Pound Paws Rescue: Making Veterinary Care Accessible Across Otago

Funding Stories

Pound Paws Rescue continues to make a significant impact across Otago through its comprehensive Dog Desexing Programme. This vital initiative addresses the financial barriers many pet owners face when seeking veterinary care for their companions. The innovative approach of Pound Paws includes partnerships with veterinary clinics, creating a sustainable model where pet owners contribute what they can toward costs, with these funds recycling back into the programme to help more animals.

Beyond desexing services, Pound Paws operates a much-needed pet food bank and kennel library, as well as successfully finding homes for over 100 dogs and puppies in the last year through their Community Rehoming programme.

Crystal's Story:

Among the many success stories is Crystal, an elderly Pomeranian who is an example of the critical importance of Pound Paws' work. After spending twelve years being used for breeding, Crystal had delivered her final litter when her former owner gave her over to Pound Paws.

Through the Dog Desexing Programme, Pound Paws immediately arranged for Crystal to receive comprehensive veterinary care including vaccination, spaying, much-needed dental work and a complete shaving, due to her severely matted coat. Once her immediate health needs were addressed, Crystal was placed with a foster carer.

What happened next is what Pound Paws affectionately calls a ‘foster fail’ – a term used when a foster carer falls in love with their temporary charge and decides to adopt permanently.  Her transformation from neglected breeding dog to beloved family member demonstrates the life-changing impact of Pound Paws' work throughout the region.