters

Direct beneficiaries per year: approximately 1,300 dogs and cats find forever homes!

Geographic areas served: animal rescue to assist shelters located in rural areas throughout NC, SC, AL, TN, MS, VA, GA, amazing Potcakes from T&C islands, and some wonderful Desi Dogs from India.

Programs: adoption, fostering and outreach. With limited resources, the shelters are forced to put down anywhere between 50% and 90% of the animals that come in the front door. We also partner with shelters located in Virginia and Maryland. Our organization provides pet adoption services to families located in Virginia, Washington DC, Maryland, Southern Pennsylvania and neighboring states.