About Us

• Hands To Paws, Inc.
• Mission Statement
• License

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Hands to Paws Rescue is a grassroots, foster-based animal rescue founded in 2015 by Kathryn Ellis, alongside friends and family who were deeply concerned about the growing animal welfare needs in the CSRA.

We received nonprofit status in September 2016 and have been licensed by the Georgia Department of Agriculture since that time.

We do not operate a physical shelter—all of our animals are cared for in loving foster homes. Our organization is 100% volunteer-run, with an unpaid Board of Directors and all efforts supported through donations, grants, and community generosity.
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Kristin Pierce currently serves as our Director, continuing the mission with compassion, leadership, and a focus on collaboration.

The mission of Hands to Paws, Inc. is to initiate/support programs that extend/elevate the standards of compassionate care for companion animals in the CSRA by providing educational programs as well as direct care and cooperative efforts with other groups to increase access to low-cost spay/neuter, rescue, fostering and adoption of animals in need. Our goal is to provide barrier-free opportunities for approved applicants to receive the pet that fits their home and lifestyle.​

Click HERE TO SEE OUR 2024 WRAP UP

Meet Our Team

Kristin Pierce

Director

​A Navy veteran and lifelong cat lover, Kristin Pierce moved to the CSRA in 2010 with her rescue cat, Glinda. She’s passionate about improving animal welfare through collaboration, building local partnerships, and expanding spay/neuter efforts to create lasting change for pets in need.

Lin Akeson

Adoption Coordinator

Lin Akeson has loved animals since childhood, especially cats. After moving to the CSRA in 1992, she became deeply involved in rescue work. Fostering became her passion in 2018, leading to the creation of a sanctuary farm in Appling. She joined Hands to Paws in 2021, helping match rescue pets with loving homes.

Kinsey King

Adoption Coordinator & Community Liaison​

Kinsey King has been fostering with Hands to Paws for two years. She lives in Martinez with her husband, four cats, and a dog. When she’s not volunteering, she works as a licensed mental health therapist. Kinsey finds joy and fulfillment in helping animals and is grateful to support the CSRA community through rescue work.

Kat Ellis
Founder & Former Director

Kat Ellis has officially stepped down as President of Hands to Paws. She started the rescue in 2015 and, with the help of amazing volunteers, fosters, and supporters, helped place tons of cats and dogs—plus a few rabbits, guinea pigs, and even a bearded dragon or two—into loving homes.

Over the past year, Kristin and the team have taken on most of the day-to-day operations, making the transition a smooth one. The rescue is in great hands moving forward.

Kat isn’t going far—she’ll still be helping out with events, fundraising, training support, and caring for the Hands to Paws dogs boarding at Graced Kennel.

HANDS TO PAWS, INC (AUGUSTA GA) RECOGNIZED AS HOMETOWN  HEROS

February 2024
Hands to Paws Rescue was honored as one of Augusta National’s Hometown Heroes through the Masters Tournament Outreach Program, recognizing our meaningful impact on the CSRA community.

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