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PAWS is a non-profit organization dedicated to reducing the number of unwanted cats and dogs in the Kansas City metro area. Because people do not neuter their pets, thousands of animals must be put to death. Countless others are "dumped" and lead an even more miserable existence on the streets, often continuing to reproduce.

PAWS, Inc. was founded in 1973 to help people solve animal-related problems.

PAWS directly addresses the overpopulation problem by providing a reduced cost neuter/spay program for those pet owners who cannot afford the regular fees. Our neuter/spay program is possible through cooperation from veterinarians throughout the metropolitan area who provide the lower cost surgeries; PAWS also pays part of the cost of every surgery. Neutered/spayed animals profit from better health, but people receive benefits as well: pet owners, their neighbors, and animal control officers are spared the burden of dealing with unwanted domestic animals. Moreover, establishing an early relationship with a veterinarian helps pet owners to meet other animal health responsibilities as well, protecting the community from the spread of disease through sick animals. During each fiscal year PAWS assists in the neutering and spaying of over 2,000 cats and dogs.

PAWS' counseling helps ease concerns felt by pet owners. Everyone who requests neuter/ spay assistance also receives a personal phone call from a PAWS volunteer who chats with the person about the animal. Sometimes these conversations reveal worries that the individual has about pet care and the PAWS volunteer can often assist with suggestions, occasionally supplemented by brochures referring to professional advice on particular problems.