Danbury Animal Welfare Society

What Danbury Animal Welfare Society does

Danbury Animal Welfare Society (DAWS) is a 501(c)(3) no-kill animal shelter founded in 1974 and based at 147 Grassy Plain Street, Bethel, Connecticut, with 21 employees and EIN Tax ID 06-0945388. The organization operates a single physical shelter (open 10AM-4PM, 7 days a week) and an online adoption application, placing dogs, puppies, cats, and kittens into permanent homes while running an extensive volunteer and foster care network that extends capacity well beyond paid staff. In 2016, DAWS placed 756 animals (365 cats/kittens, 391 dogs/puppies), representing 19% year-over-year growth from 636 adoptions in 2015.

DAWS's service portfolio spans pet adoption, foster care, a low-cost spay/neuter clinic (with weight-tiered dog pricing from $325-$600+ and flat $150-$175 cat pricing), a Feral Cat T.N.R. program, the Angel Pet Program providing lifelong discounted medical care for special-needs and senior adopters, and the Pets for Patriots veteran adoption partnership. Supporting offerings include CPDT-KA certified dog training, community education resources, surrender prevention counseling, and lost pet recovery assistance. The technology stack is conventional nonprofit tooling: a Rockport Technology Group-designed responsive website (2017), DonorPerfect for donation processing, Constant Contact for email newsletters, and GiveSmart for event ticketing.

DAWS is funded through a diversified mix of individual donations (general, medical crisis fund, renovation pledge, animal sponsorships, vehicle donations, planned giving), an annual membership program, recurring fundraising events (DAWS Virtual 5K, Putt FORE Paws Golf Tournament, Making a Difference Gala), low-cost clinic fees, and merchandise sales. Corporate and nonprofit partners include Pets for Patriots, the Catherine Violet Hubbard Foundation, PRAI Beauty/PRAI for PAWS, Canine Company, Pet Valu of Danbury, Rockport Technology Group, and William Pitt Sotheby's International Realty. Governance is provided by a volunteer Board of Directors supported by a Fundraising Advisory Council and Marketing Committee, with Judy Slason currently serving as Operations Director.

Name

Danbury Animal Welfare Society

Legal name

Danbury Animal Welfare Society

Website

https://daws.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1974

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Danbury Animal Welfare Society is a 501(c)(3) no-kill animal shelter in Bethel, Connecticut, founded in 1974, that places dogs, cats, and kittens into adoptive homes, runs a low-cost spay/neuter clinic, TNR, and Angel Pet and Pets for Patriots programs, and funds operations through donations, memberships, events, and clinic fees.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Animal Welfare Services

NAICS

Pet Care (except Veterinary) Services (81291)

SIC

Services-Social Services (8300)

akta.pro primary industry

Animal Shelters & Adoption Services (BPAGAIAA)

akta.pro secondary industries

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

Keywords

• Animal shelter services
• Pet adoption program
• Low-cost spay neuter
• Feral cat TNR
• Animal welfare nonprofit

Headquarters

HQ city

Bethel, CT

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, Infrastructure, Others

Revenue model

1. Donations and Charitable Contributions: Individual donations through online giving platform, one-time and recurring contributions, estate planning, and donor-advised fund options. Major giving programs include general donations, medical crisis fund, and animal sponsorships.
2. Membership Program: Annual membership program providing supporters with benefits while generating recurring revenue.
3. Special Events: Fundraising events including DAWS Virtual 5K, Putt FORE Paws Golf Tournament, and Making a Difference Gala.
4. Low-Cost Clinic Services: Spay/neuter surgeries and vaccinations at subsidized rates for community pets, generating modest revenue while fulfilling mission.
5. Merchandise Sales: DAWS branded apparel and merchandise through online store and event sales.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

Danbury Animal Welfare Society (DAWS) is a no-kill animal shelter that places dogs, puppies, cats, and kittens into permanent homes through its adoption program, supported by an on-site low-cost spay and neuter clinic, a foster care network, and a feral cat Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) program. The organization also delivers specialized adoption and support programs such as the Angel Pet Program for special needs animals and the Pets for Patriots veteran adoption partnership, alongside dog training and community education resources.

Product overview

Danbury Animal Welfare Society (DAWS) operates as a no-kill animal shelter offering a unified set of animal welfare services centered on pet adoption, foster care, and community outreach programs. The core service portfolio includes animal adoption (dogs, puppies, cats, kittens), a foster care program, and a low-cost spay & neuter clinic. Supporting programs include the Angel Pet Program for special needs animals with chronic medical conditions, a Feral Cat T.N.R. program, the Pets for Patriots veteran adoption partnership, dog training services, and community education resources. Revenue programs include fundraising events (5K, golf tournament, gala) and multiple donation channels (general donations, crisis fund, sponsorships, membership, planned giving). The organization is located at 147 Grassy Plain Street, Bethel, CT.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Pet Adoption Services (Dogs, Puppies, Cats, Kittens) Core animal adoption program offering dogs, puppies, cats, and kittens for adoption through online listings and on-site shelter visits, with adoption outcomes tracked via monthly and year-to-date adoption statistics.
• Foster Care Program Temporary foster care program allowing volunteers to care for animals in their homes, supporting the shelter's capacity and helping animals transition to permanent homes.
• Low-Cost Spay & Neuter Clinic On-site clinic providing low-cost spay and neuter surgeries for dogs and cats at 147 Grassy Plain Street, Bethel, CT, with pricing based on animal weight and additional services including vaccines, microchipping, nail trims, and e-collars.
• Feral Cat T.N.R. (Trap-Neuter-Return) Program Humane trap-neuter-return program for feral and stray cats including spay/neuter surgery, rabies and distemper vaccinations, ear-tipping, pain medication, and return to colony for a $100 requested donation per cat.
• Angel Pet Program Medical support program for animals with chronic conditions, offering discounted rates for medications and blood tests for the life of the adopted pet through the shelter's low-cost clinic.
• Pets for Patriots Program Partnership program helping U.S. veterans and service members adopt overlooked dogs and cats, offering discounted adoption fees, free lifelong rabies vaccinations, and 'going home' celebrations.
• Dog Training Services Dog training program led by CPDT-KA certified trainer Julia Klaucke, providing alerting and targeting techniques, behavior modification, and training support for shelter dogs and community adopters.
• Community Education Resources Educational resources including pet care tips, adoption guides, lost pet assistance, summer/winter pet safety, senior pet adoption, and responsible pet ownership information.
• Fundraising Events Annual fundraising events including DAWS Virtual 5K, Putt FORE Paws Golf Tournament, and Making a Difference Gala to support the organization's mission.
• Donation Programs Multiple donation options including general donations, Medical Crisis Fund, Renovation Pledge, Gift of a Second Chance, Donor Advised Fund, Animal Sponsorships, Vehicle Donations, Membership, Estate Planning, and Wish List.
• DAWS Branded Apparel and Merchandise DAWS branded apparel and merchandise sold through an online store and at fundraising events to support the organization's mission.

Quantifiable outcome

• 19% adoption growth year-over-year with 756 animals placed in 2016
• +1 more outcomes

Named customers2 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

Seven partnerships are on record, tiered notable, minor and core.

• PRAI Beauty / PRAI for PAWSnotableGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 July 2017Cathy Kangas, Founder and CEO of PRAI Beauty and Humane Society of the US Board Member, sponsored adoption fees during 'Free the Shelters' event. Nearly 600 animals adopted across multiple shelters through this campaign.
• Canine CompanyminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2017Canine Company renewed their ongoing partnership to support DAWS programs and events.
• Rockport Technology GroupnotableImplementation/ SI/ Consulting Partner · 1 January 2017Rockport donated website design and development services, creating a new responsive website with modern look and mobile-friendly design.
• Kim Gifford / William Pitt Sotheby's International RealtyminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2017Kim Gifford, Realtor with William Pitt Sotheby's International Realty, served as Title Sponsor for the 4th Annual Run Your Tail Off 5K Race.
• Pets for PatriotscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership with Pets for Patriots, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, to match U.S. veterans and service members with shelter pets. DAWS offers discounted adoption fees, free lifelong rabies and certain vaccinations, and a 'going home' celebration for participating veterans.
• Catherine Violet Hubbard FoundationnotableStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnered to implement the Senior Paw Project, finding Adoption Ambassadors for senior pets. All featured senior pets have since been adopted.
• Pet Valu of DanburyminorGTM or Marketing PartnerPet Valu of Danbury continues to support DAWS through donations, events, and Facebook contest participation.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves2 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Connecticut Humane Society: The largest animal welfare organization in Connecticut, operating shelters and adoption programs across the same state as DAWS. Directly comparable as a regional no-kill shelter with adoption, clinic, and community education services, competing for the same donor and adopter pool in CT.

Broad incumbents

• ASPCA (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals): National 501(c)(3) animal welfare organization providing shelter, adoption, spay/neuter, and rescue services. Comparable as a broader incumbent in the same animal welfare and adoption category, but operating at national scale with a far larger donor base.
• The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS): National animal protection nonprofit. Operates in the same shelter, adoption, and animal welfare advocacy space as DAWS, but functions as a broader advocacy and grantmaking incumbent rather than a single-region shelter operator.
• PetSmart Charities: Charitable arm of PetSmart that funds adoptions, spay/neuter, and animal welfare programs nationwide. Comparable as a broader incumbent that channels funding into regional shelters like DAWS and operates in-store adoption events.
• Best Friends Animal Society: Leading national no-kill animal welfare organization running sanctuary and adoption programs across multiple states. Comparable no-kill mission and adoption focus as DAWS, but with nationwide scope and significantly larger resource base.
• Petco Love (formerly Petco Foundation): National animal welfare foundation supporting adoption, spay/neuter, and lifesaving programs across thousands of shelters. Comparable as a funder/incumbent that partners with shelters like DAWS for adoption events and lifesaving initiatives.

Emerging players

• Petfinder: Online pet adoption platform aggregating shelter and rescue listings. DAWS animals are listed on Petfinder-style platforms; comparable as an emerging adoption-channel player serving overlapping adopter demand in the digital layer of the same adoption market.
• Adopt-a-Pet.com: One of North America's largest non-profit pet adoption platforms connecting adopters to shelters and rescues. Operates in the same pet adoption discovery and placement funnel as DAWS and benefits from the same no-kill shelter supply.

Regional players

• North Shore Animal League America: Large no-kill animal rescue and adoption organization serving the New York/Long Island region. Comparable as a regional no-kill shelter with adoption, mobile adoption events, and donor-driven funding, though primarily serving a different Northeast metropolitan geography than DAWS.

Others

• Maddie's Fund: Family foundation dedicated to achieving a no-kill nation by funding shelters, rescue groups, and communities. Comparable thematically as a no-kill grantmaker that channels resources into shelters like DAWS to support community-based lifesaving programs.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat3 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xfacebook.com/PetValuUS
• Facebookfacebook.com/PetValuUS
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/danbury-animal-welfare-society

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles4 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about Danbury Animal Welfare Society