Danbury Animal Welfare Society

Danbury Animal Welfare Society, Inc. is a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the lives of animals in our community and beyond.

We promote responsible pet guardianship and the humane treatment of animals, and work toward ending animal overpopulation through education and a variety of programs. We take pride in the work we do – working to keep homeless pets safe, happy and sheltered.

In 1974, Sherrie Delaney and Anne Tracey, led a group of volunteers to improve the quality of life and adoption prospects for the dogs that were housed at the Danbury pound. DAWS’ mission was soon expanded to provide care and adoption opportunities for stray and feral cats that were struggling for survival in the area.

Initially, DAWS volunteers placed needy cats and kittens in foster homes or boarded them at local veterinary offices. In 1993, DAWS was recognized for it’s life-saving work and community services when a private foundation awarded the organization funds toward the purchase of our current physical shelter at 147 Grassy Plain Street in Bethel, Connecticut. This grant was a milestone for our organization allowing our rescue, rehabilitation, adoption and community service operations to be housed under one roof.

In 2004 DAWS created an on-site clinic that has allowed us to provide our cats and dogs with basic medical care and perform onsite sterilization procedures, lowering our per-animal cost of veterinary care. Our clinic has also allowed us to offer low-cost spay/neuter opportunities to the public and grow our Trap Neuter and Return (TNR) Program.

In Spring 2024, coinciding with its 50th anniversary, the organization opens its newly renovated facility capable of supporting increased rescues, adoptions and humane education and by allowing us to share our knowledge and resources with other animal welfare rescues and agencies.

Danbury Animal Welfare Society (DAWS) is the region’s leading companion animal welfare organization, placing more than 800 animals annually in forever homes, providing pet owners with low-cost veterinary care through its in-house clinic, and educating the public about critical issues related to companion animal welfare.  

More than 100 volunteers and staff members contribute to the success of DAWS, a 501c(3) organization with headquarters in Bethel, CT that relies heavily on contributed income to advance its life-saving mission. Its related marketing objectives include selling tickets to its annual events, promoting the adoption of DAWS animals, and raising the organization’s visibility with the general public.