Fundraising Milestones for PAWS
Creating a thriving animal sanctuary and wellness center takes heart, community, and resources. At Pause Animal Wellness Sanctuary (PAWS), your support helps us lay a strong foundation for a space where mutual healing can take place between humans and animals.
PAWS is seeking philanthropists, angel investors, strategic partners, donors, and grants to support our launch and growth.
We are deeply grateful for our growing community of supporters and for the private angel donor who has already stepped forward to support this vision. To move forward, we need additional support to cover the down payment on the property, initial operational costs, necessary renovations to ensure full PACFA compliance, and the foundational expenses required to sustain the sanctuary with care, responsibility, and integrity as operations expand.
If you are in a position to contribute toward the purchase of the property, or know someone who might be interested, please reach out to info@pausesanctuary.com to explore how you can make a meaningful impact. Property acquisition is separate from our current fundraising milestones (outlined here).
All donations made directly through Pause Animal Wellness Sanctuary are tax-deductible and support operational needs within those milestones.
Fur-Ever Home & Milestone #2
Milestone #2: Sanctuary Development, Transport, & Ongoing Operational Costs.
Legal Counsel on Property Acquisition and continued support, ensuring PAWS remains in compliance
Hiring a Certified Public Accountant
Caring for our small group of animal residents
Website, Email Marketing, Workflow Management, and Other Technology Licenses
In-person fundraising event rental/marketing
PACFA License
Any necessary renovations to our soon-to-be physical space — potentially including fencing, PACFA-required enclosures for dogs and cats, as well as other PACFA requirements.
Necessary equipment, supplies, and safety infrastructure
Ongoing operations costs & 2026 BOY legal filings
Purchasing a transport vehicle
Donate Direct to PAWS
If you are interested in viewing our Executive Summary, please click the button below. If you would like to receive our Strategic Business Plan to better understand our overarching vision , please email info@pausesanctuary.com
Below are the low-end costs for the care of one dog or cat for one full year. These values do not include the costs to pay staff to care for animals, emergency costs, or the costs to transport animals to the Sanctuary.
Dog – Total Annual Estimated Cost: $2,124
Includes:
Nutritional food and treats
Veterinary care (including spay/neuter), preventatives, and vaccinations
Beds, leashes, toys, crates, and grooming supplies
Cat – Total Annual Estimated Cost: $1,984
Includes:
Nutritional food, litter, and treats
Veterinary care (including spay/neuter), preventatives, and vaccinations
Cat trees, beds, toys, scratching posts, and carriers
We are excited for the day we can begin doing regular rescues, welcoming more animals in. Your support is what makes this possible. As PAWS grows, we’ll introduce sponsorship options that directly support an animal’s care or help meet the needs of many. Even still, every contribution strengthens our foundation to save lives.
Cost to Care: Supporting Each Animal for One Year
Previous Fundraising Milestones
✅Fundraising Milestone #1
Thanks to the Amazing Support of our community, we have hit our first fundraising milestone! As a nonprofit, fundraising is an important part of our Journey! Any donations made are now going toward Milestone #2 (see above).
Goal: $5,000
To become a fully operational Sanctuary, we must lay the groundwork. This includes legal registrations, our 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status, website setup, and basic administrative costs. These startup expenses may not be glamorous, but they are essential for credibility and sustainability. Every donation moves us closer to becoming a fully operational nonprofit.
Examples of what this covers (though not limited to):
Legal Fees
Website, Email Marketing, Workflow Management, and Other Technology Licenses
501(c)(3) Application
In-person fundraising event rental/marketing
Caring for our small group of animal residents
Setting the foundation for our fur-ever home
This milestone represents our very first step, small but mighty. Let’s build the foundation together.
