About

Founded in 2010 by Diana Rascano and Gina Jenio, 4 Paws 1 Heart began helping animals in need before becoming an IRS-recognized nonprofit in 2012—growing into a lifeline for countless animals.

Mission Statement

4 Paws 1 Heart is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that funds veterinary medical care for stray, abandoned, and abused animals. By removing financial barriers, we enable rescue, recovery, and adoption—restoring health, relieving suffering, and reducing animal homelessness at its source.

Primary Goal

The primary goal of 4 Paws 1 Heart is to provide direct financial support for veterinary care for stray, abandoned, and abused animals. By paying authorized veterinary expenses directly to providers, the organization removes the greatest barrier to rescue—cost—allowing animals to receive treatment, recover in foster care, and move into permanent homes once healthy and adoptable. In addition, 4 Paws 1 Heart supports Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) initiatives by funding spay/neuter surgeries and vaccinations for feral cats, improving quality of life while reducing overpopulation and disease in the community. Through advocacy and partnership, we serve as a vital lifeline for cats and dogs in need.

Our Commitment

4 Paws 1 Heart works to serve as a lifeline and trusted resource for stray, abandoned, and abused animals by reducing the number of homeless cats and dogs through the funding of veterinary medical care, connecting rehabilitated animals with permanent homes.
To achieve this goal, we are committed to the following:

  • Cultivating strong partnerships with veterinary clinics across the state, prioritizing Macomb, Wayne, Oakland, and Genesee Counties, and maintaining collaborative relationships with rescue groups, animal control agencies, and dedicated community Good Samaritans.
  • Raising funds through individual giving, online donation platforms, corporate partnerships, grants, and community events to directly cover veterinary medical costs.
  • Amplifying each animal’s story through strategic storytelling, before-and-after photos, and follow-up updates shared on our website and social media platforms.
  • Supporting Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) initiatives as funding allows, helping to reduce the population of homeless animals at its source.

Key Strategies

To support our mission and meet the growing medical needs of stray, abandoned, and abused animals, 4 Paws 1 Heart will:

  • Generate sustainable funding through individual giving, online donation platforms, corporate partnerships, grants, and community events
  • Build and maintain strong partnerships with veterinary clinics, particularly low-cost providers, to maximize medical services such as vaccinations, spay/neuter, and critical care.
  • Engage and steward donors through transparent communication, personalized acknowledgments, and storytelling that demonstrates the direct impact of their generosity.
  • Leverage our website and social media platforms to raise awareness, promote fundraising efforts, provide resources to rescuers, and network animals toward rescue placement and adoption.