When it comes to the Coronavirus, people aren’t the only ones experiencing feelings of fear and uncertainty. With household routines changing and animal owners under stress, pets can be directly impacted.

PAWS Animal Adoption Center is working to alleviate some of these issues by creating new opportunities in the community for pets and their owners; a pet food pantry for families with low incomes and pet boarding services for domestic violence victims and COVID-19 patients temporarily unable to care for their pets.

Recently, PAWS entered into a partnership agreement with New Hope for Women to provide boarding services and veterinary care to animals temporarily displaced as a result of domestic violence. In March, the shelter took in 18 cats as a result of the partnership and expects to see those numbers rise as the pandemic continues.

“Throughout this pandemic, PAWS continues to support the community,” said Shelly Butler, executive director at PAWS, in a news release. “Our services expand far beyond adoptions. PAWS is a social service organization who supports not only pets in need, we also serve our community of pet owners with an array of supportive services.”

Additionally, PAWS has entered into partnership with Meals on Wheels in Knox County to provide pet food to multiple families in need, including homebound older adults and the disabled. The shelter will utilize a generous $1,000 donation from Camden Rotary to expand the project into a year-round initiative. The PAWS Pet Food Pantry will serve any low-income pet owner in need in Knox County.

“While PAWS may be closed to visitors, we continue to provide essential services and will continue to develop new ways to help meet the needs of our community that continue to arise as a result of COVID-19,” said Butler.

With Summer around the corner and the pandemic conditions persisting, donations are needed now more than ever. To show your support, contributions can be made through their website at www.pawsadoption.org/donate-now or call (207) 236-8702 to find out how else you can help.

Established in 1974, the mission of PAWS Animal Adoption Center is to provide care for homeless dogs and cats until they can be placed in permanent, responsible homes, while promoting humane values in our community through outreach and educational programs.