A Hand for a Paw, Inc. (AHFAP) is a Bridgeport-based, 501(c)(3) non-profit that is passionate about preventing animals from entering the doors of municipal animal control facilities. A Hand for a Paw seeks to eliminate animal suffering at its root by providing mobile humane resources to the underserved communities in Bridgeport through a program called Mobile Pet Solutions. This program assists pet families with affordable vaccines, micro-chipping, a pet food pantry, and access to affordable professional assistance.

Established in 2008, the founders of A Hand for a Paw are Jimmy Gonzalez, former Chief Animal Control Officer, and Melissa Kuian, former Animal Adoption Coordinator for the City of Bridgeport’s Animal Control Facility. Their experiences managing the largest municipal animal shelter in the state was their motivation for establishing A Hand for a Paw. By ensuring that the residents of Bridgeport have access to basic veterinary care, and continuing to emphasize the importance of humane education, A Hand for a Paw is working to make responsible and compassionate pet ownership the standard in Bridgeport.

The organization recently opened a store/office/pet food pantry in Stratford called Animal Artisans because it needed a home base and a place for fundraising efforts. The store sells a wide variety of crafted and donated items at a low cost to raise monies for AHFAP programs.

For more information, visit AHFAP.org, email cor call 203-258-3069. To shop for holiday gifts while supporting a good cause, visit Animal Artisans, 187 Ferry Blvd, Stratford.