As 2025 comes to a close, we’re taking a moment to reflect with gratitude on a year filled with meaningful progress. From the individuals and families we serve to the communities we reach, every milestone was guided by PAWS’ mission to transform lives and strengthen communities through partnerships with custom-trained working dogs.
A Renewed Home & Identity
This year marked the completion of a significant renovation of our headquarters and training facility in Wayland, Michigan. Made possible through the generosity of our supporters and the success of our Embrace the Journey capital campaign, our renovated space allows PAWS to better serve clients, dogs, and volunteers for years to come.
The renovated facility now features:
- Modernized training areas
- Expanded canine housing
- New veterinary care, breeding, and foster puppy spaces
- Dedicated environments designed to support accessibility and inclusion
In November, we celebrated this milestone with a ribbon-cutting and a series of open houses, welcoming more than 2,000 community members through our doors. Local and state leaders joined PAWS staff, volunteers, clients, and supporters to officially proclaim November 6, 2025, as Paws With A Cause Day, recognizing the lasting impact PAWS continues to make both locally and nationwide.
This year, we also stepped into a refreshed identity that celebrates the full breadth of our work and the evolution of our mission. Our new brand not only reflects who we are as an organization, but also elevates our commitment to community connection, inclusion, and empowerment.
Lives Transformed Through Partnership
Through all the transitions, one thing remained constant: PAWS continued to place life-changing dogs with individuals and communities. In fiscal year 2025, our impact included:
- 56 newly certified assistance and facility dogs
- Ongoing support for 323 assistance dog teams and 85 facility dog teams
- PAWS dogs placed in 30 states across the United States
- 15 newly certified Visiting PAWS handlers bringing comfort and connection to West Michigan
Behind every number is a story of a life-changing partnership, whether it’s an individual gaining independence with an assistance dog or a community strengthened by the presence of a facility dog.
Growing Programs & Expanding Reach
Behind the scenes, PAWS made strategic investments in 2025 to grow our programs and set the stage for growth in the years ahead. These investments include:
• The addition of a new correctional facility to our Prison Partner Program, strengthening our training program, and expanding our capacity
• The hiring of two new cohorts of Trainer Assistants, each beginning their journey toward becoming full assistance dog trainers
• Launching a new category of assistance dog placement: Medical alert dogs, serving individuals with POTS or Type 1 diabetes
• Connecting with more than one million people on social media, sharing stories that inspire and educate
• The most successful Giving Tuesday and PAWS to be Thankful campaign to date, with supporters raising a record-breaking $237,000 in one day
These achievements reflect a year of growth that extends beyond our dogs and clients. By investing in our programs, our people, and our community, PAWS is ensuring that we are ready to meet the increasing demand for assistance and facility dogs.
Looking Ahead with Purpose
As we look toward the year ahead, we do so with confidence and gratitude. With stronger facilities, expanding programs, and the continued support of our community, PAWS is well-positioned to deepen our impact in 2026 and beyond. This year, we’re especially proud to be recognized as one of Michigan’s 2026 Best and Brightest Companies to Work For, an honor that highlights our commitment to staff, culture, and excellence.
Thank you to every volunteer, donor, staff member, client, partner, and supporter who made this year possible. These accomplishments belong to you, and the lives changed because of your commitment will continue to ripple far beyond this year. Here’s to a new year filled with even more stories of courage, connection, and transformation!
You can be a part of our impact, give the gift of independence today.
