Our Mission. Our Vision. Our Promise.

Working together to prevent suffering and create a more humane world for animals in out community.

Mission Statement

Pet Project exists to prevent animals from suffering due to circumstance and reduce the homeless pet population. We serve as a compassionate advocate for animals in need, whether they are living on the streets, facing neglect or abandonment, or experiencing temporary instability. By empowering the community through support, education, and essential resources, we strive to ensure every animal is safe, valued, and cared for.

Vision Statement

We envision a future where every animal is safe, valued, and treated with dignity, no matter their circumstances. A future where communities are informed, supported, and connected, so fewer animals are living on the streets, facing neglect or abandonment, and more are receiving the care they deserve. Through compassion, collaboration, and education, we strive to reduce suffering and create lasting change for animals and the people who love them.

Guiding Promise

For Pet Project, our promise is rooted in compassion, responsibility, and respect for the many ways animals need help:

  • Circumstance will not determine worth. Animals are never overlooked or dismissed because they are injured, ill, fearful, or require additional care and patience.

  • Care is given with dignity, love, and intention. We focus on animals who need extra time, extra understanding, and extra tenderness to heal and thrive.

  • Support exists so suffering is not the default. When lack of resources, access, or education puts animals at risk, we work to step in and bridge the gap.

  • Humane population control is a shared responsibility. We recognize Trap-Neuter-Return as a critical, compassionate tool for reducing long-term suffering, and we support and collaborate with TNR efforts as part of a comprehensive, community-based approach to animal welfare.

Board Members

Meet the people helping guide Pet Project.

Katie Korobkin

Founder / President

Katie is the Founder and Board President of Pet Project. After years of seeing passionate individuals in the community working tirelessly to help animals on their own, she created Pet Project to bring structure, support and sustainable solutions to those efforts.

A devoted dog mom to Link and cat mom to Callie, Chi Chi, and BK, Katie’s work in rescue is deeply personal. She has opened her home to many foster animals, providing safety, medical advocacy, and a path forward when they had nowhere else to turn.

In addition to her work in animal welfare, Katie owns two successful businesses in Erie County, Sweet Potato Catering and Venue 634. She also serves on the board of the Humane Society of Erie County. In her free time, Katie enjoys spending time with friends, caring for her pets and bring outside in nature.

Lauren Beaver

Secretary

Lauren is the secretary of Pet Project Animal Rescue. A lifelong animal lover, she got started in TNR in 2023 when three stray cats showed up in her backyard. Since then, she has been a vocal advocate for TNR and community cat welfare.

Lauren and her husband live in Sandusky with their four cats, Butters, Puff, Tip and Sabrina as well as their dog, Zeppelin. In her spare time when not rescuing cats or working, Lauren enjoys being out in nature, taking Zeppelin on adventures, thrifting, reading and traveling.

Paula & Joel Freehling

Treasurer & Trustee

Paula (treasurer) and Joel (trustee) love all animals, but are "Catvocates" in their hearts.

With over 25 years as animal rescue volunteers, they have served in many different capacities with a variety of groups including: humane societies, animal shelters, farm sanctuaries, horse rescue and cat TNR. 

Both completed their undergraduate degrees at Bowling Green State University and Masters degrees from Michigan State University. They also have earned their Fear Free Shelter certification. 

In their spare time, they enjoy traveling and visiting animal rescues, cat cafes and wineries.