Four Paws Trail was founded in early 2001. It's early focus was transporting animals to new homes across the country and parts of Canada and moving animals from overcrowded areas to areas where there were fewer in order to buy more time to find loving homes. As the organization has grown, so have the objectives.

The organization now includes regional rescue mailing lists across the domestic U.S. for dogs, cats, and special needs animals. The original "Kitty Network" chat list still exists as does its closely guarded special needs list (all through Yahoo groups). The Backyard Animals list was recently introduced as a place for people to exchange stories and seek help with the wildlife that exists right outside their doors. For details of all our lists, please go to the FPT Email Lists.

One of the organization's prime focuses is extending efforts to keep helpless animals out of the clutches of "less than desirable owners" as well as fundraising for the care of animals whose owners are not able to put forth the necessary funds for their beloved pet's care. In addition, with the assistance of the FVEAP (Feline Veterinary Emergency Assistance Program), it is now possible to have donations made to any vet in one lump sum as many veterinary institutions refuse to handle the workload involved in processing payments from multiple sources on one account.

The value of mobile adoptions to the less populated, outlying areas in this country is grossly under utilized. Hopefully, that will change in time, given enough effort.

Another "pet" focus is that of education. Four Paws Trail continues its best efforts towards creating an awareness of the hazards of finding homes for pets through the Internet and suggests that anyone coming to the Internet for this reason contact them to assist in the process. The same diligence that is used in placing animals in one's own locale is then put to use to place animals "at a distance" - safely! The Internet is a wonderful resource for the animal and rescue world, but innocent members of the public are not aware of the pitfalls.

Animals play an extremely important role in our society as healers to the community and as teachers to our children. At Four Paws Trail we believe that, with the correct business model, it is indeed very possible to have animal sanctuaries that provide value to society as well as a home for animals, and do not rely solely on charitable contributions for their survival. On the contrary, they would be profitable but, more importantly, would be of tremendous benefit to the local and state economies in a variety of ways, as well as being of tremendous value to the people who live in the local communities. Think in terms - not only of an animal sanctuary - but of an agricultural, entrepreneurial, rehabilitative, educational and residential complex. Yes, it is very possible! If you have an interest in this concept, please contact Four Paws Trail directly.