Low-Cost Wellness Clinics & Other Necessary Programs
By Susan Spisak
I recently had the opportunity to chat with Shelly A. Butler, Executive Director for P.A.W.S. Animal Adoption Center, aka P.A.W.S. This nonprofit is a no-kill shelter that serves Camden, Rockport, Lincolnville, Belfast, Hope, Northport, and six other nearby towns. Founded in 1974 by a group of Midcoast animal lovers, their mission has remained constant: to provide a safe, caring environment for homeless and abandoned dogs and cats and to promote responsible pet ownership.
Shelly said their programs to aid their communities are all-important. To that end, they offer PAWS Cares Wellness Clinics and other veterinary services on a rolling basis in one of their twelve towns/islands each month to help keep their area pets healthy. Appointments can be scheduled online for spay/neuter and wellness appointments which include a full exam, parasite treatments, Lyme shots, microchips, and preventative vaccinations. (Check pawsadoption.org/paws-cares-clinics. In September, two clinics are slated at the Islesboro Community Center, 11am to 2 pm; October’s clinics are TBD.) Note; free flea/tick preventatives may be available courtesy of the Waldo County Pet Pantry.
Shelly said the services are so “affordable,” the charges barely cover the cost. For example, a required healthy canine exam is $20, and a one-year canine rabies is $10, and the Lyme vaccines are available for $25. Spay/neuter vouchers are accepted and can be obtained at the Waldo Humane Society, Waldo Pet Food Pantry, and Pope Memorial Humane Society.
Shelly gave a huge shout out to three supporters who generously help fund the clinics as well as all of their efforts: The “amazing” P.A.W.S. Board President, January Peavey of January Peavey State Farm, the Maine Community Foundation, and the Elmina B. Sewall Foundation.
Other programs that P.A.W.S. is proud of includes their Pet Food & Supply Pantry and their partnership with area social service providers like New Hope Midcoast & the Knox County Homeless Coalition. The Pet Food Pantry is a valuable resource for their communities. After a request for pet food assistance and appointment for pick-up is made, P.A.W.S. will provide a one-month supply of dog and cat pet food. Requests will be filled on a first come, first served basis, while supplies last. Check the website for full info, link below.
Their partnership with New Hope Midcoast in Rockland is vital to many. New Hope Midcoast provides emergency shelter to those facing domestic, dating, and stalking abuse. (For more info on this nonprofit that was previously called New Hope for Women, newhopemidcoast.org/.) P.A.W.S. aids them by temporarily boarding animals for those owners who are leaving threatening situations. On the day we spoke, Shelly said she had new requests from their social service partners to help pet owners who were struggling.
Now onto P.A.W.S. pets. Shelly said they provide services for about 1500 animals annually. In 2021, they had a 97% placement rate--587 pets found a new home. Their dogs come in as strays, owner relinquishments, and they open their doors to canines & felines from their partners, Georgia’s Road Trip Home, and Puerto Rico’s Love4Satos. (Sato means mutt in Spanish.) P.A.W.S.’s cozy and clean facility can house up to twenty dogs and one hundred cats. They also rely on foster homes, especially for their pregnant or special needs animals.
Area residents can support P.A.W.S. by volunteering, fostering, donating, or just stopping by 123 John Street in Camden to visit with the pets. For more and to see all their available dogs, pawsadoption.org/.
Franny, 4.5 years old, Mixed Breed
Franny is a mellow girl who loves everyone she meets! She also does well with some other dogs but will need someone who is good at integrating dogs. Otherwise, she should be the only dog. She would even be great with kids. She is ready for her forever home. Could that be with you?
Lincoln, 1 year old, Mixed Breed
Lincoln is so awesome! He is a fun and energetic young boy. He is dog selective so he will need someone who is good at integrating dogs, cats are unknown, but does well with all humans that he meets - except is not a fan of children. He will make an amazing addition to his future forever home!
If you have any questions about Franny or Lincoln, please contact P.A.W.S. Animal Adoption Center at peteypaws@pawsadoption.org or (207)236-8702.