Since 2013, Paw It 4ward has rescued over 200 dogs and donated nearly $100,000 in medical grants to local animal rescues and shelters.

About us and our mission

The Paw It 4ward Foundation (501(c)3) was started with the goal of ensuring that no animal is euthanized due to lack of medical care.

We are a passionate and dedicated all-volunteer staff on a mission to make an impact in our local community by stopping the overpopulation and euthanasia of bully breeds through education, rescue, and community initiatives

Today, we not only provide medical grants to local animal rescues, we also:

• Rescue and foster bully breeds from high-kill shelters

• Support foster families with all resources needed for care

• And provide our rescue bullies with training, socialization, open-spaces, and careful placement into life-long loving families

Our Team

Azita

President

Azita founded Paw It 4ward in 2013 after she noticed a lack of medical funding for local rescues and the negative impact on life saving efforts this had. At the time, she wanted to offer assistance to local rescues so that more animals could make it out of the shelter and get a chance at a new life.  With her past animal welfare experience, the foundation grew quickly and the rescue component was added. Today over 200 bully breed dogs have been saved and nearly $100,000 has been donated to other rescues and shelters.

Azita Kay has a BA degree in marketing and over 15 years of experience in that field.  She believes it has helped the foundation provide an inclusive, professional and unique environment for team members, adopters and partners. Her 2021 goal is to expand the foundation’s efforts in community outreach, education and directly impact the overpopulation of homeless animals in Philadelphia and surrounding areas.

azita@pi4w.com

Jen

Treasurer/Board Member

Jen became involved in animal rescue in 2013 after rehabilitating her rescue beagle, Bella. She began volunteering with PI4W during 2015, expanding the reach of our fundraising and events. She became a board member & Treasurer in 2017. 

Jen holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration-Finance from Kutztown University and has over 20 years of Finance & Project Management experience in Corporate Pharmaceuticals. 

Jen also volunteers her time at Philadelphia’s open intake animal shelter whenever time permits. She resides in Newtown, PA with her husband, Anthony, and 2 beloved rescue beagles, Bella and Giacomo.

jen@pi4w.com

Maria

Shelter Liaison

Maria, a native Philadelphian, became involved in local animal welfare efforts after adopting her first ACCT Philly dog, Apollo, in 2013.  Recognizing the immense need for advocacy and action in support of local and regional efforts to positively impact the lives of companion animals, Maria became a canine volunteer at ACCT Philly in that same year.  As her commitment to ACCT Philly grew, so did her responsibilities. She serves as a program lead for several shelter programs, volunteer advocate, rescue representative and community activist in support of improved and humane care for the animals of Philadelphia. Maria’s area of interests involve working with the Time To Adjust dogs at the shelter as well caring for and supporting medical cases among the shelter’s dog population. Maria and her family have welcomed numerous ACCT Philly dogs into their home as foster pets and went on to adopt both Baby and Ellie as family pets from ACCT Philly, as well.

Maria’s commitment to the Philadelphia region reaches beyond the animal welfare community, as well.  She is a member of the Advancement Advisory Committee for HOPE Partnership for Education, an independent middle school and adult education center in Eastern North Philadelphia as well as a member of the Development Advisory Committee for Sanctuary Farm, a non-profit urban garden located in North Philadelphia. 

Maria lives in suburban Philadelphia with her husband, John, their three human children and their three canine family members.

maria@pi4w.com