Grass Valley group launches PAWS to keep pets with people during addiction treatment

A newly formed Grass Valley nonprofit called PAWS (Protecting Animals While Supporting Sobriety) presented its program to the City Council on April 22, saying it will provide temporary foster care, veterinary support and reunion services so people undergoing addiction treatment do not have to surrender their pets.

PAWS board member Dan Foss, chief of police with the Nevada City Police Department, told the council the group was formed after discussions with unhoused residents who said giving up pets was a barrier to seeking treatment. “For many people, that’s the case — our pets are our children, and people are not going to do that,” Foss said, describing how PAWS aims to prevent that trade-off.

The nonprofit’s founder, Liz Newman, described services the group will offer, including foster placements while owners are in treatment, veterinary care (with spay/neuter services “offered and provided”), food and grooming supplies, and post-treatment reunion support. Newman cited national research during her remarks: she said treatment completion rates rise when clients know their pets are safe and that large shares of shelter surrenders result from owner crises.

Newman and Foss gave several cost figures and local estimates as part of PAWS’ case for feasibility. They said average animal shelter control costs in Nevada County are about $703 per animal for a 30-day stay, and that short-term foster care averages roughly $300 per animal for 30 days, which PAWS callers framed as a significant local savings. PAWS plans to track metrics including number of clients served, treatment completion rates and pet-health outcomes and cited potential partners such as local veterinary clinics and Nevada County Public Health and Behavioral Health.

Council members thanked the presenters and asked questions about program details; a council member asked whether spay and neuter services would be part of PAWS’ offering. Newman said those services “will be offered and provided” and that the board is discussing whether to require alteration in some cases.

Foss and Newman said PAWS is a registered 501(c)(3), has a five-person board and is seeking foster families and community support. Newman gave the organization’s website during the meeting as www.pawsnc.org and encouraged people to reach out through social media or via the Nevada City Police Department for further information.

Organizers asked only for community awareness and volunteer fosters at this stage; no request for city funding or formal council action was made at the meeting.

The presentation concluded with council members expressing support and urging community members to consider fostering or donating.