Greater Grays Harbor, Inc. is Very Excited to Officially Welcome One of the Newest Members to our Organization, North Beach PAWS!

North Beach PAWS (501(c)(3)) is an all-volunteer no-kill animal shelter headquartered in Hoquiam, Grays Harbor County, Washington. Co-founded in 2002 by longtime Ocean Shores resident Lorna Valdez, North Beach PAWS is committed to saving the lives of homeless and unwanted dogs and cats by providing shelter or foster care and seeking permanent loving homes for them. North Beach PAWS promotes the spaying and neutering of dogs and cats in order to reduce over population, is dedicated to educating the community to create responsible pet guardianship and seeks justice for animals that are victims of abuse. In 2024, North Beach PAWS helped over 1,400 cats and dogs. 

In 2002, long time Ocean Shores resident Lorna Valdez co-founded North Beach PAWS, along with her sister-in-law Debbie Valdez. Lorna stepped down as President in April 2024 after more than 20 years of service. Vice president and project manager for the new dog shelter project, Carol Jamroz, was elected as the next North Beach PAWS president.

"North Beach PAWS is a dream come true. It started out as an idea, turned into a vision, and is now a thriving reality," said outgoing North Beach PAWS president Lorna Valdez. "With ongoing community support and our dedicated volunteers, North Beach PAWS will continue to save and find loving homes for as many cats and dogs as possible in the years to come. Carol Jamroz is a proven leader; the shelter is in good hands."

North Beach PAWS was awarded with GGHI's Non-Profit of the Year for 2025!

Thanks to Valdez's steadfast leadership and stewardship, North Beach PAWS has grown from a grassroots effort with a small network of concerned citizens, friends, and neighbors to the largest animal shelter in Grays Harbor County. Over the course of the last 22 years, North Beach PAWS has gone from foster homes for a handful of wayward animals to a shelter complex with on-site dog and cat shelters, and a building that houses a popular weekly garage sale. In 2024 alone, North Beach PAWS provided shelter services and outreach to more than 1,400 dogs and cats.   

Lorna Valdez assumed the title of President Emerita of North Beach PAWS and continues to offer expertise, knowledge, counsel, and guidance as the shelter continues its all-important mission, while Carol Jamroz serves as president and sets out to lead North Beach PAWS into the future. 

"Lorna's legacy has brought us to a new chapter for North Beach PAWS," said Jamroz. "She has passed on a solid foundation to me and the Board of Directors. This provides us with the vision and the means to take North Beach PAWS into the future. I am proud and excited to lead the organization to the next phase of our mission as we strive to provide shelter to increasing numbers of dogs and cats that need help in our county and to create a world where every animal is valued and loved."

Take a look at their new dog shelter planning video and envision how their continued dedication will assist countless more dogs in our area. 

Here are just a few reasons why North Beach PAWS is such an important part of the Grays Harbor community:

– They work to organize happy adoptions of dogs and cats, especially those who came in without hope. 

– They help the community keep their pets healthy with low cost spay/neuter programs, low cost vaccination and microchip clinics, and pet food assistance.

– They provide high quality, reasonably priced household goods and clothing at their weekly Garage Sale. 

– & they connect the community with a variety of volunteer opportunities that provide friendship, a sense of purpose, and helps the animals. 

GGHI would like to congratulate North Beach PAWS on the incredible work they do in the community as well as being named the 2025 Greater Grays Harbor, Inc. Non-Profit of the Year at the Leaders' Banquet held in May, 2025! This honor was presented to them after being nominated by the community and then later voted on by the entire GGHI Membership. Your work and dedication is appreciated far and wide! 

Keep in Touch with North Beach PAWS:

Website: www.northbeachpaws.org 

Facebook: North Beach PAWS 

Email: pawsnb@gmail.com