Shelter Spotlight: PAWS-Patas

by Emma Koeniger, SPCAI Staff

Located in the province of Almeria, Spain, PAWS-Patas was the first animal shelter established in their area of Southern Spain. They have been actively caring for and reducing the number of stray and abandoned animals for 26 years. Founded by a small group of volunteers in 1989, the PAWS-Patas volunteer base has grown to 60 people, all working to provide care to needy local animals and raise public awareness for animal welfare issues. 

PAWS-Patas helps roughly 300 animals each year without any government funding. No animal is ever turned away based on medical or behavioral issues. Every animal taken in receives medical care and individual attention so that they can find the best home possible. Recently PAWS-Patas has found forever homes for their animals in Spain, Holland, Germany, Belgium and the UK. From 2014 -2016 the PAWS-Patas team was able to rehome 628 dogs and 242 cats!

SPCA International is proud to support PAWS-Patas with a Shelter Support Fund grant.