About The Paw in Hand Project
Keeping pets safe and cared for while their owners escape unsafe situations.
You don’t have to choose safety over your pet.
Leaving a dangerous home because of domestic violence or addiction is terrifying. And for many people we serve, the hardest choice is not between two homes, but between safety and their pet’s life. Most shelters will not accept pets. Traditional kennels cost too much. And leaving your pet behind can put them at risk of neglect, abuse, or abandonment. We believe there is a better way.
You are not alone! Paw in Hand is here to help.
At Paw in Hand Project, we believe pets are part of the family. We are a trauma‑informed, pet ‑centered nonprofit serving the Cincinnati Tri-State area. We have seen too many mothers, fathers, and individuals forced to stay in dangerous situations or surrender their pets because no safe option existed. That is why we built Paw Care and Paw Connect — to offer safe, dignified alternatives.
Our Mission and Vision
The Paw in Hand Project believes pets are a gift from God. We recognize the significance pets play in the lives of those we serve.
We meet our clients where they are in their healing journey, returning choice to them by providing options for their pet while they seek their own safety.
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We are working so People in the Cincinnati Tri-State area are no longer separated from their pets by instability, but are empowered to change their circumstances through our service and the freedom that God provides.
Safe, Temporary Pet Care
When you reach out for help:
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We listen. We ask about your needs and your pet’s needs.
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We find temporary safe care — either in a vetted foster home or our secure boarding facility.
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We cover essential veterinary and care needs, so your pet is healthy and safe.
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We support you — connecting you to resources, advocacy, and support to rebuild stability.
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When you are ready and safe, we reunite you with your pet — giving you back the choice and the dignity you deserve.
What success looks like
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You and your pet are safe, together or reunited
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You have time and space to find stable housing or healing
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You are treated with respect, compassion, and dignity
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Your pet receives care, love, and protection until you are ready
Why We Do This
At Paw in Hand, we believe everyone deserves safety — and every pet deserves love. We support people facing homelessness, intimate partner violence, human trafficking, mental health challenges, and substance use with dignity, compassion, and faith.
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Domestic violence and homelessness are national crises, and most shelters still cannot accept pets. With 65% of Americans seeing their pets as family, this barrier forces many to choose between safety and the companion they love.
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People experiencing these crises have faced deep trauma, often losing control over their choices and their sense of worth. Our mission is to restore that choice by ensuring they never have to leave their pets behind — and to treat every person with the respect and humanity they deserve.
Our Core Values
Stewardship - We recognize that everything on this earth truly belongs to God and we aim to be faithful with all that he has entrusted to us, utilizing the resources that God provides for the betterment of His creation so that we may help those who need service. “The Earth is the Lord’s and all that is in it, the world, and those who live in it.” (Psalm 24:1)
Dignity - We recognize that each person has been created in the image of God and deserves to be treated with respect, value, and love. “God created humankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them, male and female he created them.” (Genesis 1:27)
Compassion - We are compassionate and strive to suspend all judgment and meet each person where they are, respecting the courage that it takes to ask for help, and responding with empathy and understanding. “Finally, all of you be harmonious, sympathetic, affectionate, compassionate, and humble.” (1 Peter 3:8)