It is one of the biggest fundraisers of the year for St. Cats and Dogs of Nay Aug Zoo and for six other foster-based rescues in the area.

SCRANTON, Pa. — Paws in the Park is back this weekend at Nay Aug Park for the 6th year in a row. It’s one of the biggest fundraisers of the year not only for St. Cats and Dogs of Nay Aug Zoo, but for many other foster-based rescues in the area. 

“This is a great tradition that brings together several local rescues. All of the other rescues we host are foster-based, which is why it’s such a great event for us to do because we have the building and they don’t have the space to do these kinds of fundraisers,” said Katrina Organ, St. Cats and Dogs of Nay Aug Zoo. 



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St. Cats hosts the event, then all of the funds raised will be split evenly between six other local rescues. This year those rescues are Animal Care Associates, Friends with Paws, Kitties of NEPA Pet Rescue, TT’S Rescue Squad, Scaly Tails Rescue and Silver Tails Rescue.

“You do not have to be looking to adopt; you don’t even have to own a pet to contribute and help us raise funds. The idea is that you just come and hang out with your family and have a fun day in the park. If you have a dog, we will have pup cups and games for the dogs. Kids, we’ll have kids’ games, face painting, sand art,” Organ said. 

But of course, if you want to adopt a cat, the building will be open for visitors, too. You can meet the feature for this week’s 16 To The Rescue, Cal, along with all of the other cats available for adoption at St. Cats. There will also be food and other vendors. And this year, local businesses and individual supporters have donated more than 100 raffle baskets and gift cards. 

“It’s a tough economy, and there are lots of organizations out there that are worthy of a cause. So using our reputation and our resources to help smaller rescues, some of these guys are just starting out. We have a reptile rescue this year that’s brand new. Being able to lend a hand is really important. I have been years and I still remember when we only had the front filled, and we were small, going to all of these little fundraisers hoping for $200. Last year we almost broke a thousand dollars per rescue, so we’re really hoping that this year will be the year that we break a thousand per rescue, that lasts these smaller rescues a long time,” Organ said. 

Paws in the Park is this Saturday, August 29, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Nay Aug Park in Scranton.