A volunteer organization has formed to help combat the overpopulation of stray animals in the Johnstown community.

During the pandemic, Dr. Christine Dahlin, biologist and animal behavior professor at the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown, began noticing an overabundance of stray cats in her neighborhood. This prompted her to begin feeding and trapping the cats to get them spayed and neutered and vaccinated. After working on her own for a few years, Dahlin began collaborating with other people in the area who were doing this work.

In 2024, Dahlin, along with Laura Huchel, co-founded the Johnstown Animal Welfare Society (JAWS), a conglomerate of local rescues and individuals who work to promote the cause of animal welfare in Johnstown. The group meets monthly at Donna Christopher’s State Farm Insurance office in downtown Johnstown.

“We formed JAWS to advocate for animals in terms of policy, as well as municipal government and local nonprofit funding, including getting stronger ordinances and establishing animal control in Johnstown” said Huchel. “The second purpose is the collaboration of rescues, veterinarians, and other nonprofits such as the Humane Society.”

By combining their different skillsets and resources, the volunteers of JAWS work collaboratively to support the animals of Johnstown who have been forgotten. Some rescue the animals or help run the spay and neuter clinic, while others focus on fundraising. Since inception, JAWS has helped more than 110 animals, including many that have been abandoned or trapped in hoarding situations.

“The work we do just shows how quickly situations can spiral out of control when people aren’t spaying and neutering their animals,” said Dahlin. “That’s why it’s so important that we are educating people in the community on the importance of taking care of their animals and providing resources and inexpensive ways for them to do so.”

In addition to rescuing and rehoming animals, JAWS also provides educational opportunities for those interested in volunteering with animals, teaching them how to vaccinate, diagnose health problems, and other skills.
JAWS is actively fundraising and accepting donations to support their mission.

Donations received will be used to pay for the vet bills of the rescued animals and the supplies needed to continue caring for them. Their next educational event and fundraiser, a Pet First Aid and CPR Training, will be held at the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown Murtha Center on Wednesday, March 19. More information is available on their Facebook. You can donate to the Johnstown Animal Welfare Society Fund here.

The group is also accepting donations of food and supplies, which can be dropped off at Donna Christopher’s office at 338 Walnut Street in downtown Johnstown. Within the coming weeks, JAWS will be setting up pet food donation barrels at Market Basket, Randy’s Bilo, and Tractor Supply.

Additionally, JAWS is recruiting volunteers of all kinds and people who are willing to foster or adopt these animals.

“We have lots of ways that people can help,” said Dahlin. “Not everyone has to be a boots on the ground rescuer. We are often looking for people to foster or adopt or to join our fundraising committee, so we can continue doing this work. There are many ways people can get involved.”