Make a difference: Paw Patrol Dayton needs items for cats and dogs

Executive director Brandi Knox says the last time we ran a “Make a Difference” column for her organization, concerned readers contacted her for months afterward, eager to make donations and volunteer.

“Everyone in our group loves animals and does their best to help pets in need,” she explains. “We understand there are so many more animals than there are suitable homes for them, and we want to do anything and everything we can to help as many as we can know they are loved, safe, and in their ‘furever’ home.”

She says all animals need the basics: food, fresh water, shelter and the ability to exercise.

She says it’s especially difficult for pets that are trying their best to survive outside, are living in a home where they aren’t treated well, or are in a shelter. “Our goal is to better the lives of pets by rescuing and re-homing as many as we can reasonably take into our foster program,” Knox says. “In addition, we help owned animals in the community by providing outdoor houses, heated water bowls, and food, along with heavily subsidizing the cost of spaying and neutering to try to help end the overpopulation problem plaguing our community.”

“When we encounter dogs living outdoors, we do our best to get to the root of why the dog is there — often it’s just lack of education, so we work with the owners to try to change their mindset,” Knox adds. “We talk to the owners about why the dog is outdoors and we try to provide alternatives to that lifestyle. We’re willing to provide crates to help them integrate their dogs inside the home, for example.”

How it works

Anyone in the community may send Paw Patrol Dayton a referral of a dog or kitten in need, including the owners themselves, via phone call, Facebook message, email, or the contact form on their website. All information is kept confidential.

Once an animal in need is identified, Paw Patrol volunteers try to establish a relationship with the owner. If the owner responds in a positive way, the group then sets to work doing what they can to better that animal’s life.

The owner must sign a contract with Paw Patrol before any goods or services are provided. In the case of an owner surrendering their animal to the group, the owner must sign a surrender form, giving Paw Patrol legal ownership of the pet.

Paw Patrol receives no government funding and relies solely on donations and adoption fees to operate. Due to the ongoing pandemic, the group has struggled to maintain an adequate level of donations to continue their life-saving work.

Here’s what they need

Items donated can be gently used, but must be clean and flea-free.

Drop off dog supplies at one of the barrels in these locations:

North Main Animal Hospital

8505 N. Main St.

Dayton, OH 45415

Poochie Bath

2308 E. Dorothy Lane

Kettering, OH 45420

Clayton Animal Hospital

6313 Brookville-Salem Road

Clayton, OH 45415

Englewood Animal Hospital

589 S. Main St.

Englewood, OH 45322

Other ways to help

“The biggest expense faced by the group is vet costs,” says Knox, who says the average cost is $200-$250 to spay or neuter one healthy dog, along with getting that dog vaccinated, microchipped, heartworm tested and dewormed. “We often take animals with advanced medical issues or special needs, sending that cost skyrocketing,” she adds.

Donations can be made through the website or by calling (937) 350-1729.

Also, Paw Patrol is always looking for new volunteers or fosters to help better the lives of pets in our community. Additional information can be found on Facebook or the website at www.pawpatroldayton.com.

MAKE A DIFFERENCE

Meredith Moss writes about Dayton-area nonprofit organizations and their specific needs. If your group has a wish list it would like to share with our readers, contact Meredith: meredith.moss@coxinc.com.

Please include a daytime phone number and a photo that reflects your group’s mission.