About Us - The Humane Society and Adoption Center at PAWS


	The Humane Society was first incorporated on March 26th, 1957 as the Playground Humane Society PAWS. We have played a key role in the field of animal care and control in North Florida for over forty-five years. Our first facility was a small building in Valparaiso, Florida. In 1986, the shelter was renamed the Panhandle Animal Welfare Society, affectionately known as PAWS Today, we serve over 160,000 residents in Okaloosa County and surrounding communities. PAWS is a private, non-profit organization that presently handles more than 7,000 animals annually. The Panhandle Animal Welfare Society is a private, nonprofit organization dedicated to the welfare of animals.
	Mission Statement
	To offer refuge and medical care to injured animals. To provide an opportunity for life to homeless animals. To protect animals from cruelty, neglect, carelessness and ignorance. To foster a public sentiment of humanity and gentleness toward animals. To encourage and promote responsible pet ownership. To reduce companion animal overpopulation through humane education and spay and neuter advocacy.
	The Humane Society and Adoption Center at PAWS offers the services including: animal care and adoptions, microchip implants, animal rescue, lost and found services, adopt-a-teacher school program, humane education, pet cremation services, 24-hour emergency services, pet foster care, First Strike campaign, PAWS in Motion outreach program, volunteer opportunities, pet therapy, spay/neuter clinic, and low cost medical clinic for low-income residents. The PAWS Junkyard Dog Gift n' Thrift also provides community outreach services and support to a variety of community agencies, other charitable organizations and local needy families.