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EnglishWhat Is 4Paws Rescue Team (fourpaws.org)?
Updated
4Paws Rescue Team is a volunteer-run, foster-based cat rescue serving Northern Virginia and the wider DMV (D.C., Maryland, Virginia) area. It places cats and kittens in foster homes rather than a shelter building, and the public can engage through adoption, fostering, volunteering, or donating. It operates as a qualified 501(c)(3) public charity, so contributions are tax deductible as allowed by law.
What the Organization Does
The rescue's stated mission is "Saving Lives, Four Paws at a Time" — saving cats and kittens in need through a foster network staffed by volunteers. The site lists four main ways to get involved:
- Adopt — browse available cats and meet them at adoption fairs or listed locations
- Foster — provide a safe home for a cat until it is adopted
- Volunteer — support the rescue and the community through volunteer opportunities
- Donate — fund lifesaving care
The site states that 96¢ of every donated dollar goes directly to the cats and kittens.
Track Record and Credentials
| Measure | Figure |
|---|---|
| Years operating | 30+ |
| Total cats adopted | 13,500 |
| Cats adopted in 2025 | 500+ |
| Staffing model | 100% volunteer run |
| Charity status | 501(c)(3) public charity; CFC #34517 |
These figures come from the organization's own site and are worth treating as self-reported.
Adoption Fairs and Locations
The rescue holds adoption fairs where you can meet cats in person. One listed recurring event is at Petco Sterling, 22000 Dulles Retail Plz, Sterling, VA 20166, from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM. The site directs visitors to its Adoption Fairs page for the full schedule and to Adoption Locations for other places to meet cats.
If you are interested in a specific cat, the site also lists "Singles Ads" — individual profiles for available cats — alongside the full list of available cats.
Barn Cats and Other Programs
Beyond standard adoptions, the rescue lists a Barn Cats program, aimed at cats suited to outdoor working homes rather than indoor pets. The site also publishes resource pages on spaying and neutering, preparing for adoption, and FIV/FeLV, which are useful if you are evaluating whether a particular cat fits your household.
Contact and Service Area
- Email: [email protected]
- Phone: 703-715-6369
- Service area: Northern Virginia and the DMV
- Online: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube
The site also publishes its financials, FAQs, and news, which are reasonable places to check before donating or applying to adopt.
Who This Is For
This rescue is relevant if you live in or near Northern Virginia or the DMV and want to adopt a cat, foster one, volunteer, or donate to a cat-focused charity. Because it is foster-based, expect to arrange meetings through adoption fairs or listed locations rather than visiting a single shelter address. If you are outside the service area, the site's general cat-care resources may still be useful, but adoption and fostering are geared to the local region.