Paws4ever: A Purpose-Driven Mission to Help Pets and People Thrive

GIVEjoy is about living with purpose, intention, and joy—and Paws4ever is an organization that embodies those values beautifully. For more than 60 years, this Orange County, NC nonprofit has been saving animals, creating lifelong bonds between pets and people, and providing the resources families need to thrive together.

In this GIVEjoy spotlight, Paws4ever Board Vice President Sally Schatz shares the organization’s mission, the difference it makes in our community, and the many ways you can help—from volunteering and donating to supporting programs that keep pets and their people together.

Paws4ever: Who We Are

For more than 60 years, Paws4ever has been saving lives and completing families in our local community. This 501(c)(3) animal welfare organization is dedicated to creating and strengthening lifelong relationships between pets and people through adoption, training, education, and care.

Located on a beautiful 20-acre sanctuary in Orange County, Paws4ever takes an integrated approach to animal welfare. Its programs include an animal rescue and adoption center, dog training facility and dog park, Legacy Care program, ReSale store, and Community Pet Support program.

What makes Paws4ever especially meaningful is its lifelong commitment to the animals it serves. The organization provides resources and support to help pets and their people thrive through every stage of their relationship.

Their vision is simple and powerful: a world where pets and people thrive together.

Volunteers Make a Difference

Volunteers are the heart of Paws4ever. Whether you’re caring for cats and dogs, helping keep the Adoption Center welcoming, supporting events, or lending a hand at the ReSale store, your time and energy make a real difference.

If you love animals and want to contribute to their well-being, consider joining the Paws4ever volunteer team. Volunteer interest forms are available on the Paws4ever website, and group volunteer opportunities are also offered.

Young volunteers are welcome, with additional requirements based on age. Volunteers ages 16–17 who volunteer independently need a parent or guardian to sign a waiver. Volunteers age 15 and younger must be supervised by a parent or guardian who is present and signs the required waiver.

Other Ways to Support Paws4ever

As an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit, Paws4ever receives no government funding and relies primarily on the generosity of individual donors and local business partners.

Every gift helps strengthen our entire community—by easing the strain on county shelters, saving animals’ lives, and providing homeless pets with the medical care, training, enrichment, and emotional support they need to thrive.

Donations also help create those wonderful moments when an animal finds a loving forever home—and allow Paws4ever to continue supporting pets and their families after adoption through education and follow-up resources.

You can direct your gift to a fund that speaks to you:

• General Fund: Provides resources wherever they are needed most.
• Med4Paws Fund: Helps provide preventive and emergency medical care so pets can become healthy and ready for permanent homes.
• Community Pet Support Fund: Helps pets and their people stay together through services such as the Pet Pantry, veterinary assistance, and dog-training scholarships.
• Adoption Angel Fund: Gives overlooked animals extra support, including reduced or waived adoption fees.

There are also many other ways to support Paws4ever, including the Loyal Companions monthly giving program, planned giving, business partnerships, corporate gift matching, ReSale store purchases, neighborhood and business supply drives, the Legacy Care program, dog-training classes, dog park memberships, facility rentals, and fundraising events.

Paws4ever’s signature annual celebration of pets, Wags & Whiskers, is typically held in April, along with smaller fundraising events throughout the year.

Find Your Way to Get Involved

There are so many ways to live with purpose, act with intention, and experience the joy that comes from helping others. Paws4ever offers countless opportunities to do all three—whether you volunteer your time, make a donation, support a local event, or simply spread the word about the important work they do.

Thank you to Sally Schatz for sharing the Paws4ever story and for reminding us that when we help animals and the people who love them, we strengthen our entire community.

For more information about Paws4ever, explore their website and discover how you can get involved.

Paws4ever website

2025 Impact Report 

Upcoming events:

Pickle4Paws Pickleball Tournament – October 3, 2026 (registration via website)

Trunk or Treat – October 17, 2026