Pets Are Worth Saving, Inc. (PAWS) is a not-for-profit, no-kill animal welfare organization, rescuing and making available for adoption, homeless and otherwise unwanted animals. PAWS was founded primarily as a means to prevent the destruction of valuable, adoptable animals due to the rapid increases in population--specifically dogs and cats - within the Union County (Illinois) area, solely funded by donations and fund raisers within the greater community.