A Hand for a Paw, Inc. (AHFAP) is a non-profit that is passionate about preventing animals from entering the doors of municipal animal control facilities. AHFAP provides mobile humane resources to the undeserved communities in Bridgeport through its program, Mobile Pet Solutions, which assists pet families with affordable vaccines, micro-chipping, basic grooming, a pet food pantry, humane education, and access to affordable professional assistance. They also perform lectures on the subject of humane education, and to date having spoken to thousands of people in the Bridgeport area. 

Established in 2008, the founders of AHFAP 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 for seven years was their motivation for establishing AHFAP.

In the first few weeks into 2016, AHFAP have already given food to 22 families as part of it’s weekly ‘Pet Food Pantry’ at Sterling House, and collected and donated over 500 cans of dog and cat food to victims of the Charles Street fire in Bridgeport. They also started a new program, Straw Program, which provides families with much needed straw for dog or cat houses. Read more about their accomplishments from this year and more by clicking on this link: Accomplishments.

"Maybe you have heard of us and maybe you haven't. We believe that the first step in solving a problem is recognizing there is one... we mainly do this through HUMANE EDUCATION. It is not an easy task and there are many that may not listen but we continue to push forward and educate. We educate at our clinics and at our pet food pantry’s. I personally teach anyone willing to listen in schools, libraries, halls and many other places. 

Our organization understands that rescue is a key factor in helping animals but it will not solve the big problem (in fact, we have begun to delve into the problem ourselves). But animal shelters are still full!!!! WHY?

The problem must be confronted head on.
EDUCATE the masses!
Never assume people know....

It is our responsibility as "THEIR VOICE" to teach and preach... and we do it for our furry, feathered, and scaly friends.”