Business
3 September, 2025
Charity begins in Shire
PAWS and Claws Port Douglas is making strides to become completely debt free with the final stages of its new indoor animal care facility now underway.
Operated by the Homeless Animal Society and Boarding Kennels Inc., Paws and Claws Port Douglas has provided decades of tireless dedication to the welfare of abandoned and neglected animals. It is now calling on the community and national media to help them raise funds.
Association president Michael Kerr said money raised would assist in crossing the final hurdle in their journey by retiring the $360,000 loan that helped complete the world-class indoor animal care facility. Doing this will allow them to focus fully on animal rescue.
“We’ve come so far, thanks to the local council, major donors and grassroots support,” he said.
“Now we need a final rally to help us cross the finish line and open debt-free – for the animals, for the region and for the future.”
Founded in the 1980s, the organisation has been a lifeline for countless dogs and cats across the Douglas Shire, but between 2016 and 2021, they were without a permanent home, unable to operate while searching for a suitable location.
After more than 10 years of setbacks, failed negotiations and community consultations, Paw and Claws Port Douglas finally secured a site in the industrial estate at Craiglie and began construction on a purpose-built, soundproof facility designed to meet the highest standards of animal care.
“We didn’t build this facility for prestige, we built it because we were tired of turning away animals that had nowhere else to go. Paying down the loan means we can put every dollar back into saving lives,” Mr Kerr said.
“This organisation was homeless for five years. We know first-hand what uncertainty feels like,” he said.
“That’s why every corner of this shelter was designed to offer safety, warmth and dignity, not just to the animals, but to the volunteers who never gave up.”
The total cost of the facility has topped $2.2 million, a figure that has been nearly covered by the organisation due to contributions from the federal government ($500,000), state government ($300,000), Cairns Animal Welfare Organisation ($355,000), plus donors and supporters through their charity shop in Mossman.
Mr Kerr said it was about stories. Like Dotty, the four-month-old puppy rescued during Cyclone Jasper after being run over in Wujal. Thanks to a helicopter evacuation, emergency vet care and community donations, Dotty received veterinary treatment totaling over $10,000, funded by Paws and Claws and is now enjoying a full life with her adoptive parent.
“Dotty’s story captured hearts across Australia and she’s just one of hundreds we’ve helped thanks to the community’s compassion and generosity. We hope this fundraiser will allow us to do even more,” Mr Kerr said.
“We invite media outlets to share our story, help us reach our fundraising goal and celebrate the resilience of a small regional charity that never gave up, not on its mission, not on its animals and not on its community.”
To donate or learn more, visit https://bit.ly/4fSuFLg
Read More: Craiglie
