Keeping Families Together Through Crisis 🐾 What Paws N Claws for the Cause Is Building

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When a crisis strikes, people are often encouraged to ask for help. What is rarely discussed is the quiet reason many do not.

Their pet

Across the country, individuals facing medical emergencies, mental health treatment, domestic violence, addiction recovery, homelessness, or natural disasters are forced into impossible decisions. Seek safety, or protect the animal they love. Too often, there is no system in place to do both.

Paws N Claws for the Cause was created to change that reality.

The Gap No One Talks About

While support services exist for people in crisis, there are limited coordinated options for their animals. Shelters become overwhelmed. Foster options are scattered. Information is difficult to find, especially in moments of urgency.

This lack of infrastructure leads to preventable outcomes. Pets are surrendered unnecessarily. Animals are displaced during disasters. People delay treatment or remain in unsafe situations. Trauma increases for both humans and animals.

Paws N Claws for the Cause exists to fill this gap with compassion, preparation, and coordination.

What Paws N Claws for the Cause Does Today

Paws N Claws for the Cause provides temporary foster care for pets while their owners navigate a crisis. The organization works closely with individuals and partner organizations to ensure animals are cared for safely, allowing families the time and space they need to heal.

This approach keeps bonds intact, reduces surrender rates, and offers peace of mind when it matters most.

Building a National Solution

While local sanctuary work is essential, the need is national.

That is why the National Animal Foster Network is being developed as the next phase of this mission. NAFN is designed to be a coordinated system that connects foster homes, shelters, veterinarians, and crisis responders through a centralized database and mobile app.

With support from CU Boulder capstone students, the organization is working toward technology that will streamline foster placement, improve response during emergencies and disasters, reduce delays caused by fragmented systems, and increase transparency and accountability.

This national approach addresses the same failures exposed during major disasters like Hurricane Katrina, where animals were separated from families due to a lack of coordination and preparedness.

Compassion Backed by Structure

What sets Paws N Claws for the Cause and the National Animal Foster Network apart is the combination of heart and structure. This is not just a rescue effort. It is a system being built intentionally to support long-term impact.

From training and outreach to technology and partnerships, the goal is to create a sustainable model that protects animals while honoring human dignity.

Looking Ahead

The vision is a future where no one delays care because of their pet. A future where animals are included in crisis planning. A future where communities are prepared, not reactive. A future where families remain whole during life’s hardest moments.

This work is just beginning. It is built through awareness, shared responsibility, and collective compassion.

Paws N Claws for the Cause is not only responding to the crisis; it is also supporting those affected. It is working to prevent it

Donate today and be part of the movement!