Caitlin Clark, the 23-year-old face of women’s basketball, made headlines today by opening 22 Paws Rescue & Sanctuary, a sprawling $28 million, 60-acre no-kill facility in Indianapolis dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating, and giving away every animal for free—forever. Surrounded by 50 rescued dogs and cats, Clark cut the ceremonial ribbon, cradling a three-legged golden retriever named “Logo,” while hundreds of fans cheered on what is already being hailed as the most ambitious animal welfare project in the country.
The sanctuary is Clark’s personal mission, funded entirely through her Nike deal, WNBA salary, and every cent of her 2025 golf winnings. “These babies never asked to be lost or thrown away,” Clark said, voice cracking with emotion. “Today we tell them: your forever home starts right here, and the fee is already paid.” Within two hours of opening, the first 100 adoptions were completed, leaving volunteers scrambling to keep up with the flood of prospective pet parents.
22 Paws is not just about adoption—it’s about comprehensive care. The facility features a full veterinary hospital, including oncology and rehabilitation wings, 600 climate-controlled kennels and cattery suites, and a 40-acre off-leash forest playground. Every animal adopted receives spay/neuter services, vaccines, and a microchip, with a lifetime care guarantee ensuring that no animal will ever be euthanized due to space or cost.
Clark has designed the sanctuary to operate 24/7, allowing for constant care and emergency services, a revolutionary approach in the animal welfare world. “If you can love them, you can have them. Simple as that,” Clark posted on social media, sparking a wave of online support. Within minutes, the hashtag #22Paws had raised an additional $19 million in donations, underlining the public’s overwhelming response to Clark’s unprecedented effort.
The opening drew an array of supporters, from local animal advocates to sports fans, all celebrating the rare combination of star power and social impact. Clark’s vision goes beyond rescue—it’s about creating a community where abandoned or neglected animals receive the medical attention, mental stimulation, and human connection necessary to thrive. Her hands-on involvement, from funding to daily operations, underscores her commitment to ensuring that every animal gets a fair chance at a happy life.
Experts in animal welfare have already praised the project. Dr. Samantha Lopez, a leading veterinary specialist, called it “a model for the future. The combination of medical care, expansive living space, and guaranteed lifetime adoption is unprecedented. It sets a new standard for what a sanctuary can achieve.”
For the residents of Indianapolis, the sanctuary is a transformative force. Stray animals and neglected pets now have access to world-class care, and families in the city can adopt without financial barriers, making pet ownership accessible to all. With doors open 24/7 and adoption fees permanently waived, 22 Paws is redefining how cities can support animal welfare and inspire civic engagement.
Caitlin Clark’s 22 Paws Rescue & Sanctuary is more than a facility—it is a movement. By combining celebrity influence, personal funding, and a relentless drive to protect vulnerable animals, Clark is showing that one person’s vision can reshape an entire city’s approach to compassion. As the sanctuary begins operations, all eyes are on Indianapolis to see which animals will be the next lucky residents to find their forever homes.
With her first 100 adoptions complete and millions pledged online, one thing is clear: Caitlin Clark has not just rescued animals—she has adopted an entire city into a new era of hope.
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