paws adoption center

What paws adoption center does

PAWS Adoption Center (legal name: PAWS Animal Adoption Center, formerly the Progressive Animal Welfare Society) is a 501(c)(3) no-kill nonprofit animal shelter founded in 1980 and headquartered at 6302 Crossings Blvd., Monroe, Ohio. The organization rescues dogs and cats from kill-shelters (over 95% of intake is transferred from other shelters, including in Pendleton and Estill counties, Kentucky) and places them in adoptive homes; adoption fees are $100 for cats, $200 for adult dogs, and $225 for puppies/kittens under 6 months, inclusive of spay/neuter, vaccinations, health tests, and microchip. Since founding, PAWS reports having saved over 17,000 adoptable pets. Operations are delivered through a small core staff (Operations Manager, Feline Supervisor, Canine Supervisor, Volunteer Coordinator) supported by a documented roster of over 200 volunteers who handle animal care, facility maintenance, outreach, and event execution.

PAWS operates without proprietary technology; its technology footprint is limited to a WordPress-based website (pawsadoptioncenter.org), Petfinder.com listings for pet discovery, an IPCamlive "KittyKam" live camera for cat-room viewing, and standard payment integrations including PayPal, Venmo, and Kroger Community Rewards. There is no SaaS platform, API, or AI/ML capability in use. The product surface spans core animal adoption services plus adjunct programs: a Guardians monthly sponsorship program, Volunteer Program with monthly orientations, Commemorative Brick sales for the Memorial Garden, the Cat Chat Society Literacy Program (paired reading for elementary students with shelter cats), and a Puppy Training program with a contracted Dog Behaviorist (launched 2018). A planned-giving / Animal Bequest Program addresses seniors concerned about future pet care.

The business model is 100% donation- and event-funded with zero tax-based government support. Revenue streams include adoption fees, one-time and recurring individual donations, corporate sponsorships (yearly, quarterly, or daily "adoptions" of the organization), in-kind supply donations via Amazon and Chewy wish lists, Kroger Community Rewards micro-donations, and ticket sales from recurring fundraising events (Barks, Bourbon & Spirits at $85/ticket, PAWS-A-PALOOZA family event, Purse Bingo at $30/ticket, Zombie Walk & Furry 5K, Yard Sales, Pictures with Santa at $15). Distribution is regional, appointment-only at the Monroe shelter with Petfinder as the primary digital funnel; the organization serves Butler and Warren counties in Ohio plus partner shelter networks in Kentucky and Indiana.

Name

paws adoption center

Legal name

PAWS Animal Adoption Center

Website

https://pawsadoptioncenter.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1980

Operating status

Operating

Short description

PAWS Adoption Center is a 501(c)(3) no-kill nonprofit animal shelter in Monroe, Ohio that rescues dogs and cats from kill-shelters and places them in adoptive homes, operating since 1980 on 100% donor and event funding with over 200 volunteers.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Animal Shelter Services

NAICS

Social Advocacy Organizations (8133)

SIC

Services-Social Services (8300)

akta.pro primary industry

Animal Shelters & Adoption Services (BPAGAIAA)

akta.pro secondary industries

Veterinary Charity Clinics & Medical Aid (BPAGAIAD), Animal Welfare & Advocacy Organizations (AFAEALAC)

Keywords

• Animal shelter services
• Pet adoption services
• No-kill shelter
• Animal rescue operations
• Animal welfare nonprofit

Headquarters

HQ city

Monroe

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Revenue model

1. Adoption Fees: Revenue from pet adoptions. Dogs 6 months and younger cost $225, dogs over 6 months cost $200, and cats cost $100. All adoptions include spay/neuter, vaccinations, health tests, and microchip.
2. Individual Donations: PAWS is 100% funded by generous donations from animal lovers, including one-time donations, monthly recurring donations through their Guardians Program, and memorial donations. Donors can contribute via PayPal, Venmo, or check.
3. Corporate Sponsorships: Corporate sponsors can adopt PAWS for a year, quarter, or day. Includes corporate matches between employees and companies, mobile visits with animals, and volunteer days at the shelter.
4. In-Kind Donations: Donations of supplies and merchandise including kennel supplies, cat supplies, dog supplies, and facility supplies. Also includes commemorative brick purchases for the Memorial Garden.
5. Fundraising Events: Annual events including Barks, Bourbon, & Spirits (bourbon tasting), PAWS-A-PALOOZA (family pet event), Purse Bingo, Zombie Walk & Furry 5K, Yard Sales, and Pictures with Santa. These events generate revenue through ticket sales, sponsorships, and raffles.
6. Retail Rewards Programs: Kroger Community Rewards program where shoppers can link their Kroger Plus Card to PAWS, with a portion of each sale donated. Also Amazon Wish List and Chewy.com wish list for supply donations.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

PAWS Adoption Center is a no-kill, 501(c)(3) nonprofit animal shelter based in Monroe, Ohio, founded in 1980 as the Progressive Animal Welfare Society. The organization rescues dogs and cats (primarily from kill shelters and owner surrenders), provides veterinary care including spay/neuter, vaccinations, deworming, flea treatment, and microchipping, and places them in approved adoptive homes. It is funded almost entirely through donations, adoption fees, sponsorships, and fundraising events.

Product overview

PAWS Adoption Center operates as a no-kill animal shelter in Monroe, Ohio providing a single integrated animal welfare platform centered on its Core Animal Adoption Services. The core offering includes dog and cat adoptions with comprehensive veterinary care (spay/neuter, vaccinations, microchip). Supporting services include pet sponsorship programs, volunteer coordination, commemorative brick sales, and various donation mechanisms. Educational initiatives encompass the Cat Chat Society literacy program and Puppy Training behavioral program. The organization hosts community fundraising events including Barks, Bourbon & Spirits, PAWS-A-PALOOZA, and Purse Bingo. Adoption services connect through Petfinder listings, while donor engagement occurs via Kroger Community Rewards, Amazon/Chewy wish lists, and PayPal donations. No technology platform, API, or SaaS product is offered—all services are delivered through physical shelter operations and in-person programming.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Quantifiable outcome

• 17,000+ adoptable pets saved since 1980
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers8 records

Segments3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration6 records

Partnerships

18 partnerships are on record, tiered minor and core.

• Jiffy Lube MonroeminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 13 March 2026Grand opening event at 196 N. Main St in Monroe. Donating $1 of every oil change to PAWS and offering 50% off any oil change. PAWS mobile team present with adoptable dogs.
• Panera West ChesterminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 25 August 202525% of net sales donated to PAWS during fundraiser event at 7725 Voice of America Centre Dr, West Chester, OH. Using code FUND4U.
• Anjali Fong PhotographyminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 September 2024Charity Book Project 'BEFORE YOU GO – Love Letters To Senior Dogs' Volume 2 to raise $5,000 to benefit PAWS Animal Shelter and Cincinnati Animal CARE.
• KrogercoreGTM or Marketing PartnerKroger Community Rewards program allows shoppers to link their Kroger Plus Card to PAWS. A portion of each sale at Kroger is donated to Progressive Animal Welfare Society. NPO number SV875.
• AmazoncoreGTM or Marketing PartnerAmazon Wish List allows donors to purchase items directly for PAWS. Located at amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/M8ACIGFVFUH3 for kennel supplies, cat supplies, dog supplies, and facility needs.
• Chewy.comcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerChewy.com wish list for supply donations. Donors can purchase items from the wish list and have them shipped directly to PAWS.
• Miami Valley GamingminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSponsor of Barks, Bourbon, & Spirits, PAWS-A-PALOOZA, Purse Bingo, and Fur the Love of PAWS Charity Dinner Auction events.
• Loyal Order of the MooseminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSponsor of PAWS events including Barks, Bourbon, & Spirits, PAWS-A-PALOOZA, and Purse Bingo.
• Liberty Veterinary HospitalminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSponsor of PAWS events including Barks, Bourbon, & Spirits, PAWS-A-PALOOZA, Purse Bingo, and Fur the Love of PAWS Charity Dinner Auction.
• Independence Pet HospitalminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSponsor of PAWS events including Barks, Bourbon, & Spirits, PAWS-A-PALOOZA, Purse Bingo, and Fur the Love of PAWS Charity Dinner Auction.
• Cronin Ford NorthminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSponsor of PAWS events including Barks, Bourbon, & Spirits, PAWS-A-PALOOZA, Purse Bingo, and Fur the Love of PAWS Charity Dinner Auction.
• Casarcia Heating and AirminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSponsor of PAWS events including Barks, Bourbon, & Spirits, PAWS-A-PALOOZA, and Fur the Love of PAWS Charity Dinner Auction.
• Monroe Family Pet HospitalminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSponsor of PAWS events including Barks, Bourbon, & Spirits, PAWS-A-PALOOZA, Purse Bingo, and Fur the Love of PAWS Charity Dinner Auction. Also provided care for Chilly Willy cat rescue.
• Horsepower FarmminorGTM or Marketing PartnerVenue partner for Barks, Bourbon, & Spirits events at 2227 Trinity Dr, Middletown, OH 45044.
• Middletown Moose LodgeminorGTM or Marketing PartnerVenue for Purse Bingo events at 3009 S. Main St, Middletown, OH. Also sells event tickets.
• Gravel Road BrewingminorGTM or Marketing PartnerStarting/ending location partner for Zombie Walk & Furry 5K events at 916 1st Avenue, Middletown, OH 45044.
• Cat Care HospitalminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSponsor of Zombie Walk & Furry 5K events.
• Clubhouse Sports GrilleminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSponsor of Zombie Walk & Furry 5K events. Provides raffle prizes.

Scale indicators8 records

Recent moves9 records

Expansion highlights4 records

Direct peers

• Cincinnati Animal CARE: Regional no-kill animal shelter serving the greater Cincinnati area, directly comparable to PAWS in mission, geography, and adoption services model. PAWS has an explicit documented partnership with Cincinnati Animal CARE for the 'BEFORE YOU GO' charity book project.
• SPCA Cincinnati: Established animal welfare organization serving southwest Ohio with adoption, veterinary, and cruelty prevention services. Overlaps directly with PAWS on pet adoption and spay/neuter offerings in the same regional catchment area.

Broad incumbents

• Best Friends Animal Society: Largest no-kill animal welfare organization in the U.S., operating sanctuaries, adoption centers, and national advocacy. Directly comparable to PAWS on the no-kill mission and community adoption model but at vastly greater scale and geographic reach.
• Humane Society of the United States: National animal welfare nonprofit operating across advocacy, rescue, and direct care. Comparable to PAWS on no-kill advocacy and shelter/rescue support programs but at a national scale and with policy influence PAWS does not have.
• ASPCA: One of the oldest and largest U.S. animal welfare organizations, offering adoption, veterinary, and cruelty investigation services. Comparable to PAWS on the core adoption-and-rescue mission but with national brand recognition and government-facing advocacy capacity.
• PetSmart Charities: National animal welfare funding arm of PetSmart, supporting adoption and spay/neuter programs nationwide. Comparable to PAWS in mission focus on adoption and pet overpopulation, but operates as a grantmaking/funder rather than a direct shelter.
• Petco Love (formerly Petco Foundation): National animal welfare nonprofit affiliated with Petco, supporting adoptions, lifesaving programs, and partner shelters. Comparable to PAWS as a national no-kill advocate and shelter partner but with corporate-scale funding and retail integration.

Regional players

• Cleveland Animal Protective League: Ohio-based animal shelter serving the Cleveland region with adoption, veterinary, and cruelty investigation services. Comparable to PAWS as a regional Ohio shelter but operates in a different metro area with larger headcount.
• Ohio Alleycat Resource Group: Ohio-focused cat rescue and TNR (trap-neuter-return) organization. Comparable to PAWS on cat-focused rescue and feline welfare programs (PAWS has a dedicated Feline Supervisor) but specializes in community cat management rather than shelter-based adoption.

Others

• Petfinder: Online pet adoption marketplace that PAWS already uses for adoption listings. Functions as a key distribution channel and indirect peer — competitors with stronger Petfinder optimization or proprietary digital adoption platforms can outcompete PAWS for adopter attention.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/PAWSAdoptionCtr
• Facebookfacebook.com/PAWSAdoptionCenterOH
• Instagraminstagram.com/paws_adoption_center_?igshid=8h32pj8trd6c
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/paws-adoption-center

Compliance2 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about paws adoption center