In September of 2013, PAWS Illinois, NFP, a not-for-profit organization was created by Michael Tellerino Founder and CEO who had a vision and a passion to help feed pets for families that were struggling financially. Sadly, he knew that without outside assistance, pet owners might be forced to surrender their pets to over-crowded shelters or animal control facilities, where they face a 70% or greater risk of being euthanized. The main goal of PAWS Illinois, NFP’s mission was to step up and do what is needed to give these pets the help they deserve. But, without the assistance and generosity of the general public and local communities, it would be a difficult journey. As a not-for-profit organization, PAWS Illinois, NFP is strictly run by volunteers and receives no municipal funding. It operates solely on fundraisers and donations to meet financial commitments. Throughout their first year of operation, PAWS Illinois experienced an overwhelming response from thousands of followers and supporters from all over the Chicagoland area. They shared the same compassion and love for animals that PAWS Illinois does. PAWS Illinois watched, listened and learned as the organization continued to grow very rapidly. It became clear that the need to help pet owners was much greater than anyone expected. There were many more services that needed to be offered. PET ADOPTION SERVICES
In June, 2015, PAWS Illinois took it a step further and officially acquired their pet adoption license from the Department of Agriculture. PAWS ILLINOIS now has the ability to remove animals from the overcrowded shelters and place them with loving foster families while finding them a permanent home. PAWS ILLINOIS is proud to prevent even one animal from being euthanized by placing it in a loving home environment. We feel this is a great accomplishment for PAWS Illinois and their commitment to keep pets alive and well. Their passion to promote Fostering, Rescue and Adoption of animals in shelters is at the forefront of their mission, and this new license allows them to carry out yet another part of their dream. PAWS ILLINIOS HELPS VETERANS
In early Spring of 2015, PAWS Illinois created a special program called “Pets4Vets”. This program focuses on assisting all disabled United States Veterans with service pets, living in Chicago and the surrounding suburbs. Most of these individuals have been injured while serving our country or suffer from PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder). With this program set firmly in place, PAWS Illinois, NFP now provides a LIFETIME supply of pet food, medical assistance and spay/neuter services for their service animals at no cost to them, in addition to giving them a 50% discount on tickets and/or admission to all of PAWS Illinois fundraisers or events. PARTNERING WITH SUMMIT ANIMAL HOSPITAL
In early 2015, PAWS Illinois partnered with Summit Animal Hospital to provide low cost routine medical procedures to struggling families who would otherwise not be able to afford them. PAWS Illinois helps families eliminate the financial roadblocks and the difficult decision of surrendering their pet to a shelter because of financial limitations. That’s where PAWS Illinois and Summit Animal Hospital step in to help keep these beloved pets with their loving families and out of a shelter. YOUR HELP CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE
PAWS Illinois, NFP has provided countless life-saving services to families, seniors and disabled Veterans since its incorporation in 2013. Continuing these important and compassionate services depends getting individuals, volunteers and communities involved to help its cause. You can help by joining its almost 4000+ followers and supporters on Facebook. If you would like to learn more about their life-saving missions and all their upcoming fundraising events please visit their website at www.pawsillinois.org or find them on Facebook at Facbook.com/pawsillinois. For further information, or if you would like to become a volunteer, please contact directly at (708) 990-0460. Please reach out and consider getting involved with this amazing organization. Your support can make a difference to pets in need and the people who love them.
