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 the elderly, differently abled and 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 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:
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Compassion
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, human and animal alike
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Community
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
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Integrity
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
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Transparency
Transparency – our organization strives for openness in all aspects of our operations; we believe clear and open communication engenders trust
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Empowerment
Empowerment – our organization protects its clients’ independence; we believe everyone deserves encouragement, assurance, and respect
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Leadership
Leadership – our organization aims to be at the forefront of its field; we believe innovation leads to better services and greater advocacy
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Accountability
Accountability – our organization faithfully fulfills its duties of care, loyalty and obedience; we believe in reliability and efficiency for all our stakeholders
Annual Report 2022
View or download the PDF version of the PAWS NY Annual Report for fiscal year 2022 by clicking the link below. See our mission in action!
