Johnstown Animal Welfare Society was officially formed in 2024 however, the rescues that make up JAWS have been working individually for a much longer period of time.
A growing crisis of animal abandonment and overpopulation, which intensified during the Covid pandemic, led several of our members to look for solutions. What they found was very little to no resources available and with no plan in place to fix or even address this crisis. This led them to individually form in-home rescues and TNR programs.
Over time, animal rescuers and welfare advocates realized we could make a much stronger impact together. The coalition was formed under the Community Foundation of the Alleghenies. In 2025 JAWS saw a growth in membership and talent and decided to pursue our own 501c3 status. In late 2025 we were granted our independent non-profit status which strengthens our ability to pursue additional funding and resources to better serve our community.
Our primary goal is always to improve the lives of local animals!
Some of the ways we approach this is through:
- Regular meetings
- Subcommittee meetings
- Educational Opportunities
- Low Cost Clinics
- Fundraising & Grant Writing
- Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) education
- Filtering requests for high need animals to our rescue partners
- Interaction with local authorities
- Support of and input on local ordinances and regulations
By combining our different skillsets and resources, our volunteers work collaboratively to support the animals of Johnstown who have been forgotten. Some rescue the animals, some help run the spay and neuter clinic, while others focus on fundraising and community resources. We are always looking to grow and improve. Become a part of the solution - contact us today about joining JAWS!