top of page

P.A.W.S
Partners for Animal Welfare Society


Top Pet Names of 2026
Here are the most popular pet naming trends heading into 2026—based on nationwide data from Trupanion—which analyzed over 130,000 pets.
Sarah Haag
Apr 21


Not Just a Price Tag: The Life-Saving Purpose of Adoption Fees
When people begin the journey of adopting a pet, one of the most common questions is: why is there an adoption fee? For organizations like P.A.W.S. Hancock, the answer is simple—those fees are essential to saving lives.
Shelters and rescues exist to protect, rehabilitate, and rehome animals in need. While the goal is always to place pets into loving homes, the work that happens behind the scenes requires significant time, effort, and financial support.
Sarah Haag
Apr 8


Small Paws, Big Need: Understanding Kitten Season
Kitten season is right around the corner—and while it may sound adorable, it’s actually one of the busiest and most critical times of year here at P.A.W.S. Hancock.
Sarah Haag
Mar 19


From Tokyo to Tijuana: The Heart of Pet Adoption Worldwide
Every adopted pet carries a story, and those stories stretch far beyond borders. They are tales of survival, resilience, and second chances, shaped not only by the animals themselves but also by the way each culture views the bond between humans and animals.
Sarah Haag
Aug 26, 2025


Paws, Claws, and Binkies – Who’s Your Pet Match?
Whether you’re a dog lover, cat snuggler, or small-pet enthusiast, animals have a special way of bringing joy to our lives. At P.A.W.S....
Sarah Haag
Jun 9, 2025


Ellbee's Adoption Story
Today we’re happy to share an adoption success story, featuring Dian and her dog Ellbee. Dian had a dog before she got Ellbee, a cairn...
Alexandria Allender
Apr 1, 2025


Analyzing 2024 Dog and Cat Surrenders, Abandonments, and Adoptions in Indiana
In 2024, Indiana’s animal shelters faced significant challenges as they dealt with a large influx of surrendered and abandoned pets. This...
Sarah Haag
Mar 1, 2025


Nine Reasons to Consider Adopting A Senior Pet
In honor of November being Adopt a Senior Pet Month, we decided to share some reasons why you should consider adopting a senior pet. 1) A...
Alexandria Allender
Jan 21, 2025


Foster Feature: Snowy and Spots
Foster Feature: Snowy and Spots
Alexandria Allender
Dec 2, 2024


Foster Feature: Indy
Indy is an older cat that came to us in August of 2024 after his senior owner passed away. He stayed with family for a week or so, and...
Alexandria Allender
Nov 1, 2024


Adopting a Pet: What to Expect and How to Survive the First 24 Hours
The ride home was a blur. We had just adopted our dog, Miss Piggy, and we were taking her home. She had been adopted and returned...
Alexandria Allender
Jul 1, 2024


My Story: Life with a Rescue Dog
Like many people in the world, I have a pet. A dog, to be precise, and a wonderful one at that. She’s a rescue dog, adopted from a local...
Alexandria Allender
May 20, 2024


Onyx's Journey Home: A Tale of Unexpected Joy
In the world of pet adoption, sometimes fate intervenes, leading us down unexpected paths. For Connie, her journey to welcoming Onyx into...
Sarah Haag
Feb 15, 2024


Unleashing Love: The Power of Adoption Over Shopping for Your Furry Companion
The decision to bring a pet into your life is one filled with excitement, joy, and the promise of companionship. However, the path to...
Sarah Haag
Feb 1, 2024


Helping P.A.W.S. Help PAWS
Animals like Baxter, a 9-month-old American Blue Heeler, Peanut, a 4-month-old Domestic Shorthair kitten, and Maggie, a 3-year-old Mini...
Sarah Haag
Nov 13, 2023
bottom of page