About UPAWS
About Us
The Upper Peninsula Animal Welfare Shelter (UPAWS) is a local, nonprofit organization run by people who live and work right here in our community. Every decision we make is guided by what is best for the animals in our care.
UPAWS is independent—we are not affiliated with or funded by any national organization. We also do not receive operating funds from government agencies. Our work is made possible by the generosity of our community.
We are committed to helping homeless, abandoned, and unwanted animals find safe, loving homes. Through compassionate care and thoughtful placement, we work to give every animal the best possible chance at a new beginning.
Thanks to this community’s support, UPAWS consistently saves about 98% of the animals who come through our doors. We also believe education is key—by promoting responsible pet care, we hope to reduce the number of animals who arrive too sick or injured to be saved.
This work is only possible because of you.
Mission
UPAWS champions the well-being of pets by providing safe shelter, promoting adoption, and fostering a compassionate community through education and
supportive services.
Vision
A compassionate community where all pets are safe, cared for, and treated with respect.
Core Values
1. Collaboration: We work together with staff, volunteers, rescue partners, veterinarians,
and the community to improve outcomes for animals. By sharing knowledge, resources,
and responsibility, we can save more lives and provide better care than any one group
could alone.
2. Transparency: We are open and honest about our policies, decisions, challenges, and
outcomes. By clearly sharing how we operate and why we do what we do, we build trust,
accountability, and informed community support.
3. Empathy: We approach every animal and every person with compassion, patience, and
understanding. We recognize the emotional and physical needs of animals, and we
honor the experiences of adopters, pet owners, volunteers, and staff—especially during
difficult moments.
4. No-Kill Philosophy: We are committed to saving the lives of healthy and treatable
animals through proactive programs, compassionate care, and strong community
partnerships. We do not euthanize animals for space, time, or convenience, and we
ensure humane outcomes when suffering cannot be alleviated.
If you have any questions, please call us at 475-6661 or email us at info@upaws.org.
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