PAWsitively for the Animals

Founded in 2015, PAWsitively for the Animals (PFTA) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization driven entirely by volunteers who are deeply committed to protecting the bond between pets and the families who love them. Every dollar raised goes directly back into the community—providing life-saving support to animals in need.

Through our programs—including low-cost spay/neuter services, a four-legged food bank, a veterinary assistance fund, and community education—PFTA works on the front lines of a growing crisis. As the cost of living continues to rise, more families than ever are struggling to afford basic care for their pets. Too often, this leads to heartbreaking decisions: surrendering a beloved companion or facing euthanasia simply due to financial hardship.

PFTA exists to prevent that outcome.

Through “The Maddie Fund,” we raise and distribute critical resources to ensure pets receive the food and medical care they need to stay healthy and at home—where they belong. We believe no family should lose a pet because they cannot afford care.

The need has never been greater.

Currently, PFTA helps feed and care for more than 5,000 pets per year across Luzerne and Lackawanna Counties in NEPA.  In 2025 alone, we provided over $140,000 in pet food and veterinary assistance—relief that meant the difference between hope and hardship for hundreds of families.

But we cannot do this alone.

PFTA relies entirely on the generosity of donors, grants, sponsors, and community support. With demand continuing to grow, so does the urgency of our mission.

When you give to The Maddie Fund, you are doing more than donating—you are keeping a pet out of a shelter, preventing unnecessary suffering, and preserving the unconditional love that pets bring into our lives every day.

Please consider making a donation today.
Because for many families, help cannot wait—and for their pets, it could mean everything.

If you know someone who would benefit from the Maddie Fund, please visit our website at http://www.pawsitivelyfortheanimals.org and submit as assistance request online.

Board of Directors

Kevin Young, PFTA President/Co-founder

Jerry McTague, PFTA Vice President

Lisa Young, PFTA Treasurer/Co-founder

Janet Garvey, PFTA Secretary/Co-founder

Caryle Bruno, PFTA BOD

Jeanie Sluck, PFTA BOD

Lisa Longstreet, PFTA BOD

Rick Taylor, PFTA BOD

Sadie Pappas, PFTA Jr BOD

Thank You for your support !

Who We Are

Founded in 2015, PAWsitively for the Animals is a 501c3 non-profit organization made up solely of volunteers who give their time to support pet adoption, pet rescue, low cost spay/neuter programs, a four-legged food bank, a veterinary emergency assistance fund and education regarding responsible pet ownership. The purpose of PFTA is to raise, receive and distribute funds and donations to help sick or hungry animals. PFTA is dedicated to providing low income pet owners in NEPA with the food and veterinary care needed to keep a pet in its home rather than being surrendered to a shelter or euthanized due to financial limitations.