Welcome to SAWS
Welcome to Sigonella Animal Welfare Society Inc. (SAWS) - a 100% volunteer-run nonprofit dedicated to helping animals in need in the Sigonella community and throughout Sicily.
At SAWS, we rescue, rehabilitate, and rehome cats and dogs through a foster-based system. Our work is grounded in compassion, community support, and responsible rescue practices - one life at a time.
Whether youโre here to adopt, foster, donate, volunteer, or simply learn more, weโre glad you stopped by.
Our Mission (summary)
Our mission is to:
- educate the community on humane principles of responsible animal ownership, prevent animal cruelty and pet abandonment,
- advocate for the wellbeing and humane treatment of stray animals,
- provide outreach and educational programs that promote compassion and responsibility.
๐ Want the full mission details? Learn more on our About page.
Please note
SAWS does not operate a shelter facility. We are a foster-based, volunteer-run organization with limited capacity.
While the need for help across Sicily is immense, we are not able to take in or respond to every animal in need. Decisions about intake are based on available foster homes, medical needs, and our ability to provide proper care.
We understand how difficult it is to see animals in need, and we truly wish we could help them all. When we are unable to intervene directly, we do our best to offer guidance, resources, or information whenever possible.
For common questions - including what to do if you find an animal - please visit our Resource Library.
What You Can Do
At SAWS, there are many ways to get involved, and every bit helps:
๐ถ Adopt โ Give a rescue animal a loving forever home
๐พ Foster โ Provide a safe home while we find a perfect match
๐ Donate โ Help us cover vet care, supplies, and rescue costs
๐ค Volunteer โ Support events, outreach, and community work
๐ Explore all ways to help on our Get Involved page.
Thank You
Whether youโre here for the first time or youโve been with us for years, thank you for caring about animals in need.
Your support - in any form - makes a real difference. SAWS is entirely volunteer-run and relies on the kindness of the community to carry out our mission.
Latest News & Updates
Stay up to date with rescue stories, urgent needs, community outreach, and announcements.
Join us at our events
Don't miss out - keep track of our events right here.
