Frequently Asked Questions

We help people in Southern Indiana and the Greater Louisville area who are experiencing a verified crisis such as:

• Medical treatment or hospitalization

• Mental health treatment or recovery programs

• Substance use recovery

• Domestic violence situations

• Housing instability or temporary displacement

• Other short-term emergencies affecting pet care

Our goal is to keep pets safe while their humans focus on healing and stability.

We primarily serve dogs and cats. Acceptance depends on:

• Temperament and safety

• Health status

• Vaccination history

• Available foster space

Each pet is evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

Our program provides temporary care, typically ranging from a few weeks up to several months, depending on the situation and available foster support.

All placements are connected to a reunification plan whenever safely possible.

Fostering support for people in crisis is evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Some foster placements may be provided at no cost, depending on the individual’s situation and the resources available at the time.

In situations where in-home pet sitting or boarding is more appropriate, PAWS-n-PURRSIST partners with trusted local boarding facilities to offer services through a sliding fee scale.

Each person’s circumstances are reviewed individually, and support is determined based on:

• Level of crisis

• Financial situation

• Type of care needed

• Available foster homes or partner space

Our goal is always to create a solution that keeps pets safe while remaining realistic and sustainable for the families we serve.

We are not a veterinary clinic, but we may help connect clients to:

• Low-cost vaccination clinics

• Spay/neuter programs

• Community veterinary resources

Pet owners remain responsible for major or ongoing medical conditions whenever possible.

Safety is our top priority. We are unable to accept pets with:

• A history of serious aggression

• Bite history

• Dangerous or unmanageable behavior

This protects our foster homes, volunteers, and partner facilities.

Pets are cared for in:

• Approved foster homes

• Partner boarding facilities (depending on the case)

We do not operate a shelter building. Every placement is designed to be safe, structured, and loving.

Start by contacting us through our website form, email, or phone. We will:

1. Learn about your situation
2. Discuss your pet’s needs
3. Review documentation of crisis (when applicable)
4. Determine availability and next steps

We do our best to respond quickly, but placement depends on space.

Yes! We believe in maintaining connection whenever it is emotionally healthy and appropriate. Updates may include:

• Photos

• Messages from PAWS-nPURRsist 

• Progress reports

Communication plans are discussed during intake.

No. PAWS-n-PURRSIST is not a surrender or adoption service.

Our mission is focused on temporary care with reunification whenever safely possible.

You can support our mission by:

• Becoming a foster

• Donating funds or supplies

• Sponsoring a pet’s care

• Sharing our posts

• Partnering as a service provider

Every act of support helps keep families together.