Who We Are

PAWS of Bainbridge Island and North Kitsap advocates, educates, and provides direct services to nurture the bond of companionship between pets and their people, for the health and well-being of both.

In 1975, the Progressive Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) was founded by Mildred Frey, Diane Blymyer and Lila Dolan who saw a great demand for a local response to animal welfare needs in their community. Since that time, PAWS has become a thriving, vital presence on Bainbridge Island and in North Kitsap. Through education, awareness, and financial aid, PAWS is realizing its vision of significantly reducing pet overpopulation and the unnecessary euthanasia of healthy, adoptable animals while facilitating responsible, caring relationships between people and their pets.

Run for more than 25 years as an all-volunteer operation, the organization has evolved since the turn of the 21st century into a professionally-managed, community-supported endeavor serving all North Kitsap communities. Our skeleton staff of five works side-by-side with PAWS volunteers to manage all aspects of our organization's work. We're proud to say that our staff brings to the table over 40 years of direct companion animal adoption experience in Kitsap County, more than any other group in the region. This wealth of experience enables us to work cooperatively with other groups and proactively for our community's pets and their people.   Meet our Staff

PAWS’ evolution has fully embraced the community spirit and love of companion animals with which it was established.

What once were simple notions that the organization could help pet-loving neighbors in need now have become critically important veterinary financial assistance programs. Where once some volunteers sporadically made calls to help a lost animal find its way home, now there is a web site fully dedicated to accomplish the task efficiently. In every way, from pet adoption to a long-standing commitment to reducing pet overpopulation, PAWS of Bainbridge Island and North Kitsap has answered the community’s call.

Since 2008, when economic conditions forced many public interest groups to minimize services, or shut down entirely, PAWS has defined itself more clearly. By initiating a pet food bank and expanding veterinary financial assistance for low-income pet owners, PAWS has helped avert a potential disaster for neighboring families and their pets. Indeed, the economic downturn was the catalyst that spurred PAWS to embrace its community mission even more fully.

In late 2008, PAWS expanded its Board of Directors from 3 members to 10, reaching out to form alliances with other animal welfare groups, and creating innovative solutions that work. The PAWS Board of Directors includes animal lovers and business and community leaders from throughout North Kitsap and Bainbridge Island. Our hands-on Board steers organization policy and takes part in every PAWS function.   Meet our Board Members

As economic conditions improve, the Board now seeks assistance from steadfast animal lovers to shore up its programs with fully sustainable economic support. Since 1975, PAWS of Bainbridge Island and North Kitsap has always been there to answer the call of “pets and their people.” We hope you’ll join us in preparing PAWS to answer the call for the next 35 years, as well.