Pet Assistance Foundation

The Pet Assistance Foundation (PAF) is a U.S. nonprofit organization dedicated to addressing the issue of pet overpopulation. It was founded in 1955 by a group of women who identified pet overpopulation as the root cause of companion animal suffering.

Mission and Objectives

PAF's mission is to reduce the number of unwanted companion animals in Southern California through education and assistance with spay/neuter services. The organization aims to strengthen the human-animal bond by promoting compassion and responsible care for animals.

Activities

1. Spay/Neuter Services: PAF operates spay/neuter hotlines and partners with local veterinarians to provide low-cost sterilization services. They refer clients to veterinarians offering discounted rates, help with city or county coupons, and provide subsidies for financially needy pet guardians.

2. Education and Outreach: PAF engages in community outreach by interacting with residents through hotlines, online platforms, and adoption programs. They also develop and implement humane education programs in schools to raise awareness about animal welfare issues.

3. Animal Rescue and Adoption: While PAF does not operate a shelter, its volunteers foster animals and facilitate adoptions. They encourage adoption over buying pets from breeders to reduce demand for animals from irresponsible breeding practices.

4. Legislation and Advocacy: PAF supports legislation promoting responsible pet guardianship and combats policies that negatively impact animals. They advocate for increased funding for spay/neuter programs at the municipal level.

Impact

In its over sixty years of operation, PAF has become a pioneer in spay/neuter advocacy. By focusing on sterilization as a key strategy to prevent unwanted litters, they help reduce euthanasia rates in shelters and improve the quality of life for companion animals. Their efforts contribute to a broader movement to make spaying and neutering accessible to more pet owners, particularly those with limited financial resources.

Financial and Operational Structure

PAF is a grassroots organization, relying on donations and volunteer support to fund its activities. Their financial resources are directed towards supporting spay/neuter services and educational initiatives. As a registered 501(c)(3) organization with the EIN 95-6093481, PAF continues to play a crucial role in addressing pet overpopulation and promoting animal welfare in Southern California.