All About Paws it Forward
Paws It Forward is a volunteer-run dog rescue in the Central Okanagan (Kelowna). We don’t have a shelter, so every dog we rescue goes directly into a foster home. There, they can relax, feel safe, get the medical care they need, and begin their journey to a loving forever home.
Our Story
Paws It Forward started in November 2011, when two friends met in a pet store in BC and started talking about what was happening in high-kill shelters in California, where dogs were being euthanized within days to make room for the next intake. They started rescuing dogs with help from friends and family. By the end of that first year, they’d found homes for more than 50 dogs.
Today, every dog in our care lives in a foster home, not a shelter. We take in dogs from local owner surrenders, puppy mills, and northern BC reserves, along with dogs from as far as Manitoba, Mexico, Korea, and China. About half come from right here in the Okanagan. The rest come from wherever the need is worst. We’re still entirely volunteer-run, board included.
Funding & How we Operate
Every dollar we raise goes straight to the dogs. There’s no paid staff, no facility, no overhead, so your donation covers vet care, food, supplies, and transportation (not salaries). Our board of directors volunteers their time and skills just like everyone else here.
We don’t receive government funding, so every expense gets covered through donations, sponsorships, and the community showing up. Paws It Forward is a registered charity, #837539030 RR 0001.
What we Do
Rescuing Dogs
We do not discriminate against dogs based on age, breed, or location. We believe every dog deserves a happy forever home, which is why we rescue dogs both inside and outside of the Okanagan.
Finding Forever Homes
We do not euthanize to make space. We work hard to find the right match, even if it takes a long time. Some dogs have stayed in our program for over a year. We want to make the right match; not a quick adoption.
Volunteer Opportunities
Volunteers are an integral part of our rescue. We are all volunteers, and we are always looking for more help. Volunteering is a great way to help the animals, have fun, and meet like-minded people.
Education
It is important to know how to care for a dog. We love visiting local schools to talk about our rescue animals and educate future pet owners. We promote force-free training methods and spaying and neutering.
Our Mission
We believe every dog deserves a chance, not a countdown. We rescue, foster, and re-home dogs who have nowhere else to go, and we do it without a shelter, without paid staff, and without giving up on the harder cases.
We are their voice.
Our Team
Kristina
Kristina co-founded the rescue in 2011 after meeting Charlotte and sharing a passion for making a difference in the lives of dogs in need. Since then, she has worked tirelessly to help grow the organization and expand its impact. Her dedication and commitment continue to shape the rescue today.
Founder & DirectorAmellisha
Carmin
Carmin joined the rescue in 2016 as a foster after previously working with other rescues in the area. With a strong passion for animal welfare and veterinary medicine, she has become a valued part of the team. Her dedication, knowledge, and compassion continue to make a meaningful difference for dogs in need.
DirectorChelan
Charlotte
Charlotte helped found the rescue in 2011 alongside Kristina with the goal of saving dogs and creating lasting change. Over the years, she has remained deeply involved, helping the organization grow through hard work, compassion, and determination. She is proud to continue being part of the rescue’s ongoing mission and success.
Founder & DirectorAnita
Amellisha’s PIF journey began in 2011 with a foster dog who completely changed their lives, one they will never forget. Over the years, she remained involved through fostering and volunteering, all while gaining a best friend and witnessing firsthand the dedication behind the rescue. In 2022, she officially became a valued team member and has been helping dogs find their forever homes ever since.
DirectorSince joining the rescue during its second transport in as a foster, Chelan has fostered more than 100 dogs and taken on many roles within the organization over the years. She is incredibly proud to be part of a rescue that continues to make such a meaningful impact on dogs and the families who adopt them.
DirectorExtra Paws
Anita became involved with the rescue after adopting her dog, Princeton, from Charlotte in 2017. After Princeton passed a year later, she began fostering in 2019 and has continued ever since. She loves being part of a community that works together to give dogs the safety, stability, and love they deserve in their forever homes.
DirectorKerry
Foster Home Coordinators
Taylor/Tuddi & Holly/Raquel
Event & Volunteer Coordinators
Bonnie
Coin Can Distribution Coordinator
Cheryl
Social Media, Facebook & Digital Media
Charlotte, Chelan, Carmin, Anita & Amellisha
Adoption Coordinators
Lisa & Shirley
Supply Coordinators
Awards & Recognition
Gold: Non-Profit Organization
Best of Kelowna, 2026
Best Local Charity
Kelowna Capital News, 2026
Ways to Help
Gold: Overall Facebook Page
Best of Kelowna, 2025
Foster
Every dog relies on a foster parent to be their stepping stone to a better life.
Gold: Non-Profit Organization
Best of Kelowna, 2025
Gold: Local Charity
Best of Kelowna, 2026
Gold: Local Charity
Best of Kelowna, 2025
Volunteer
Help a little or a lot. We have various positions and always need help. Join our team.
Silver: Overall Facebook Page
Best of Kelowna, 2026
Donate
Don't have time to volunteer or foster? Make a one-time or monthly donation.