People and Paws in Crisis
In October of 2015 while I was volunteering for City Critters, a small non-profit based in downtown NYC, I was approached by a young man about a kitten who had a fractured leg and was barely moving.
He didn’t have the money to take the kitten to the animal hospital and was distraught about her condition.
I decided to help this little creature, took her to the animal hospital and started a GoFundMe to help cover the costs of her surgery.
From that point I became more aware of the needs of pet owners who are financially challenged.
I’ve been approached by individuals who struggled to care for their pet during financial difficulties and by families of pet owners who have passed away.
The mission of People and Paws in Crisis is to connect pet owners in crisis online with animal welfare and community resources and groups so a pet’s welfare is not compromised. This mission is part of a long-term vision that no animal shall suffer neglect, abandonment, illness or death due to their owner’s crisis. Simultaneously, pet owners and families will not suffer emotional distress because they are worried for the welfare of their pet. The use of a modern online platform, social media and network effects will bring organizations, resources and services together efficiently but this will ultimately take a cultural shift in how pet owners, animal rescue and community groups work, perceive and approach animal welfare.
