We are a 501(c)3 non-profit humane organization. MassPAWS’ volunteers are dedicated to rescuing animals, providing all medical treatment necessary, and finding them forever homes. Potential adopters must be within 75 miles of Boston.

MassPAWS was organized in 2001 as a group of animal welfare volunteers and professionals committed to working on the most compelling animal issues in Massachusetts, with the goal of ending the suffering and destruction of cats, dogs, wildlife and animals in entertainment and research.


Our primary activities include: humane education; rescue of cats and dogs from terminal impoundment and life-threatening situations; foster care and adoptions; humane feral cat management utilizing trap-inoculate-neuter protocols and lending support and networking to other humane organizations.


We spay/neuter cats and dogs, preventing pets from becoming homeless or ending up (themselves or their offspring) in over-burdened shelters. We also provide s/n and support to caretakers of feral cat colonies and provide assistance to caretakers trying to keep their pets. The Massachusetts Progressive Animal Watchdog Society has an eye on animals in Massachusetts, and the animals are the beneficiaries.