About Us

Paws Along The River Humane Society is a non-profit 501 (c)3 organization registered in Pennsylvania in 1931. A volunteer Board of Directors develops the mission and policy, ensures legal responsibilities are in place, oversees finances of its resources, reviews and approves plans and budgets, is an ambassador to the community, supports the executive director, recruits new board members, and evaluates operational performance. We are not a part of any government agency. However, we do receive a small percentage of funding from our City, Townships, and Boroughs within Warren County. Our main source of income comes from our adoptions, donations, fundraisers, and our thrift shop sales. Also, grants, bequests, and legacies allow PAWS to provide animal services to our community. We specialize in matching pets to situations and people. This matching process helps ensure permanent and successful adoptions. We take the time with you and your family to assist in selecting a new family member. We get to know our pets and can give you valuable information in helping you to make a decision. All pets are spayed and neutered before adoptions are complete. 

Our Mission:

Paws Along The River Humane Society is committed to building lifelong bonds between people and animals through education, community outreach programs, and the prevention of cruelty.

Our Vision:

We envision a time when our community celebrates the human-animal bond; embraces the mutual benefits therein; and treats all fellow beings with care, compassion, and respect.

An Open Admission Shelter

Paws Along The River is an open-admission animal shelter.  This means that we will not turn away any adoptable pet that needs our help up to the maximum number for which we can provide. We are here for the homeless, abused, and neglected animals in Warren County. There are no time limits for animals at our shelter. Animals remain available for adoption as long as they are physically and mentally healthy. Paws will not euthanize for an illness that can be treated, behavior that can be modified, or length of stay, providing there is a quality of life for the pet.

As an open-admission shelter, we provide shelter and care to animals, who would otherwise have no safe refuge. Ultimately, we want to prevent the surrender of pets by helping owners with problems they may be facing.  We want to serve as a safe place to heal when pets are in need. We strive to send pets available for adoption to loving homes through our matching process.  Each pet is evaluated for health and behavior which helps our staff prepare them for adoption and loving home. 

PAWS chooses to look at the services we provide and our work as “LIFE-SAVING”.

Rescue * Rehabilitate * Match for Life 

A History of Compassion and Care

Paws Along the River Humane Society (PAWS) was founded in 1930 as a private, non-profit organization dedicated to the protection and care of animals in Warren County, Pennsylvania. Over the decades, PAWS has evolved from a small, volunteer-run shelter to a comprehensive animal welfare organization.

A Commitment to Animal Welfare

Throughout its history, PAWS has remained committed to providing essential services to animals in need. These services include:

  • Animal Sheltering: Providing safe and nurturing shelter for stray, unwanted, and abused animals.
  • Adoption Services: Helping animals find loving homes through adoption programs.
  • TNR Program: Promoting the spay/neuter of stray cats in Warren County ot help control the population of unwanted and homeless animals. 
  • Education and Outreach: Raising awareness about animal welfare issues and providing educational resources to the community.

A Community-Focused Organization

PAWS is deeply rooted in the Warren County community and relies on the support of volunteers, donors, and local businesses. The organization’s thrift store, Paws and Shop, provides a valuable source of revenue and helps to fund its programs and services.

Today, Paws Along the River Humane Society continues its mission of compassion and care, ensuring that every animal in Warren County has a chance at a better life.

Board of Directors

Executive Committee

Sue Allen – President

Amber Carlson – Vice President

Matigan Howell – Secretary

Rick Johnson – Treasurer

Board Members

Beth English

Heather Stewart

Shaun Chilson

Julie Goff


Interested in Joining the PAWS Board? The PAWS Board of Directors is a volunteer board made up of dedicated people who believe in the mission of PAWS and cares for animals. Anyone interested in serving as a board member should send a letter of interest to the Board President. Mail to Board President, Paws Along the River, 212 Elm St., Warren PA 16365