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General Information
We do not cover young animals, amphibians or reptiles. We do not help clients get new pets but rather assist them in maintaining the pets they already have. For more detailed information on PAWS client eligibility policies, please see below. New clients are accepted on the first working day of every month. There is no fee to apply. If you are in need of our services or know someone that is, call 979-9550 on the above day at 9AM sharp. Even if you do not need our services now, please apply so we can help for any immediate needs in the future. PAWS does not maintain a waiting list for services. If, when you call, the available slots have already been filled, please call the following month. The wait is usually no more than one to two months. All clients must have an intake interview and complete all required paperwork. The Client Services Coordinator or designated PAWS staff member will complete this interview and ensure that eligibility requirements are met. For more information please call:
PAWS is dedicated to doing whatever we can to help people with AIDS and other disabling illnesses and their animal companions. However, due to limited resources and the ever-growing need for our services, it is necessary that we follow these policies.
Any
clients previously accepted into our program shall remain clients, even if they
do not currently fit our eligibility requirements. We will continue to service
existing clients who already live outside of San Francisco. We can not provide
services to existing San Francisco clients if they should move. Once
a client no longer has the animal companions with which he/she registered at the
PAWS intake, that person will no longer be considered a PAWS client. If new animals
are acquired, that person must proceed through the regular intake process to be
considered as a client.
PAWS will not cover any additional animals who may be
added to a client's household. Our mission is to help people with AIDS and other
disabling illnesses keep their animals—not to assist people in getting new
animals or in replacing animals who die or are lost. Except
for rare cases in which the animal's health prohibits surgery, all PAWS animals
must be spayed or neutered before they can be activated as a PAWS client. If an
animal has not been spayed or neutered at the time of client intake, the client
must have his companion animal spayed/neutered within ninety(90) days or they
will be required to begin the intake process from the start. Due
to potential health hazards for our clients, and because of our concern for the
animals, PAWS will not cover any animals who are under nine months of age. Reptiles,
wildlife, amphibians, primates, ferrets or other animals who pose significant
health risks will also be exempt from coverage.
Client
Responsibilities Clients are responsible for securing a home for their
companion animal(s) in the event of clients’ inability to continue caring
for the animal. PAWS encourages all clients who cannot find appropriate homes for their animal(s) to become members of the SPCA SIDO Program to ensure a healthy future for their pet(s).
* A client will receive a verbal caution if his/her behavior is considered abusive. This caution will be followed by a letter explaining our policies and an invitation to meet with our Client Services Coordinator to discuss the situation. If a second abusive incident occurs, the client will receive a letter explaining that he/she will no longer be considered a client.
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