Animal Health Solutions

6 Covetrus | ph: 855.724.3461 | fx: 888.329.3861 | northamerica.covetrus.com PAWS, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization headquartered in Lynnwood, Washington, was in the midst of preparing for their annual fundraising gala when the COVID-19 pandemic hit. Faced with the challenge of overcoming a serious budget shortfall due to the forced cancellation of the gala, they had to find a way to quickly and effectively course-correct. "Animals don't know there's a pandemic," said PAWS CEO Heidi Wills. Caring for these animals, especially during the busy baby animal season, is still a necessity. So they took their fundraiser virtual and created PAWS Wild Week: A Virtual Benefit for Animals. Backed by event sponsors, PAWS began promoting to their 34,000 supporters via email and social media and provided instructions to create a fundraising page of their own, an approach called crowdfunding. Crowdfunding allows many individuals to use their social media presence to collect donations from their family, friends, colleagues, and more, which expands the reach of a fundraiser. The week-long event allowed supporters to bid on one-of-a-kind experiences, including the opportunity to join in the release of a rehabilitated wild animal – something rare and unforgettable. PAWS was able to raise $160,000 (and growing), exceeding their original goal. The funds will allow PAWS to continue fulfilling their promise to help cats, dogs, and wild animals go home and thrive. But PAWS isn't just helping animals. "PAWS is providing essential services to animals and people," said Wills. "We recognize that when people spend time with animals, it's shown to improve health and well-being. Especially during these uncertain times, people can benefit greatly from the comfort and unconditional love from a companion animal." PAWS currently offers appointment-only cat and dog adoptions from the PAWS Companion Animal Shelter in Lynnwood. In addition to the Companion Animal Shelter, their Lynnwood campus includes a Spay/Neuter Clinic and Wildlife Center. The seven-acre property houses administration and animal care staff and features dog walking trails, dog and cat kennels, surgery and exam rooms, and enclosures to accommodate the rehabilitation of a vast range of wild animal species. PAWS Cat City extends their reach into urban Seattle and is located in the University District. Interested in learning more or contributing to PAWS? Visit paws.org. Covetrus is a proud supporter of PAWS and PAWS Wild Week: A Virtual Benefit for Animals. About PAWS PAWS helps cats, dogs, and wild animals go home and thrive – whether home is the family room or the forest. They do this by rehabilitating orphaned and injured wildlife, sheltering and adopting homeless cats and dogs, and educating the community to inspire compassionate action for animals. Since 1967, PAWS has united more than 130,000 cats and dogs with loving families, cared for more than 140,000 sick, injured, and orphaned wild animals, and made the world a better place for countless others through outreach, education, and advocacy. Fundraising in the wake of a global pandemic How one non-profit created a meaningful and safe way for animal lovers to show their support

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