PAWS Urges Community to Utilize Services
The Palau Animal Welfare Society (PAWS), an animal care and advocacy in Palau since 2000, is encouraging pet owners to take advantage of its comprehensive services aimed at ensuring the health and well-being of pets. As PAWS prepares to celebrate its 25th anniversary in 2025, the organization is amplifying its efforts to create a healthier, more compassionate community through responsible pet care.
Located behind PIDC, PAWS offers a wide range of services designed to tackle key issues like overpopulation, preventable diseases, and lack of awareness about pet ownership responsibilities. PAWS operates under the mission “Healthy Pets, Healthy People, Healthy Palau,” guided by the Palauan adage A Ulekeruil a charm a ulekeruil a beluad—emphasizing the connection between animals, people, and the environment.
Tackling Overpopulation: The Spay and Neuter Program
A cornerstone of PAWS’ services is its spay and neuter program, which aims to sterilize 70% of Palau’s pet population. This target is based on studies that show sterilization rates at or above 70% stabilize animal populations by balancing births with natural attrition.
Since January 2022, PAWS has performed over 2,048 spay and neuter surgeries, achieving remarkable progress in areas like Angaur, Kayangel, Peleliu, Ngeremlengui, Ngardmau and parts of Koror, including Meyuns, Ngerkebesang, and Ngermid.
Spaying and neutering go beyond controlling numbers—they have significant health and behavioral benefits for pets. Sterilized pets are less aggressive, less likely to roam, and are at reduced risk for cancers like breast and testicular cancer. This also benefits the community by reducing strays, which are often abandoned pets that grow unmanageable as they age.
To make the process accessible, PAWS is running a special promotion: free spay/neuter surgeries and a $10 cash incentive per animal, funded by donors from Switzerland and Palau.
Preventive Health Care: Protecting Pets and People
Preventive care is another essential aspect of PAWS’ mission. Services include vaccinations, deworming, flea and tick control, and heartworm prevention. These efforts not only extend pets’ lives but also protect humans from zoonotic diseases such as leptospirosis, scabies, and ringworm.
Heartworm, a prevalent issue among dogs in Palau, can be easily prevented for as little as $1 per month. By promoting affordable and regular preventive care, PAWS ensures that pets remain healthy and happy, reducing the burden of preventable illnesses on families and communities.
Reaching Out to Every Corner of Palau
Accessibility is a priority for PAWS, which organizes outreach clinics twice a year in rural communities and annually in all Koror hamlets. These mobile clinics bring essential services like vaccinations and surgeries directly to pet owners in remote areas, ensuring no pet is left behind.
For those near Koror, PAWS’ fixed clinic at Topside is open for appointments and walk-ins, offering a full suite of veterinary services.
Educating Future Generations
Recognizing that education is key to long-term change, PAWS runs school programs targeting 4th to 6th graders. Now in its third year, the program uses interactive lessons and visits from their friendly dog, Chika, to teach children about responsible pet ownership. These efforts aim to instill values of compassion and care, ensuring the next generation grows up with the knowledge and commitment to treat animals responsibly.
Dedicated Team and Community Support
PAWS is led by a dedicated team, including Managing Veterinarian Dr. Pamela Hernandez from Guatemala, who has been with the organization since 2001 and has over 11 years of experience. She is supported by Veterinary Assistant Brett Eungel, with recruitment underway for additional administrative and outreach staff.
The board of directors includes Judy Otto (President), Blanche Salii (Secretary), and Lori Collin (Treasurer), with members-at-large Cliff Terry, Jaime Ngirausui, Carol Ngiraidis, and Debbie Toribiong. Together, the team works tirelessly to uphold PAWS’ mission and expand its reach.
Why It Matters
Healthy pets contribute to a healthier community. Proper care prevents the spread of diseases, reduces strays, and fosters a harmonious coexistence between humans and animals. By spaying, neutering, and providing preventive care, PAWS helps ensure that pets are not only happier but also live longer, healthier lives.
Take Action Today
Pet owners are encouraged to utilize PAWS’ services to improve their pets’ health and the well-being of the community. With free spay/neuter surgeries, low-cost preventive care, and educational programs, PAWS makes it easy and affordable to be a responsible pet owner.
To schedule an appointment or learn more about PAWS’ programs, call 775-PAWS (7297) or email pawspalau@gmail.com.
As PAWS approaches its 25th anniversary, the organization is ready to celebrate with special events that highlight its contributions to Palau—and they invite every pet owner to join the movement for a healthier, happier community. By: Eustoria Marie Borja