OUR MISSION
To save at-risk shelter animals through a decentralized foster network that empowers local communities, connects rescues and volunteers, and provides resources, education, and support for sustainable lifesaving.
OUR VISION
At the Paw Print Project, we’re redefining what animal rescue looks like. Our goal is simple but bold: to become the national standard for foster-based rescue.
We believe in systems that work—models that scale, tools that empower, and communities that take action. Through our decentralized network of chapters, we’re proving that when you give people the right support, they save more lives.
We’re not here to patch the system. We’re here to build a better one.
WHAT MAKE US DIFFERENT
IT ALL STARTED WITH A DOG CALLED PUMPKIN
The Paw Print Project was born out of heartbreak and hope.
It began with a dog named Pumpkin, a loyal, gentle spirit who escaped her home 17 times. Seventeen cries for help that were met with citations, reports, and paperwork, but no lasting protection. Despite multiple warnings and visible signs of neglect, Pumpkin was repeatedly returned to the same unsafe environment.
Members of our community tried to help, offering food, water, and safety when no one else would. Instead of being supported for compassion, they faced resistance. Not long after, Pumpkin was gone.
Her disappearance revealed something far deeper than one dog’s tragedy; it exposed a broken system. One that defines “adequate care” too loosely, delays action too long, and often punishes compassion instead of empowering it.
That’s why we founded The Paw Print Project: to build a better way. We’re creating a community-powered rescue network, one that unites fosters, volunteers, rescues, and advocates to protect at-risk animals, support overburdened shelters, and push for clearer, stronger, and enforceable laws.
Pumpkin’s story is heartbreaking, but it’s also a call to action: ✨ A promise that no animal will be ignored, silenced, or left to suffer again.
Her life inspires everything we do, every foster placed, every rescue saved, every ordinance we fight to change.
If you want to help dogs like Pumpkin, please consider donating, fostering, or joining the movement.
If you want to help dogs like Pumpkin, please consider either donating or getting involved.
DOGS THRIVING THANKS TO FOSTER CARE
Tia
Chestnut
Lulu
Milo
Can you help?
WE’RE BUILDING A SHELTER WITHOUT WALLS
New Volunteers
Thank you for your interest in volunteering with the Paw Print Project!
We’re building a foster-based rescue network dedicated to saving at-risk shelter animals across Hampton Roads and beyond. Volunteers are the backbone of everything we do — from transport and foster support to events, admin work, and community outreach.
To get started, simply click the button below to open our volunteer sign-up form. It only takes a few minutes to complete, and your information will be kept confidential and used solely for Paw Print Project operations.
By filling out the form, you’ll help us:
Match you with volunteer roles that fit your skills and availability
Connect you with your local chapter or coordinator
Notify you about opportunities, events, and urgent needs
Build a reliable, organized network that saves more lives
Whether you have a few hours a month or want to be hands-on every week, we’re grateful you’re here. Every volunteer plays a vital role in making rescue work possible.
Thank you for stepping up to help animals in need — welcome to the Paw Print Project family. 🐾
Don't have the time to Volunteer?
WEAR THE MISSION, SAVE PAWS 🐾
WANT TO KNOW MORE?
HOW IT WORKS
1
Register your interest online.
Select how you’ll be able to help as this will help us understand how you can best help.
2
One of our chapter leads will reach out to assess you as a safe foster carer.
3
Once you’re approved we’ll match you with your local chapter lead who will help match you with local dogs in need.
Ways to get involved
Foster carer
Open your home and heart to give a dog a temporary, loving place to stay until they find their forever family.
Transportation
Help our pups get to vet appointments, foster homes, and adoption events safely by volunteering as a driver.
Social Media
Spread the word by sharing our dogs’ stories online and helping us reach more potential adopters and supporters.
Outreach
Represent our shelter at community events and connect with people who can adopt, foster, or donate.
Admin
Support our mission behind the scenes by helping with paperwork, scheduling, and donor communications.
