PAWS Chicago, the city’s largest No Kill humane organization, held their inaugural  PAWS for Life Community Day in Back of the Yards neighborhood at S. Joseph’s Parish on Saturday, Oct. 27th. Community Day celebrated the human animal bond relationships with hundreds of local pet owners. PAWS for Life started in Englewood in 2014 and has provided free pet wellness services – including spay/neuter, vaccines, and microchips to over 4,500 pets. In 2018, PAWS for Life expanded programming to the Back of the Yards neighborhood. This event will celebrate the launch as well as provide free vaccines for at least 200 neighborhood pets. At the PAWS for Life Back of the Yards Community Day, residents received free rabies and distemper vaccinations for their pets. In addition, PAWS for Life volunteers raised awareness about the importance of spay/neuter and help animal lovers with medical and behavioral questions. After the event, PAWS for Life volunteers followed up with each pet owner to build relationships and provide lasting support.

Photo Credit: Colleen Barkley