CAWS - Community Animal Welfare Society

What CAWS - Community Animal Welfare Society does

CAWS (Community Animal Welfare Society) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit animal welfare organization headquartered in Sandy, Utah, and recognized as Utah's oldest animal rescue group with roots dating to approximately 1999. The organization operates a fully volunteer-run, foster-based model with no paid staff and no physical shelter facility; every rescued animal is housed in a private foster home until adopted. Its primary mission is rescuing dogs and cats — particularly those that are sick, injured, senior, or special-needs — from high-kill shelters across Utah and, on a surge basis, from out-of-state shelters (notably 100+ dogs relocated during Hurricane Harvey in 2017). CAWS places over 1,000 animals per year into permanent homes (1,294 in 2018: 565 cats, 729 dogs) and runs several ancillary programs including Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) for community cats, low-income spay/neuter referrals, and a lost-and-found pet service powered through a partnership with Petco Love Lost.

CAWS generates revenue from three streams: (1) donations — one-time gifts, monthly recurring donations ($10/$50/$100 tiers), tribute gifts, and emergency medical (SOS) fundraising, processed through PayPal, Venmo, Network for Good, AmazonSmile, and Smith's Rewards; (2) adoption fees ranging from $50–$300 depending on species, age, and pairing of the animal, paid online or at adoption events; and (3) merchandise sales through the CAWS Shop storefront — branded apparel (hoodies, joggers, tanks, raglans), headwear, bags, aprons, and drinkware — with 100% of profits allocated to animal care. Distribution is direct-to-consumer via PetSmart adoption rooms across the Salt Lake City metro, foster-by-appointment home visits, monthly adoption events, and the ecommerce storefront; there is no retail footprint beyond the PetSmart adoption room. An ecosystem of 12+ veterinary partner clinics, 4 daycare/boarding partners, 7 training partners, and 3 grooming partners underpins medical and behavioral services.

Customer segments are exclusively individual pet adopters and donors in the Northern Utah / Salt Lake City metropolitan area. Marketing is community-led and event-driven — Facebook, Instagram, an Emma Email newsletter, the annual Strut Your Mutt fundraiser, and recurring PetSmart adoption events. Governance is via a volunteer board of directors with functional directorates (Operations, Marketing, Volunteers) and currently has open seats for President, Director of Operations, Director of Marketing, and Director of Volunteers.

Name

CAWS - Community Animal Welfare Society

Legal name

Community Animal Welfare Society

Website

https://caws.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1999

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

CAWS is Utah's oldest volunteer-run, foster-based 501(c)(3) animal rescue, placing over 1,000 dogs and cats per year into adoptive homes across the Salt Lake City metro via PetSmart events and a partner veterinary ecosystem.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Animal Rescue and Pet Adoption Services

NAICS

Environment, Conservation and Wildlife Organizations (813312)

akta.pro primary industry

Animal Shelters & Adoption Services (BPAGAIAA)

akta.pro secondary industries

Spay/Neuter & Population Control Programs (BPAGAIAE), Veterinary Charity Clinics & Medical Aid (BPAGAIAD), Foster & Volunteer Network Programs (BPAGAIAF)

Keywords

• Animal rescue services
• Pet adoption services
• Nonprofit animal welfare
• Foster care programs
• Trap neuter return

Headquarters

HQ city

Sandy

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Donations: CAWS generates revenue primarily through donations, including one-time donations, monthly recurring donations, tribute donations, and emergency medical donations. All donations are tax-deductible as it is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit.
2. Merchandise Sales: CAWS operates an online shop selling branded merchandise including clothing, accessories, hats, bags, and drinkware. 100% of profits on CAWS merchandise go towards the rescue and well-being of CAWS animals.
3. Adoption Fees: Adoption fees for cats range from $50 to $200 depending on age and pairing, and dogs range from $100 to $300 depending on age. Training refunds of $25-$50 are provided upon completion of training classes.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

CAWS is a 501(c)(3) foster-based animal rescue organization that rescues dogs and cats from shelters across Utah and places them into permanent adoptive homes through a foster volunteer network and adoption events at PetSmart locations. It also runs Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) services for community cats, spay/neuter referrals, lost-and-found pet support via Petco Love Lost, and a merchandise shop whose profits fund animal care.

Product overview

CAWS operates a foster-based animal rescue organization without a physical shelter facility. The primary offerings include pet adoption services placing rescued dogs and cats from Utah shelters, a Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) program for community cats, spay/neuter services, lost and found pet support, and volunteer/foster programs. The CAWS Shop sells branded merchandise including apparel (hoodies, sweatshirts, t-shirts, tanks, joggers), accessories (hats, bags, aprons), and drinkware (mugs) with all profits supporting animal rescue operations. The organization also offers various donation mechanisms including one-time and recurring options, emergency medical fundraising, and tribute donations.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Pet Adoption Service

Quantifiable outcome

• Over 1,000 rescue animals adopted annually since 2015
• +2 more outcomes

Segments1 record

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration5 records

Partnerships

36 partnerships are on record, tiered minor and core.

• Petco Love LostminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCAWS partners with Petco Love Lost, a national lost and found pet database that uses facial recognition technology to help reunite lost pets with their owners.
• AmazonSmileminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCAWS is partnered with AmazonSmile, which allows shoppers to designate CAWS as their charity of choice when shopping on Amazon, generating donations at no cost to the shopper.
• Smith's RewardsminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCAWS participates in Smith's Rewards program, allowing community members to direct donations to CAWS through their grocery shopping.
• Desert Dog DaycareminorOthersDesert Dog Daycare is a partner that allows dogs in the CAWS program to play and board at their facility. They are listed as a standard daycare partner.
• Ruffledale Pet ResortminorOthersRuffledale Pet Resort is a partner that allows dogs in the CAWS program to play and board. Listed as a standard daycare partner.
• DogmodeminorOthersDogmode serves as a daycare and training partner, offering group classes, individual in-home lessons, and board and train programs for CAWS dogs.
• Camp Bow WowminorOthersCamp Bow Wow is a dog daycare partner listed under the standard daycares section, offering CAWS dogs access to their facilities.
• VCA All PetcoreOthersVCA All Pet is a veterinary partner providing medical care to CAWS animals, including boarding services for dogs being medically treated.
• Dancing CatscoreOthersDancing Cats is a veterinary partner located at 1760 South 1100 East, Salt Lake City, UT (801) 467-0799. They provide veterinary services to CAWS animals.
• Heartsong Spay/Neuter CliniccoreOthersHeartsong Spay/Neuter Clinic is a veterinary partner located at 600 South State Street, Clearfield, UT 84015 (801) 614-5252. Provides spay/neuter and surgical services.
• Healing Hearts Animal HospitalcoreOthersHealing Hearts is a veterinary partner located at 280 W 4800 S, Salt Lake City, UT 84107 (801) 281-3900. Provides ongoing medical care.
• Hillside Veterinary CliniccoreOthersHillside Veterinary Clinic is a veterinary partner located at 2364 Fort Union Boulevard, Salt Lake City, UT 84121-3339 (801) 943-2154.
• Orchard Animal CliniccoreOthersOrchard Animal Clinic is a veterinary partner located at 778 North 1250 West, Centerville, UT 84014-1309 (801) 296-1230.
• Salt Lake Spay & Neuter CliniccoreOthersSalt Lake Spay & Neuter Clinic is a veterinary partner located at 160 E 4800 S, Murray, UT 84107 (801) 262-3414. Provides spay/neuter services.
• Utah County Spay & Neuter CliniccoreOthersUtah County Spay & Neuter Clinic is a veterinary partner located at 845 North 100 West, Orem, UT 84057-3180 (801) 404-5999.
• Town and Country Veterinary HospitalcoreOthersTown and Country is a veterinary partner located at 1220 S State Street (801) 328-8543. Also provides grooming services through Fancy Furs Dog Salon.
• Wilson Veterinary HospitalcoreOthersWilson Veterinary Hospital is a veterinary partner located at 50 N Highway 89, North Salt Lake, UT 84054 (801) 298-3974.
• Animal Care CentercoreOthersAnimal Care Center is a veterinary partner located at 698 W 500 S, West Bountiful, UT 84087 (801) 294-5960.
• Bayview Animal HospitalcoreOthersBayview Animal Hospital is a veterinary partner located at 677 Shepard Lane, Farmington, UT 84025 (801) 451-2359.
• GoodsearchminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCAWS is listed on Goodsearch, a search engine and shopping portal that donates a portion of proceeds to registered nonprofits.
• Community Shares UtahminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCommunity Shares Utah is listed as a partner, representing a federation of nonprofits that collectively advocate for social and environmental causes.
• BISSELL Pet FoundationminorOthersBISSELL Pet Foundation is a sponsor and partner, providing support for CAWS animal rescue efforts.
• Best Friends Animal SocietyminorOthersBest Friends Animal Society is listed as a partner, representing a national animal welfare organization focused on ending the killing of shelter animals.
• XmissionminorOthersXmission is listed as a business partner, likely providing web hosting or internet services to CAWS.
• The Front Climbing ClubminorOthersThe Front Climbing Club is listed as a business partner, likely providing event space or sponsorship support.
• Loyal CanineminorOthersLoyal Canine is a dog trainer partner offering group classes, individual in-home lessons, and board and train programs. CAWS recommends their trainers for adopters.
• Kudos2CaninesminorOthersKudos2Canines is a dog trainer partner offering beginning obedience, puppy manners, Canine Good Citizen certification, and advanced training. CAWS recommends their trainers.
• A Dog's JourneyminorOthersA Dog's Journey is a dog trainer partner recommended by CAWS for adopters needing help with behavior, training, or specific issues.
• Train Walk PoopminorOthersTrain Walk Poop is a dog trainer partner recommended by CAWS for adopters needing potty training, leash walking, and other behavioral support.
• Rescue Me Dog Training SLCminorOthersRescue Me Dog Training SLC is a dog trainer partner recommended by CAWS, offering group classes and in-home lessons.
• Side by Side Dog TrainingminorOthersSide by Side Dog Training is a dog trainer partner recommended by CAWS for adopters needing behavioral and training support.
• Beaks and BarksminorOthersBeaks and Barks is a dog trainer partner recommended by CAWS, offering a range of training services including obedience and puppy manners.
• The Purple PawminorOthersThe Purple Paw is a dog grooming partner located at 825 E Highway 193, Ste G, Layton, Utah 84041 (801) 820-2755.
• Awash & GroomminorOthersAwash & Groom is a dog grooming partner located at 3684 West 9800 South, South Jordan, UT 84095 (801) 966-8070.
• Fancy Furs Dog SalonminorOthersFancy Furs Dog Salon is a dog grooming partner located at 9195 S Village Shop Dr, Sandy, Utah (801) 688-9802. Part of Town and Country Veterinary Hospital.
• Strut Your Mutt Event SponsorsminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCAWS holds an annual Strut Your Mutt fundraising event with multiple sponsors including Campfire, Sturgeon, SynergySuite, Newstar, Superhero Dog Training, Chicken and Bees, Rig1, VCa, TPG, and JH Tax Service.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Broad incumbents

• ASPCA (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals): The largest US animal welfare organization. Operates national rescue, adoption, and spay/neuter programs that mirror CAWS's animal welfare model, though at vastly greater scale.
• Maddie's Fund: National family foundation funding no-kill shelter and rescue operations. Provides grants to community-based rescues like CAWS and shares the no-kill advocacy mission.
• BISSELL Pet Foundation: National pet welfare foundation that sponsors CAWS events and funds shelter-pet adoptions. Operates adoption events and shelter-grant programs across the US, closely aligned with CAWS's rescue and adoption model.
• Best Friends Animal Society: National no-kill animal welfare organization and a listed CAWS partner. Operates the largest sanctuary for animals in the US and channels nationwide grant funding to local rescues like CAWS; directly comparable mission and no-kill philosophy.
• Petco Love (formerly Petco Foundation): National pet welfare nonprofit and CAWS partner through Petco Love Lost. Operates the largest adoption platform in the US through Petco store partnerships — directly comparable partner-driven model.
• PetSmart Charities: National funder of pet adoption programs that closely partners with PetSmart-store adoption rooms — CAWS's primary channel. Provides grants and adoption-program support to foster-based rescues nationally.
• Humane Society of the United States (HSUS): National animal advocacy and welfare organization. Operates rescue and adoption programs and provides funding to local rescues like CAWS; addresses the same pet overpopulation and shelter-animal welfare mission.

Direct peers

• Animal Humane Society (Minneapolis): Regional no-kill animal welfare organization operating adoption, veterinary, and community outreach programs. Closely comparable to CAWS in mission scope and multi-program service model.
• North Shore Animal League America: Large no-kill animal rescue and adoption organization. Operates foster networks and adoption programs comparable to CAWS's foster-based model and no-kill philosophy.
• Humane Society of Utah: Utah's largest open-admission animal shelter, a direct geographic peer to CAWS. Operates a physical shelter facility placing dogs and cats for adoption in the same Salt Lake City region CAWS serves.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/caws-community-animal-welfare-society

Compliance1 record

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles6 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about CAWS - Community Animal Welfare Society