ABOUT US
​At PAWS, we work with the community to ensure the safety and welfare of Üzümlü’s vulnerable street animals.
OUR HOPES
PAWS Uzümlü/PAWS Uzumlu UK comprises a small team of volunteers based in both the UK and Türkiye.
Our vision: For every street animal in Üzümlü to have a safe and healthy life.
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Our purpose: For Üzümlü’s street animals to have the best possible lives, existing peacefully wherever they may be. There is no overnight solution to the challenges we face, but we will work tirelessly to ensure their welfare and safety.
OUR OBJECTIVES
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To deliver preventative measures, including vaccinating street animals against debilitating and deadly diseases such as rabies, administering parasite treatments and limiting breeding by neutering/spaying.
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To care for sick, injured, recovering or vulnerable animals in our dog and cat parks, with rotas of volunteers responsible for feeding, monitoring, cleaning and maintenance.
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To raise funds through events, campaigns and sponsorship appeals to pay for food, water and vet bills.
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To grow our organisation and volunteer numbers through awareness and fundraising activities.
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To seek permanent, loving homes for as many street animals as possible through regular adoption appeals.
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To develop a network of temporary foster homes through appeals and to offer guidance on what this entails.
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To develop strong relationships with the area’s veterinary practices to ensure good, reasonably priced treatment for the street animals in our care.
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To foster amicable relationships with the local authorities in order to protect and monitor the welfare of our street animals.
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To support and encourage village residents, both permanent and temporary, to care for street animals living nearby whilst raising awareness of care and the importance of neutering.
OUR STORY
Established in 2018, Üzümlü Hayvan Bakım DerneÄŸi was officially registered as a charity in Turkey. ​
In 2022, a new board of volunteer trustees decided to revitalise the charity with a new name and logo and PAWS Uzümlü – Providing Animal Welfare Support was born. ​
It soon became clear that there was a constant and growing need for our presence and activities - which also meant we needed to bring in more donations to meet the needs of the animals in our care.
As many of our supporters are in the UK, we decided to branch out. On August 22, 2024, PAWS Uzumlu UK was established as a registered charity, with the aim of supporting fundraising for PAWS Üzümlü.
OUR CAT AND DOG SANCTUARIES
We run two animal parks – one for dogs and one for cats – which are tucked away in the heart of the forest in Üzümlü.​ ​
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Both are managed by our volunteers and provide a place for sick or injured animals to recover, or a haven for those we know would fail to thrive on the streets.
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Click here to learn more about our animal parks.
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We fund our parks through our sponsorship scheme - find out more by clicking the button below.
WHAT ELSE DO WE DO?
Our volunteers regularly feed the cats and dogs living on the streets of Üzümlü, either by including them on regular feeding rotas or ensuring there is someone nearby who looks out for them.
We work closely with local vets and other agencies to arrange preventative care such as neutering, regular parasite treatment and vaccinations to protect against life-threatening illnesses that can be picked up off the streets.
If an animal in the village shows signs of sickness or injury, we arrange a vet visit and cover the cost. We follow strict policies to ensure treatment and expenditure is monitored, fair and consistent, and in the animal's best interest.
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​New dogs regularly appear in the village, many of them pregnant or with babies, sick or malnourished, un-neutered, or previously owned and dumped. PAWS do their best to meet their needs, focusing on their health, wellbeing and vulnerability.
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We also take on the responsibility of helping animals who are the victims of boar attacks, traffic accidents or poisonings, ​or who have been reported as dangerous. ​​​
HOW ARE WE FUNDED?
Everything we do is funded by donations. We receive no grants or other assistance.
Your donation, no matter how big or small, makes a real difference, helping us make a positive impact on the lives of Üzümlü's homeless and neglected animals.
Every penny goes towards providing food, shelter and medical care.
Together, we can create a better future for these innocent creatures. ​​