About Us

Pets Are Wonderful Support (PAWS) NY provides services to vulnerable New Yorkers who need support caring for their pets due to physical and financial obstacles they face, with particular emphasis on low-income older adults and individuals living with illness or disability.

Our Story

PAWS NY was founded in 2008 by Rachel Herman. Rachel founded PAWS NY to support and provide meaningful assistance for vulnerable populations of people with animals in New York City. Primarily serving older adults, individuals living with illness or disability, and the under-resourced, PAWS NY is a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to keeping pets in their homes while protecting and promoting the human-animal bond that is so physically and psychologically valuable to our clients. We do this through a variety of services and programs including but not limited to, our signature Housecall Program.

Additionally, PAWS NY partners with veterinarians across New York City to provide subsidized care through our Veterinary Care Program, manages a Pet Pantry, and coordinates Foster & Emergency Care when clients need to be hospitalized for any reason.

Our Mission

The mission of Pets Are Wonderful Support (PAWS) NY is to help New York City’s most vulnerable residents remain with their pets by delivering critical programs and services through a community of partners and volunteers. Our programs help keep pets in their homes while protecting and promoting the human-animal bond that is so physically and psychologically valuable to our clients.  Thus, our motto: helping people by helping pets.

Our Vision

At PAWS NY, we envision a society that honors the emotional, physical, and social benefits of the human animal bond, where a lack of ability never threatens to separate humans from their animal companions, and where the physical, emotional and social benefits of the human-animal bond are incorporated into health care and social services.

Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

We acknowledge, honor, and celebrate the fundamental value and dignity of every human and companion animal.

We pledge ourselves to creating and maintaining an environment that respects the rights and needs of all people, especially those who have been historically harmed by oppressive systems. We commit to leading with compassion and integrity and will continue to address inequities in the pursuit of our organization’s mission and vision.

We will hold ourselves accountable to fostering an anti-racist and anti-oppressive approach to fulfilling our mission. This includes equipping our community with skills and resources as needed, as well as making a concerted effort to more accurately reflect the New York City community we aim to serve through our staff, board, volunteers, and client base.

Our Core Values

PAWS NY approaches all of its programs with a set of defining values that shape our policies and guide our actions. The core values of PAWS NY are:

Compassion

Our organization is dedicated to assisting those most in need. We believe in promoting empathy, love, and a sense of family, for all our neighbors—humans and animals alike.

Community

Our organization relies on our network of dedicated volunteers. We believe in creating long-lasting partnerships, where service is as rewarding for those providing as those receiving.

Integrity

Our organization asks that its staff, Board, and volunteers conduct themselves with honesty and fairness. We believe it is our responsibility to hold ourselves to the highest standards.

Transparency

Our organization strives for openness in all aspects of our operations. We believe clear and open communication engenders trust.

Empowerment

Our organization protects its clients’ independence. We believe everyone deserves encouragement, assurance, and respect.

Leadership

Our organization aims to be at the forefront of its field. We believe innovation leads to better services and greater advocacy.

Accountability

Our organization faithfully fulfills its duties of care, loyalty, and obedience. We believe in reliability and efficiency for all our stakeholders.

Annual Report 2023

View or download the PDF version of the PAWS NY Annual Report for fiscal year 2023 by clicking the link below. See our mission in action!