About Paws On Death Row

At Paws on Death Row, we are driven by a singular passion: saving animals on the brink of losing their lives. Our goal is to one day create a rescue facility where animals on death row can find safety, care, and eventually, loving homes, and we work towards that every day. Until that dream becomes a reality, we remain committed to making an immediate impact. Through the generosity of donors across the country, we provide vital resources like pet food, pet toys, and blankets to shelters in need. We’ve also sponsored animals, funded life-saving medical procedures, and have already helped connect a few pets with their forever families.

What sets us apart is our dedication to acting now while building for the future. We don’t wait for big milestones; we understand that each day, animals in shelters face an uncertain fate. That’s why we work closely with communities to offer immediate relief—whether it’s a donation of supplies to a struggling shelter or covering the medical costs for an animal in need of urgent care. Every small action adds up, and with the support of our donors, we’ve been able to make a real difference, even before our rescue facility exists.

Our ultimate passion is simple: helping animals in need in any way we can. Whether it’s through providing resources to local shelters, sponsoring animals awaiting adoption, or taking those crucial steps toward building our dream rescue facility, we believe that every animal deserves a second chance. And with your support, we can continue saving lives and building a future where no one is left behind.

Paws on Death Row's Mission

Our mission is to save animals on death row by providing them with a second chance at life. We believe that every animal deserves love, care, and a safe home, and we are dedicated to ensuring that no innocent animal is unjustly euthanized due to overcrowding or other circumstances. To achieve this mission, we are dedicated to offering immediate support to shelters and working toward building our very own rescue facility for a future where no animal is left behind, offering essential resources, medical care, and adoption opportunities to animals in need. Every day, we work alongside compassionate communities to ensure that these animals have the opportunity to thrive, while we build toward our long-term vision of a safe haven for them to call home.

From Tragedy to Triumph: Nadia Petruzelli's Journey to Paws On Death Row

Born and raised in Philadelphia, Nadia Petruzelli didn’t start out on the most positive note with animals. At two years old, she was brutally attacked by her family dog and rushed to the hospital, needing plastic surgery to repair the damage. She was lucky to be alive, but as animal lovers, her family refused to have their dog put down and instead gave him to a friend who they knew would provide him with a loving home.

Despite this experience and the scarring that can still be seen today, Nadia never carried a fear or dislike of dogs or any animal. Her childhood was always filled with the comings and goings of many dogs owned by friends and family. As soon as she left home, she knew that her new place—and her life—would not be complete without a dog of her own. That’s when she met Finnegan, an 8-week-old Australian Shepherd, a breed she’d always dreamt of having.

Finnegan has been a part of Nadia’s life for almost two years now, and throughout that time they’ve created so many memories. Whether it’s taking him for a Puppucino or snuggling on the couch, she just loves to see him happy, so when she began learning about the horrible treatment that many dogs receive, she was devastated. She feels that every pup deserves to have the same love and care that she gives to Finnegan and is horrified by the animal abuse that frequently occurs. She started visiting shelters and witnessing firsthand what some dogs have gone through and the conditions they’re now forced to live in—unsanitary and absent of toys, treats and comfort. Although the thought crossed her mind, Nadia knew that she couldn’t adopt them all so she started working on creating a charity that would not only help shelter dogs in her own community but around the country.

Today, Paws On Death Row is working with nine shelters in seven states, and continues to grow. Nadia’s team hand delivers items including food, treats, toys, cleaning supplies, blankets and more to shelters, and covers medical costs like heartworm treatments. Her ultimate goal is to open up a state-of-the-art facility with a vet, groomer and trainer where dogs can feel comfortable and safe while waiting for their furever home.