Paws Animal Wildlife Sanctuary, Inc. (PAWS) is a volunteer based non-profit organization focusing on wildlife education, rescue and rehabilitation. Due to our many state and federal permits, we take in the widest range of wildlife species including raptors, waterfowl, a few songbirds, the usual mammal species (squirrels, rabbits, opossums, skunks, etc.) plus beavers, armadillos, and more, and now, also including domestic rabbits that have been rescued from crisis situations. We have federal permits that allow us to use our non-releasable wild animals in public educational programs. We are recognized by the IRS as a 501(c)(3), so all donations are tax deductible

We are located in Laurens, South Carolina but often take in animals from over half of the counties in our state, as needed.

You can call us at (864) 715-2171, email us at paws.sc@gmail.com or click here for out contact form

There are many ways for people to help, both locally and from anywhere. Click Here for our Get Involved page to see how you can get involved

There are several ways to donate. One time donations are incredibly helpful, no matter the amount. But please consider a monthly donation to allow us the stability to plan for our expenses in a less stressful manner.

Read more about how to donate on our website page Donate

We can always us local volunteers. You can read more about volunteering on our Get Involved page.. Here are the requirements for volunteers.

Must be 18 years or older

In good general health

Have reliable transportation

Have an up to date tetanus booster

Not immune comprised

Notify us of any severe allergic reactions to: insect stings (bees, wasps, hornets, etc), poisonous plants (poison oak, poison ivy, poison sumac,etc.)

Sign a release agreement

We cannot accept court ordered community service volunteers

All volunteers are scheduled. Please no walk-ons

Please read our website page Found An Animal for information on what to do when you find an injured, orphaned or lost wildlife animal.

Due to our focus being the rehabilitation of wildlife, we are not open to the public for tours of our facility

We do not take in dogs or cats. But we do have a domestic rabbit division called Wayward Rabbits. We ONLY take in rabbits in crisis, often from animal control confiscations or dumped rabbits that would die if left out in the environment. WR does not take in owner surrendered rabbits. For more information, please go to https://www.facebook.com/WaywardRabbitsSC

Yes, we do! The focus of our wildlife educational program is to teach respect, tolerance, appreciation, and peaceful co-existence with the animals in our environment. We use federally licensed non-releasable wild animals native to the South Carolina, including all 4 native owl species, several different hawk species, vultures and ospreys! Our live animals and knowledgeable staff provide an engaging and informative presentation.

Please visit our Educational page for more information