Monthly donor campaign underway at PAW

In the early 70’s, a group of concerned citizens were alarmed with the condition of homeless and stray animals in Lee County. A private organization was formed, funded totally by donations and small fund raisers. In 1994 the baton was passed and PAW Animal Shelter was established.  PAW soon received their non-profit 501c3 status making all donations to the shelter tax deductible. This allowed the shelter to move to a better location and more importantly, improve care provided.
PAW Animal Shelter continues to consistently provide shelter, rehabilitation, adoption, and veterinary services for not only Lee County but surrounding counties as well.  Over the years, thousands of dogs and cats have come through our doors and have found loving homes.  These are dogs and cats which would have otherwise roamed our streets for died from neglect.  PAW has spent hundreds of thousands of dollars on veterinary care, food, utilities and just the basic costs of running a facility.  In 2024 we entered our new home providing a much safer and healthier facility for the pets in our care.  All of this has only been accomplished because of YOU and your financial support.  
But NOW PAW needs YOUR help. Sandy Brown, PAW Director stated, “Due to the rising costs of utilities, vet care, food, and generally just about everything – including a record number of animals being surrendered, abandoned or dumped for the very simple reason that owners cannot afford to keep them, our costs are larger than revenues and donations.”  
PAW started a monthly donor campaign in May.  PAW, like other no-kill shelters, rely heavily on donations.  PAW has not had a sustainable monthly donor base, and it’s gotten worse the past year.  PAW started May with five monthly donors.  After the first week of the campaign monthly donors have increased to about forty.  PAW is needing you to join the monthly donor partners so our work will continue.
Your donation can make a Life Changing Difference.  Please go to our website, www.PawFortMadison.com, and click the “Donate Here” at the top of the page.  You can set up a monthly or annual donation.  We also accept donations through Venmo and Paypal.  You can contact us at 319.372.2274 with any questions.  The monthly donations help us better be able to match revenue with expenses, and you set the amount that fits your budget. Help us to continue to be able to do what we do - help them find their loving home. 
Our mailing address for check donations is:    
PAW Animal Shelter
1931 - 48th Street
Fort Madison, IA  52627                                      

January 2026 began with 238 dogs and 110 cats under our roof.  By the end of April, 139 dogs and 73 cats had each found loving homes.  On average 800 dogs and cats are adopted annually. We are proud to say we have pets in 48 states and three foreign countries as well as a few very “famous” ones- Our sweet Kita walked the red carpet with her owner at the 2025 Grammys and Oliver Puck has appeared in Vogue Magazine, has his own children’s book, and his list goes on! We also have many wonderful, trained service dogs helping their owners navigate through life - each who started their life as a PAW Animal Shelter Dog.   
Take Riddle - one of our many “Happy Endings”.  Enter Dennis.  Dennis came in looking to foster a small dog- we brought him Riddle! All 65 pounds of him. Riddle first came to PAW in August 2018 as a found dog.  Nine days later his owner finally came to reclaim him.  Unfortunately, within the next 2.5 years Riddle would return to PAW five more times. In 2021 Riddle was abandoned at AC. PAW took him where he sadly remained for the next 4 years. Riddle met Dennis in July 2025 as a 2-week foster.  That foster dog has now become Dennis’ best friend and a FOREVER family member!  Your support made a way for Riddle and Dennis to get together.  Without you this union would not have happened.  We appreciate your support!