About Us
OUR STORY
BRIDGING THE GAP, ONE PAW AT A TIME
Hands ’N Paws began as a dream in 2019, founded by President Carmon Derting after 12 years of working in a local animal shelter. Carmon saw firsthand how many pets were surrendered for preventable reasons—things like lack of vaccinations, not enough food, or not being spayed or neutered.
She founded Hands ’N Paws to fill the gap between shelters and rescues, providing the support families need to keep their pets at home. Her vision was simple: meet people where they are—literally—and give them the help they need to avoid giving up their beloved animals.
Since then, Hands ’N Paws has grown into a trusted resource in the Columbia Basin, offering vital animal rescue services, spay & neuter programs, pet retention support, and rehoming help when it’s truly needed.
Every member of our team is Fear Free Certified, meaning they’ve been professionally trained to reduce fear, anxiety, and stress in animals during every interaction. We also operate under the STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) ideology, ensuring that our methods are not only compassionate but also rooted in modern innovation, creativity, and evidence-based practices. This unique blend allows us to provide holistic, empathetic, and forward-thinking care for every animal we serve.
Our mission
Hands 'N Paws Animal Assistance is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing education and resources that help keep animals in loving homes. We also strive to offer a safe haven for lost and displaced animals, giving them a second chance at the life they deserve. Our mission is to bridge the gap—one paw at a time.
OUR VISION
Hands ‘N Paws Animal Assistance will work with the community, partner organizations, veterinarians and volunteers on behalf of animals and their guardians to enable each to stay together in order to reduce animal homelessness.
Hands ‘N Paws Animal Assistance will fulfill these commitments by fostering a professional and compassionate volunteer base through training and continuing education, maintaining a strong and supportive Board of Directors and building partnerships with other organizations.
Our Values
PARTNERSHIPS
PARTNERSHIPS
We value and strive to work hand in hand with advocates, experts, organizations and individuals who offer their time and talents to help further animal welfare and better the lives of animals.
EDUCATION
Education
We value learning and using that information to advocate for the welfare of the animals. We will strive to be leaders in our community for animal welfare and be flexible to the ever changing and improving policies and protocols.
ANIMAL
FOCUSED
animal
focused
We value our ability to provide the best care for the animals that we can. We are their voice and through our experience, knowledge and passion we aim to help ensure animals live their best life.
COMMUNITY
BASED
community
based
We value our communities and offer support to families and their animals through education and a variety of other resources to ensure a safe, healthy, and happy life together.
HONESTY
honesty
We value truth and authenticity in what we say and do and being an organization that people and animals can trust.
