PAWS is an all-volunteer, non-profit animal welfare foster network, founded in Wakefield, MA, in 1982 by Esther Nowell. Our mission is to promote and protect the rights and well-being of all domestic animals and wildlife, and foster greater understanding of animal welfare and animal rights through education. Our tradition and ongoing goal is to address the needs of the homeless animals in our communities to ensure that they • are treated humanely • receive the medical care and attention they need, despite the costs, and • have a safe and loving foster home with us until they find their forever homes. We serve the people and animals in many communities, primarily north and west of Boston. Our core communities include Wakefield, Reading, North Reading, Lynnfield, Stoneham, Melrose, Woburn, and Saugus. We field calls from all over New England, and we are willing to accommodate requests as long as we have a volunteer available and able to respond. Whenever we are unable to help directly, we provide referrals to other organizations that may be able to offer assistance.