Paws with Purpose

Since the organization’s founding in 2003, Paws with Purpose, has provided assistance dogs to adults and children with disabilities such as multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy, paraplegia, and other physical impairments.  PWP places assistance dogs with children on the autism spectrum.  PWP dogs also serve as Facility Dogs with professionals in rehabilitation clinics, hospitals, and private practice. 

PWP is accredited through Assistance Dogs International, the organization that sets rigorous standards for training and placing assistance dogs around the globe. Paws with Purpose is the ONLY assistance dog organization in KY with this regarded distinction.

The extensive training for these dogs is approximately two years and upon completion of training they are valued at $30,000. PWP has been partnered with the Kentucky Correctional Institution for Women since 2004. Selected inmate handlers train the puppies during the week and volunteers take the puppies each weekend for socialization in the community. It truly “takes a village” to place our dogs and your support today is helping us do just that. 



Who We Are

Paws with Purpose is celebrating it's 17th year of providing Assistance Dogs as partners to children and adults with physical disabilities or other special needs. These dogs provide comfort and companionship, help break down social barriers, and perform many skilled tasks which help their partners lead more independent lives. With the assistance of generous donors, dedicated/enthusiastic volunteers, PWP is committed to providing highly skilled service dogs at no charge to the recipients.