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Your Support Makes A Difference
Donating to support PAWS for WCDS is a great way to make a difference, and every contribution is eligible for a full tax exemption. Your generosity enables us to continue supporting the stray dogs of Wayne County and assists in finding them their forever homes.
All financial donations are eligible for a full tax exemption. Our FED ID# is: 84-4434213.
Select below the option for directing your donation to your preferred cause.
Sustainable Spay and Neuter Program
Spaying and neutering prevents unwanted litters, helps to protect against some serious health problems, and may reduce many of the behavioral problems associated with the mating instinct. In terms of spay and neuter, the Wayne County Dog Shelter’s current voucher program has continually shown disappointing levels of participation. Currently only 37% of our vouchers are being used. This means 63% of the dogs being adopted from the shelter are not spayed or neutered.
Our Goal: In 2024, we aim to ensure all dogs are spayed or neutered before leaving the shelter. With 453 dogs adopted in 2023, and a spay/neuter cost of $125 per dog, the shelter needs nearly $60,000 annually to adopt out dogs that are altered before leaving the shelter. PAWS hopes to raise $30,000 each year to support this initiative.
The Benefits: Spayed/neutered pets live longer. Studies show neutered male dogs live 13.8% longer, and spayed females live 26.3% longer. Altered pets also have reduced cancer risks, lower chances of reproductive system issues, and fewer behavioral problems. This not only extends their lifespan but also reduces long-term medical costs, making spay/neuter a cost-effective and health-beneficial choice.
How to Help: PAWS’ 2024 goal is to establish a sustainable spay/neuter program for the Wayne County Dog Shelter & Adoption Center. This will reduce pet overpopulation, increase the lifespan of adopted pets, and relieve adopters of the additional costs of spaying or neutering.
Adoption Trailer
PAWS has a goal of purchasing an adoption trailer for the Wayne County Dog Shelter and Adoption Center. The estimated cost of an adoption trailer is $120,000. Adoption trailers are a vital component to helping adoptable dogs find their forever homes. They provide shelter at events, a space for dogs to decompress in between meet & greets, and allow for the Wayne County Dog Shelter to bring more dogs at once to events, saving precious staff time and resources. We hope you’ll consider making a donation to help us meet our goal this year!
Dogs Playing For Life
Dogs Playing for Life is a nonprofit with a mission to enhance the quality of life of shelter dogs.
Long- time sheltering of dogs, in kennel facilities, can compound the feeling of being alone and abandoned. Many shelters cannot meet the physical and emotional needs, particularly for those dogs that struggle with behaviors and are perceived aggressive. Dogs Playing for Life effectively tackles these critical issues that shelter dogs face with a novel, hands-on approach that revolves around opportunities to play in groups – every day.
With the amount of dogs in the shelter care, there is no way every dog has a chance to spend time outside of their kennel, every day. With the implementation of the Dogs Playing for Life Program, multiple dogs would be able to get out of their kennel, and into a 20-30 minute playgroup session.
A 30 minute play session with other dogs can be the equivalent to a two hour leash walk.
The time socializing in playgroups also paves the way for more positive interactions with adopter’s current dogs. Meet and greets with the current dogs are less stressful and safer overall.
General Medical Care
The Wayne County Dog Shelter provides essential care and a safe haven for abandoned and neglected dogs in our community. As a non-profit organization, we rely heavily on the generosity of donors to fund the general medical care these dogs desperately need. From routine vaccinations to more complex treatments for illnesses or injuries, the cost of veterinary care quickly adds up. Without adequate funding, many dogs might not receive the medical attention they require to lead healthy lives or be ready for adoption into loving homes.
Donations are crucial for ensuring that every dog at our shelter receives the proper medical care they deserve. Your support helps cover the expenses of medications, emergency surgeries, and preventive care that can make the difference between life and death for these vulnerable animals. By contributing, you’re not just helping to heal a dog’s body—you’re giving them a second chance at finding a forever family. Every dollar donated directly impacts the well-being of our shelter dogs, helping them on their journey from recovery to adoption.