PAWS Chicago, Chicago

In 1997 PAWS Chicago set out to halt the unnecessary killing of thousands of homeless cats and dogs in the region, establishing a No Kill shelter and organizing public-awareness campaigns. More than 30,000 adoptions later, team members still visit Chicago Animal Care and Control six days a week to take as many pets into their care as they have room for, providing necessary medical attention as well as spaying and neutering services. The Lurie Spay/Neuter Clinic and GusMobile spay and neuter van serve the pets of low-income families and tackle the problem of animal overpopulation in city neighborhoods, catching, treating, and releasing more than 18,000 cats and dogs every year to prevent the unchecked growth of local animal colonies. Through the Adoption and Humane Center in Lincoln Park, PAWS also adopts out animals that enter its shelters. The center maintains a cage-free facility to ensure pets live in comfort and dignity until they can be matched with an adoptive family.