Paws and Claws in Berks
Helping felines in Berks County, PA
Paws and Claws in Berks is a budding organization, presently consisting of a family fostering felines and some canines for various established 501c3s, performing TNR locally and in partnership with established groups, as well as advocating for ethical companion animal treatment.
The goal is to become a registered business on the path to 501c3 status. Follow us and be a part of the journey.
Help!
Resources for Right Now
I lost my cat!
Post online: Facebook: Berks County Cat Search is a good place to start. Post on local lost and found social media as well as NextDoor app.
Talk to neighbors, vets, shelters, and consider making flyers.
Make sure microchip is updated!
I lost my dog!
Same advice as above, but post on Berks Dog Search on FaceBook
I found kittens
Did you move them yet? Don't.
There is a lot to consider before you remove them. If they're not in immediate danger, watch for a mom to return while you read this post: here.
If you've already removed them and they're safe, still read the post above.
I found a dog
Unlike cats, dogs are considered personal property in PA. You must take the dog to a shelter or rescue licensed to do a stray-hold. You can take to Safety Net Sanctuary, ARL, or Humane Society (with apt). Alternatively, you could contact police.
I found a cat
Consider that many people have indoor/outdoor kitties and first ask your neighbors. Next, is kitty ear-tipped? That might mean it's feral, but many people get their pets tipped for the cheaper spay/neuter so don't assume.
Follow the advice in the lost column. Also, vets, shelters, police, and some trappers can scan for a microchip for free. No appointment needed.
My pet needs medical help
Please use the contact us form.
If there is an urgent need, go to the nearest pet ER.
Groups
About TNR
TNR stands for trap - neuter - and return, but it can also mean: release, retain, rescue, or relocate. It is the humane approach to controlling the feral cat population. They are trapped, vaccinated, spayed or neutered and returned to their outdoor homes.
We hold the belief that returning to their original location is often the best choice for feral cats. Relocation is not ideal and is reserved for special circumstances, like the demolition of their home. There are very few resources available for relocation and "nature abhors a vacuum," -Aristotle. That means more just move in. We also find it unethical to force a terrified wild animal to live in a home, so we don't advocate placing feral cats in homes unless there is no other choice. Kittens 12+ weeks old are also returned to their home. We don't like it either, but if one waits too long, that is the option we have left. Is it possible to socialize after that? Maybe, but is it ethical and are the resources available? Many questions must be answered and a lot of thought given before decisions are made. That is why we recommend a TNR consultation and taking a look at our blog.