Performing Animal Welfare Society

Since 1984, The Performing Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) has been at the forefront of efforts to rescue and provide appropriate, humane sanctuary for animals who have been the victims of the exotic and performing animal trades. PAWS investigates reports of abused performing and exotic animals, documents cruelty and assists in investigations and prosecutions by regulatory agencies to alleviate the suffering of captive wildlife.

At PAWS' sanctuaries, rescued and retired animals live in peaceful natural habitats, free from fear, chains, and harsh confinement. They are at complete liberty to act out natural behaviors in the comfort of their individually designed enclosures.

PAWS' animals are not bred, traded, sold, rented or forced to perform in any way. PAWS educates the entertainment industry, public officials and the general public in humane care and treatment of captive wildlife.

PAWS operates three wildlife sanctuaries in Northern California: the original 30-acre PAWS sanctuary in Galt, CA; the 100-acre Amanda Blake Memorial Wildlife Refuge in Herald, CA; and ARK 2000, a 2,300 acre sanctuary in San Andreas, CA.