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Welcome

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Paws N Claws for the Cause is a duel non-profit with the National Animal Foster Network (N.A.F.N.)

Building a Lifeline for Pets and People in Crisis

We’re proud to share that Paws N Claws for the Cause is growing into a new national initiative — the National Animal Foster Network (N.A.F.N.).

In collaboration with the brilliant students of the University of Colorado Boulder’s Computer Science Capstone Program, we’re developing a national database, website, social media platform, and mobile app that will revolutionize animal foster care and emergency rescue coordination.

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Phase One Completion: May 2026

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🐾 Unified Mission Statement (for both organizations)

Paws N Claws for the Cause and the National Animal Foster Network are united in a single mission: to ensure that no individual in crisis is ever forced to surrender their beloved animal. Together, we are building a compassionate nationwide foster network and digital infrastructure that connects people and pets with life-saving resources in times of need.

From our Colorado sanctuary headquarters, Paws N Claws for the Cause provides safe, temporary refuge for animals whose owners are experiencing medical, mental health, domestic violence, homelessness, the aging population, temporary incarceration, spontaneous deployment for our Veterans, or natural disaster crises.

Through the National Animal Foster Network’s innovative database and app—developed in collaboration with the brilliant minds of the University of Colorado Boulder Computer Science Students—we are revolutionizing disaster response and reunification by linking foster homes, veterinary partners, transport volunteers, and state relief agencies in real time.

Our vision is to create a sustainable, compassionate system that keeps families together, reduces shelter overcrowding, and transforms the way our nation protects its animals and their people during life’s most difficult moments.

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The Need

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Over 4.6 million animals are currently in U.S. shelters.

More than 1 million will be euthanized this year.

Many are surrendered because their owners had no safe place for their pets during personal or environmental crises.

The National Animal Foster Network is being built to change that.

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The Solution

The National Animal Foster Network App

The N.A.F.N. app and database will be a one-stop resource for people and animals in crisis — from local emergencies to national disasters.

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• Through real-time coordination, users will be able to:

• Access volunteer transporters, veterinary care, and pet supply partners

• Locate pre-screened foster homes in nearby states

• Track and reunite pets with owners after disasters or displacement

• Connect with animal rescues and shelters nationwide

• In times of crisis — such as the Palisade and Marshall Fires — this system ensures no animal is left behind.

 

Tracking Progress Nationwide

The database will also serve as a powerful tool for:

• Monitoring animal populations and crisis trends

• Recording species, breeds, medical history, and reunification outcomes

• Measuring reductions in shelter overcrowding and euthanasia rates

• Coordinating across all 50 states with the ability to expand globally

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This is the future of animal welfare coordination — a unified national response system that protects pets and strengthens communities.

Join the Movement: 1 Million People, $1 Each

We’re launching a nationwide (and potentially worldwide) campaign:

1 Million People × $1 = $1 Million in Compassion.

Every dollar brings us closer to completing the N.A.F.N. system and saving millions of lives.

Donate or Apply to Foster Today or volunteer:

www.PawsNClawsCause.org

We Need Your Help!

We’re actively seeking:

• Volunteers

• Donors & Corporate Sponsors

• Veterinary & Supply Chain Partners

• Board Members & Community Advocates

Together, we can transform how the nation responds to animal welfare crises — one foster, one rescue, and one act of kindness at a time.