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About PAWS

The Panhandle Animal Welfare Society is a private, nonprofit organization dedicated to the welfare of animals.

Our Mission

PAWS seeks to provide the resources, education, and programs needed to improve animal welfare.

Our Humane Services Division oversees the care of the animals taken into the Adoption Center and Vet Clinic.

Our Animal Control Services Division enforces animal related ordinances; investigates animal cruelty, neglect, and abuse; takes custody of stray, abandoned, and surrendered animals; provides support to police, fire, and related agencies; educates residents about responsible pet ownership.

ADOPTION CENTER

Animal Care and Adoptions

Foster Care

Humane Education

Volunteer Opportunities

VET CLINIC

Temporarily Closed

Now Accepting Veterinarian Applications

ANIMAL CONTROL SERVICES

Animal Rescue

24-Hour Emergency Services

Lost and Found Services

First Strike Campaign

Our History

The Panhandle Animal Welfare Society was first incorporated in 1976. We have played a key role in the field of animal care and control in Northwest Florida for decades with dedication. Our first facility was a small building in Valparaiso, Florida. In 1986, the shelter was renamed the Panhandle Animal Welfare Society, affectionately known as PAWS. Today, we serve over 160,000 residents in Okaloosa County and surrounding communities.

Questions?

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Shelter Hours 

Shelter: Monday thru Saturday 9am - 5pm

Sun: CLOSED

ANIMAL CONTROL

Monday thru Friday

8am - 5pm

 

After hours and weekends are emergency calls only.

Emergency Calls Definition

LOCATIOn 

752 Lovejoy Road NW

Fort Walton Beach, FL 32548

CONTACT

Animal Control & Humane Society

850-243-1525

After Hours Emergencies

850-685-6003

Lost & Found Pets

animalcontrol@paws-shelter.org

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ADOPTION Hours 

Monday thru Saturday

10am - 430pm

Assisted Shelter Walk-throughs begin at 11am

TO RECLAIM A PET 

Monday-Saturday

8am - 5pm

Thursdays until 6pm

 

Please utilize our Animal Control Tab for instructions on reclaiming an owned pet

Dangerous Dog Hearings

Notice of Hearing:

Wednesday May 8th 10 AM 

Location: 25 Walter Martin RD, NE, Suite 200

Fort Walton Beach, FL 32548

Wednesday April 10, 2024 at 10AM CST

Location: 25 Walter Martin RD, NE, Suite 200

Fort Walton Beach, FL 32548

PAWS is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. Federal Tax ID #59-0815515 

Contributions to the Panhandle Animal Welfare Society are tax-deductible as allowable by law.  

Florida Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services Registration #CH5664 

A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING TOLL-FREE 1-800-435-7352 WITHIN THE STATE. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE.

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