Mission Driven
JAWS helps animals around Johnstown through educating the public, creating access to low cost clinics, advocating with local government, and supporting our fosters and members.
Society Members
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Seeking New Partners
We are always looking for individuals or already-established rescue groups to join JAWS to help with Johnstown’s overpopulation with strays and beyond.
Speaking of Partners…
Come say howdy to some of our adoptables over at the Rusty Cat Cafe! Get yourself some chow and take a peek at our cats. But careful — they are mighty cute… we reckon you just might bring one home. Every visits supports the mission to outlaw strays and handle the wild, wild west of animal welfare here in Johnstown. Learn more >
Nonprofit History & Work
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A surging 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.
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Over time, animal rescuers and welfare advocates realized we could make a much stronger impact together. 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. The coalition was formed under the Community Foundation of the Alleghenies.
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In 2025, JAWS saw a growth in membership and talent and decided to pursue our own 501c3 status. We were granted our independent non-profit status later that year which strengthened our ability to pursue additional funding and resources to better serve our community.
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+ 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. If you’re interested in becoming a part of the solution - contact us today about joining JAWS!
