PAWS - Greg Evans

Greg Evans of Progressive Animal Welfare Services is no stranger to Rotary, being a Past President of Rotary Waterloo and a current member of Rotary Brantford.  Greg's Rotary journey began at 15, when he was accepted in to the Rotary Youth Exchange Program and spent his Grade 11 year in Taiwan representing Canada and District 6290.  Now a proud Paul Harris Fellow, Greg is proud to be giving back in any way he can to repay Rotary for the opportunities he was given as a teenager.

A Laurier graduate, Greg spent several years with the Ontario Legislature working in community outreach and is now the Business Development Coordinator at the Chamber of Commerce Brantford-Brant.  He lives in Stratford with his wife Dahlia, his 2-year-old daughter Remedy, his Saint Bernard Whisky, and cats Axl and Rosie.  

 

On March 31, 2023, Greg was hosted by Rotary Cambridge Sunrise Rotarians and spoke about PAWS and their important work. A registered charity (# 82712685 RR0001), PAWS is dedicated to supporting the welfare of humans and their animal companions by subsidizing and improving access to veterinary care. They aim to prevent suffering, overpopulation, and unnecessary euthanasia or surrender to shelters or animal control organizations. By raising funds and collaborating with veterinary clinics and community agencies, they subsidize costs and providing access to care for low-income and in-crisis guardians.
 

  

The concept of PAWS is about humans AND animals. Many pet owners need and rely upon their companions. Their companionship supports human mental health, especially for autistic or bullied children, struggling adults, less able persons such as disabled or the elderly. Many people don’t understand the costs of owning a pet. Education is part of the solution. Subsidies for affordable care fill the gaps when circumstances require it.

 

PAWS focuses on 3 human needs:

• Access to care despite inadequate income
• Mental health support by maintaining human-pet bonds
• Solutions for family pets to assist humans fleeing violence

How does PAWS help? They subsidize urgent care costs, assist with preventative care cots, and provide education and resources for those considering a pet. In Canada, 41% of households have a dog, and 38% have a cat.