Paws Animal Rescue is operated solely on a volunteer basis. If it wasn’t for all the volunteers that support us we wouldn’t be able to save as many homeless animals that we do each year.

Volunteering
The cats are held at Paws Animal Rescue located on Main Street in Pierre. Volunteers come throughout the day to take care of the cats. Our morning and evening shifts are each at least 2 hours long and involve cleaning, socializing, and providing fresh food and water for all. Saturdays we are open to the public from 11 am to 2 pm. On weekends, we like to have extra volunteers signed up to accomplish everything that needs to be done plus those to help during open hours.

Fostering
The shelter has needs for both cat and dog foster homes. At this time, foster homes are needed for all of our dogs because we don't currently have a building for them. As a foster parent, you take homeless dogs and sometimes cats into your home and take care of them until they are adopted. Paws Animal Rescue provides all food, supplies, and vet care needed for that specific dog or cat. The foster home’s personal schedule and the size, age, breed, and sex are all considered when placing a dog into foster care.

Most of our volunteers find volunteering a very rewarding experience. Unfortunately, due to the national problem of pet overpopulation there never are enough volunteers to go around. Sometimes, there aren’t enough foster homes for all the dogs that end up at the city pound. Due to not being claimed or our lack of space, some are euthanized by the city or county.

Interested?
If you would like to either become a volunteer to help with the cats in the shelter or decide you would like to help by becoming a foster parent, please contact us either by phone or email. Call 605-223-CATS or email us at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it and someone will get back to you as soon as possible!

"Being a foster parent is the most fulfilling & gratifying thing I have ever done."
~ Betty Truax ~ Foster Home

"I like the opportunity to give the animals a second chance."
~ Teddi Martell ~ Foster Home

"I would like to help with the fund raising and care at the shelter, but living 30 miles away and running kids everywhere for their activities, I can't commit to that. So, we have foster cats/kittens at our home. For the most part, they are entertaining and pretty much take care of themselves. My kids do a good job of playing with the cats and helping out with their care. It is something our whole family can volunteer for, and I hope my kids will continue to have animals in their lives when they get older. My grandma always said, 'People who are nice to animals and know how to treat them well, are good people.'"
~ Joan Hofer ~ Foster Home

My husband and I have been dog foster parents for three years now, and we are at our supreme happiest when we have a "full house". We love fostering!! It provides us with a unique way to do something meaningful together. Fostering at our house is a joyful way to 'give back' for all that dogs have provided in our lives. Our foster dogs are considered a huge part of our family, even after they leave for their 'furever' homes. We are so proud of each dog's accomplishments, and love each and every one of them so very much. We have five large house dogs of our own, and are always ready at a moment's notice, for 'new additions' in the way of fosters. We see many breeds, and many personalities - every day is an adventure doing what we absolutely love doing!! Try it - you may find it fits just the right place in your heart too!! It really is 'full time loving' at its best!!!!!!!
~ Cat and Larry Johns ~ Foster Home