Uniquely Paws
Hope for Paws, Empowering Women, & Saving Lives
Who We Are
We are a powerhouse team of passionate artisans and animal lovers who want to support a greater mission for healthy, positive community development in the picturesque country of Uganda.
Uganda is a culturally rich nation of nearly 50 million people, and the founders of Uniquely Paws have spent almost 15 years working with the Uganda Society for the Protection and Care of Animals (USPCA) to create sustainable animal welfare and community empowerment initiatives. Our mission is to blend creativity and compassion to tackle dog and cat overpopulation and the threat of rabies. By empowering women to craft unique, animal-themed items, offering free spay/neuter clinics and rabies vaccinations, and educating children through Pet Care Colouring Books, we’re making a lasting impact. All our products are crafted from upcycled, recycled, or natural materials, driving our vision of a safer, more harmonious world.
Our Approach
The Problem
The Problem
The overpopulation of stray dogs and cats in our communities poses a serious threat, leading to the fear of rabies and, tragically, the mass poisoning of these animals. Unchecked, this situation heightens the risk of rabies outbreaks and other public health concerns. We cannot afford to lose another child to a rabies bite.
Empowering Women
Empowering Women
To combat this issue, we have devised a multifaceted solution. We are empowering local women's groups to produce a variety of animal-themed items, such as handmade crafts and merchandise, which help to raise our women and youth out of poverty, and will be sold to generate funds for our initiatives.
Our Funding Strategy
Our Funding Strategy
Our funding approach is multifaceted. We not only sell our handmade, crafted items at local markets and through online platforms, but we also actively seek support from donors who are passionate about animal welfare and community wellbeing.
Involving Children in Our Mission
Involving Children in Our Mission
At each clinic, we believe in the power of educating the younger generation in our community. We conduct school outreach programs, educating children on the importance of responsible pet ownership. Additionally, we provide children pet owners with engaging pet coloring books to show them how to care for their pets. We see children as potential catalysts for positive change in our communities.
Community Outreach
Community Outreach
To address the issue at its root, we sponsor free spay and neuter clinics to control the population of stray animals. Simultaneously, we offer free rabies vaccinations to thousands of pets, ensuring their safety and preventing rabies outbreaks
The Yellow Collar Initiative
The Yellow Collar Initiative
In our efforts to help track animals free from rabies, we have introduced the Yellow Collar Initiative. Every vaccinated animal is adorned with a yellow collar with a unique identifier number, made by our women’s collectives, which serves as a visible indicator of their vaccination status. This not only keeps the community informed but also ensures the safety of the animals.
Creating Healthier Communities.
One Paw at a Time
One community at a time, together with local governments, local volunteers, local veterinarians, and donors, and with the cries for help from our stray and rescued paws, our ultimate goal is to reduce the number of stray animals, eliminating the need for mass euthanasia by authorities, which leaves dead and diseased animals on our streets leading to vermin and other problems, while improving the health and welfare of community dogs, cats, and humans.
Get Involved
We operate as a fully transparent 501(c)3 charity organization based in the United States, relying on the support of the public and corporate CSR sponsorships.
Your donations, regardless of their size, make a significant impact. You can contribute as an individual today, or explore partnership opportunities to learn more.