PAWS - Progressive Animal Welfare Society - Cat City
Our Mission
PAWS is people helping cats, dogs, and wild animals go home and thrive—whether home is the family room or the forest. We are dedicated to providing compassionate care, medical rehabilitation, and a second chance for every animal that comes through our doors.
Our History and Purpose
Since 1967, we have worked to build a world where people recognize the intrinsic value of animals. Over the decades, we have united over 170,000 companion animals with loving families and cared for more than 160,000 injured or orphaned wild animals, ensuring they have the opportunity to heal and return to their natural habitats whenever possible.
How We Help
We operate through a compassionate, multi-faceted approach at our facilities, including the Companion Animal Shelter in Lynnwood, our satellite PAWS Cat City center in Seattle, and our specialized Wildlife Rehabilitation Center in Snohomish. By utilizing both our physical shelters and a robust foster care network in King and Snohomish counties, we ensure every animal receives the nourishment, comfort, and veterinary care they need while waiting for their permanent home.
The Adopter Connection
Our goal is to help you find a companion who perfectly suits your household, lifestyle, and personality. Our expert adoption advisors are here to guide you through the process, ensuring that every match is a joyful partnership built on mutual respect and lasting bonds.
Take Action
Are you ready to meet your new best friend? We invite you to view our current list of adoptable cats and dogs online or visit us at our Lynnwood or Seattle locations. Together, we can make a real difference, one rescued life at a time.
- Dedicated and helpful staff
- Transparent adoption process
- Operational friction regarding appointments
10/14 - PAWS now has 13 American black bears in care! 🐻 This exam was for bear number 10, who arrived in early October after he was found alone for three days, surviving on apples from a nearby tree. With no sign of mom and still too young to survive on his own, the bear needed a safe place to continue to grow. 🌲 The bear received a full veterinary exam, including a physical exam, radiographs, and bloodwork, to make sure everything was looking good. Our wildlife team is providing the nutrition, medical care, enrichment, and specialized support he needs to grow strong. We’re looking forward to beginning the process of returning some of our bears to the wild this fall!
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10/2 - Four coyotes are back where they belong! 🐺 PAWS Wildlife Rehabilitation Center has cared for hundreds of animals this year, and these four coyotes are just a few of the animals who have made their way through our doors. Coyotes may arrive at PAWS for many reasons. Some come to us as orphaned pups who are too young to survive on their own, while others need help after being injured, such as from a vehicle strike. On release day, the four coyotes were transported to a remote area in Snohomish County, where they have a good chance to thrive out in the wild. Once they arrived, they took a little time to emerge from their carriers. But one by one, they made their way out and began the next chapter of their lives where they belong. 🌲 We’re so glad to see these four coyotes back out there!
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