A letter to the community from PAWS CEO Heidi Wills Yamada
Dear Friends,
While taking extreme precautions in dealing with the COVID-19 outbreak, PAWS is continuing to provide lifesaving care to cats, dogs and wild animals. We have many cats and dogs available at PAWS Companion Animal Shelter in Lynnwood and encourage adoption with some essential changes to the process for the safety of our community.
Effective immediately, PAWS is taking the following measures with the public in order to protect human health.
PAWS Wildlife Center – If you have found an injured or orphaned wild animal, please try our online self-service or call us at 425.412-4040. A trained staff member will help you determine if the animal needs help and guide you through what to do next.
Cat And Dog Adoptions – The PAWS Companion Animal Shelter in Lynnwood and PAWS Cat City in Seattle’s University District are open for adoptions. Visit our adopt section to learn more about the process and how to find your new companion.
Stray animals – PAWS will continue to accept stray animals from the seven jurisdictions we serve: Edmonds, Kenmore, Lake Forest Park, Mountlake Terrace, Mukilteo, Shoreline and Woodinville. If you are looking for your lost animal, please check our website. If your missing pet is in our care, it will be on the website in a manner of minutes. Please call ahead to schedule an appointment to redeem your pet at 425.787.2500 x 800.
Owner surrender – We will continue to accept owner relinquished pets on an appointment basis. Please call 425.787.2500 x 801 or visit our website to learn more about the process.
Low-income Spay/Neuter Clinic – PAWS is suspending all public spay/neuter surgeries until the end of 2021. Please check our website for updates.
Online Education Programs – Youth of all ages are invited to join our online education programs and learn with PAWS. PAWS Academy is an on-demand virtual learning library with videos and activities to inspire youth. Scouts can join one of our live virtual badge workshops, and fourth graders are invited to learn about animals in our signature Kids Who Care program. As we connect with youth remotely, PAWS continues to inspire compassionate action for animals. Learn more about how youth can help animals from wherever they are.
PAWS is focused on the care and well-being of the animals, staff, volunteers and members of the public visiting our facilities in Lynnwood. The CDC and the World Health Organization have cautioned all of us to avoid unnecessary human contact and use social distancing in order to slow the spread of COVID-19. It is our civic duty to follow the advice of the experts who are familiar with the pattern of disease migration.
We thank you for your understanding and want to assure you that the animals at our facilities are receiving top-notch care during this particularly challenging time for our community.
Help PAWS during the COVID-19 crisis by donating these essential items.