Causes: Animal Protection & Welfare, Animals

Mission: The mission of 4 Paws is to promote the physical and psychological well being of animals by providing a safe haven for cats while finding them adoptive homes or life long shelter. We are a no kill shelter and do not euthanize cats except in the case of excessive or untreatable pain or suffering. Each case of euthanasia is treated individually, ensuring that we have done all we can in cases of injury or sickness. Only then will we authorize euthanasia. In cases of terminal illness, we also evaluate the cats quality of life before euthanasia is discussed. All cats are tested for Felv/Fiv and kittens under 6 months are tested for Felv. All cats/kittens are given Felv/Fvrcp vaccines and Rabies vaccines, unless Felv positive, before adoption. All cats/kittens are spayed/neutered before being adopted. We have been in service since 1996, starting out very small with cats in the rear of a small thrift store and have grown to a large thrift store, a three section Adoption/Intake/Free Roam area, a separate shelter building and we adopt out of 2 local PetSmart locations.

Target demographics: homeless and surrendered cats find loving forever homes

Direct beneficiaries per year: over 800 cats and kittens find homes

Geographic areas served: the Sun Cities Arizona area (western suburb of Phoenix)

Programs: "seniors for seniors" matching senior cats with senior people