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You have the power to make a difference in the lives of animals in need.
Have a question about DAWS? Look here:
1. What is the mission of Danbury Animal Welfare Society (DAWS)?
Danbury Animal Welfare Society, Inc. (DAWS) is a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the lives of animals in our community and beyond. Founded in 1974, DAWS provides shelter and care to animals (dogs and cats) in need, offers adoption counseling to place our loving animals in forever homes, promotes responsible pet guardianship and humane treatment of animals, and works toward ending animal overpopulation through education, spay/neuter and trap, neuter and return programs.
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2. What is the vision of DAWS?
Danbury Animal Welfare Society’s vision is to be the regional leader in placing dogs and cats in qualified adoptive homes. We strive to build a modern facility that enables us to expand our rescue and adoption, community outreach and education services. By defining leading animal welfare and operational practices DAWS will grow as a trusted community resource.
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3. Is DAWS a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization?
Yes, and all donations are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law. When you make a donation to DAWS, you will receive a receipt to use for tax purposes.
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4. Is there a Board of Directors?
Yes, DAWS is managed by a volunteer Board of Directors. Visit the Board page to meet the Board and read their biographical information.
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DAWS is located at 147 Grassy Plain St, Bethel, CT (which is RT 53). Visit the Contact Us page for directions and our open house hours.
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DAWS is open from 6-8 from Monday – Friday and 2-4 on the weekends for adoptions. Visit the Contact us page for directions.
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DAWS has several email addresses depending on your needs.
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8. Does DAWS have a list of supplies it needs donated (a wish list)?
Yes. We are always grateful for donations of supplies to help us care for the animals and keep our costs down. Please visit the Wish LIst page for our up-to-date wishlist.
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9. When can I drop off donations?
Donations can be dropped off:
If the donations are part of a collection drive or a birthday party OR if you'll need assistance from DAWS volunteers to unload the donated items from your vehicle, please contact our Community Outreach Coordinator at daws@daws.org to arrange a special drop off opportunity.
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10. How does the DAWS Shelter Veterinary Clinic support the DAWS mission?
Danbury Animal Welfare Society’s Internal Clinic supports the Organization’s Mission by providing quality medical care for cats and dogs in shelter or foster care environments prior to adoption. Visit the Clinic page to read more.
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11. Does DAWS provide low-cost spay and neuter to the community?
Danbury Animal Welfare Society is proud to offer the community low cost spay and neuter when available. This community outreach is based on financial need with a focus on animals that have been rescued. DAWS only accepts cash payment, costs are as follows:
Other information: Alters are done on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. Appointment is necessary. Animals must arrive at DAWS by 9:30 am and be picked up between 4:00 - 6:00pm. Proof of vaccines DHPP and Rabies are required.
If you are interested in low-cost spay or neuter, contact DAWS Shelter and Clinic Manager, Veronica Bickelhaupt, Monday – Friday at 203-790-6511 or email clinic@daws.org.
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12. What is Trap, Neuter, and Release?
Trap Neuter and Release (TNR) is a program DAWS offers its communities to help control the feral cat population. For more information please contact the shelter manager at clinic@daws.org.
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13. What are DAWS employees responsible for?
DAWS is fortunate to have a Shelter Manager who is responsible for the operation of the shelter and clinic, care of the animals, and maintenance of the shelter. Reporting to the Shelter Manager is a small staff of Animal Care Technicians who:
Two other staff positions, a Foster Program Coordinator and a Community Outreach Coordinator, work directly with the shelter manger to assist the animals and the community.
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14. How many animals did DAWS help in 2012?
During 2012, DAWS is proud to have helped over a 1200 animals in need. We facilitated 736 adoptions and 363 low-cost spay/neuter surgeries through our ASAP and Community Assistance Programs. Additionally, 113 feral cats were trapped, spayed/neutered and returned to their colonies. Since DAWS was founded in 1974, we have saved the lives of thousands of animals and have had the joy and privilege of facilitating their adoptions. With the continued support of the community, the volunteers and the staff at DAWS look forward to the next paw print in our history with passion, anticipation and hope.
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15. How do I volunteer at DAWS?
Please visit the Volunteer page to learn about volunteer opportunities and how to become a volunteer at DAWS.
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16. What do I do if I need to give up my pet?
DAWS is limited in the number of animals that we can take into the shelter. The Cat and Dog programs each have their own forms to collect information about the pet. These forms are needed before the pet can be placed on the shelter waiting list. If your cat or dog is a purebred animal, we suggest you first contact rescue organizations dedicated to the specific breed.
Cat owners: please go to the "Surrendering Your Cat" section in the Cat Center (click here) to learn more and access the form.
Dog owners, please complete the online surrender form (click here).
If we're not able to take the animal into the shelter, you may also email pictures, a description, and your contact information and we'll list your pet on our Cat Courtesy Postings page (click here to see the page) or our Dog Courtesy Postings page (click here to see the page).
You have the power to make a difference in the lives of animals in need.
