Program Overview

PAWS Program Overview

Mission – PAWS NY Capital Region assists people living with HIV/AIDS in maintaining and caring for their pets.  We provide individualized support, information, supplies, and assistance to eligible residents of the Capital Region.

Organization – PAWS NY Capital Region is a program of the Albany Damien Center, a drop-in AIDS community center helping people living with HIV/AIDS since 1990.

Area Covered – Albany, Saratoga, Rensselaer, Columbia and Schenectady counties of Upstate NY.

Number of Clients –: 90 with 139 pets (as of March 1, 2007)

Eligibility – Owner of a dog, cat, bird, and/or fish; diagnosis of HIV/AIDS; low-income status determined by Federal Poverty Guidelines.

Program Inception – January 2003

Services Offered –

·         In-home volunteer pet care when clients are ill

·         $150 voucher per year for veterinary services

·         Pet food and supplies

·         Transportation to vet and grooming services

·         Health and educational information, including "safe pet" guidelines for pet owners

·         Materials describing the benefits of animal companionship

Publications

Safe Pet Guidelines – Information specifically geared to pet owners living with HIV/AIDS.