In 2001, I graduated Harvard Law School and spent the next four years as a lawyer in NYC. As part of my practice, I volunteered to help animals in any way I could. I represented shelters, disabled dog owners, rescue sanctuaries, but I longed to make a greater impact. I left law to serve as Director of Philanthropy (NY, CA) of the Humane Society of the United States, the largest animal welfare group, and began to dream even bigger. WagAware is the embodiment of that dream. WagAware gives everyone the opportunity to pitch in and unite with millions of like-minded individuals to make a seismic difference. We are all busy, multi-tasking and on-the-go, but if we all do a little bit, together, we can do something great. It couldn’t be easier! Buy a Charm. Save a Dog. Support Adoption. Join the Ruff-olution! Samantha J. Haas, Founder & President
Unfortunately, not all dogs lead a charmed life. Each year, approximately 4 million healthy, adoptable pets are euthanized in US shelters. That means 9,000 per day, or 6+ per minute, are killed. Most people do not realize that an estimated 90% of dogs in shelters are adoptable, the majority are there because of human problems (i.e., divorce, foreclosure) as opposed to the dog's issues, ¼ of all shelter dogs are purebreds and almost any kind of dog can be adopted; and, yet, most do not make it out alive. At WagAware, we found this unacceptable and decided to do something about it.
We created the only dog charm to promote dog rescue and adoption. Plus, WagAware donates an unprecedented 50% of our profits to dog charities.
When your dog wears the WagAware Ambassador Charm, you and your dog are spreading the word about the need to rescue, and encouraging all to adopt their next pet. It is a constant reminder that adoption should be the first and only option when welcoming a new furry member to the family. If just 10% of current dog owners made this change with their next pet, we could stop the unnecessary mass euthanasia of millions of healthy, adoptable dogs every year, and millions of homeless dogs would live the lives they deserve.
There are over 70 million dogs as pets in the US. Imagine if every one of them wore a WagAware Ambassador Charm. Imagine if just 10% wore our charm; that's 7 million. Our collective BARK would be so loud and we could raise so much awareness and funds to address the most systemic problem facing today’s beloved canines. Have fun being part of the solution and Join the WagAware Ruff-olution! Unite with millions of dog lovers in the first-ever, national awareness campaign for dog rescue attached to a symbol worn by dogs!
If your dog could speak, wouldn’t your dog advocate for his/her furry friends in jeopardy? Your dog is the PAW-fect ambassador for fellow canines in need. The WagAware charm gives your dog (and those not so fortunate) a voice, and you the peace of mind that you are supporting a deliberate, large-scale effort to help end dog homelessness for good! At WagAware, we care about all dogs, not just our own, and we believe so many of you do too!
More Ways You Can Help...
We see our product primarily on the dog’s collar, along with the ID tag and other decorative charms, but the more you buy, the more you raise awareness, and the more dogs’ lives will be changed forever. Buy a charm for all your dogs, and your friends’ dogs, and your dogs’ friends. Decorate your dog’s collar and leash, your keychain, wherever you like, and help us save dogs’ lives!
The Shelter Pet Project a public service ad campaign focused on spreading the word that pets in shelters are wonderful and lovable, and encouraging potential adopters to consider the shelter as the first place to look when acquiring a “new best friend.” It is also a searchable database of adoptable pets.
Petfinder an online database of about 60,000 adoptable animals at more than 5,500 shelters and rescues throughout the United States. You can search this site by breed, sex, age, gender and location, and you'll find a photo and bio for each pet awaiting adoption.