2022 Top-Rated Nonprofit

PAWS Of CNY Inc.

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Volunteering Oportunities

Nonprofit Overview

Causes: Animal-Related, Animals

Mission: PAWS of CNY, Inc. is a non-profit organization located in Central New York that is dedicated to enriching the lives of people and animals through mutually beneficial interaction. Over 200 volunteers across Onondaga, Oswego, Cortland, Madison and Cayuga Counties bring their pets to visit residents at more than 55 facilities in Central New York, bringing smiles to more than 800 people every month.

Community Stories

66 Stories from Volunteers, Donors & Supporters

3

hobiesmom, Volunteer

Rating: 5

08/16/2021

PAWS of CNY has sent teams to the Psychiatric floors of Upstate Hospital. These animals have made a tremendous positive effect on the adults there. Many times the patients there will talk to a dog but not a person. For many, petting a dog is calming and soothing. Dogs don't judge, they don't give answers and they don't analyze. They just make those that need a bit of help feel a whole lot better.PAWS comes and expects nothing in return. It really is the best relief for a bad day. Thank you Paws

BJLin Volunteer

Rating: 5

01/07/2025

My young border collie and I make visits to a college, nursing home, military base and school. At the nursing home, we spend maybe a minute to a few minutes with each person as we make our way around the rooms. I am always deeply touched by how many residents thank us for the short visit, even when they have to struggle mightily to get the words out. Children getting a positive experience with a dog, college kids playing catch and finding a chance to relax and chat, and on the military base, the guy who greets me with "Is this the dog that gives hugs?"

MarthaSturtz Volunteer

Rating: 5

10/16/2024

My love for Paws of CNY started years ago when I acquired a golden retriever named Flyer who was a very bright dog with a wonderful personality and eyes that looked into your soul! We became team, we took obedience classes, we started doing hunting tests, and we got our CDC. I searched for a local pet therapy group and found Paws of CNY. We passed our evaluation for Paws and started visiting at Minetto Elementary with first graders reading to our pets. Flyer and I started doing visits at various sites, colleges, special public events, several nursing homes, community groups talking about Paws of CNY. We were one of the orginial pet team that started doing the Syr Airport program visits {PET=Pets Easeing Travelers) We promoted our PAWS of CNY every where we went with our trading cards etc.. As Flyer aged we started to cut back as she slowed down. During this time Flyer and I won the Gold Award for a strong bond between a pet and their owner. We had gotten Flyer when I was fighting cancer and she became my therapy throughout my treatments. With Flyer slowing down, we started being a test dog for the Paws of CNY new members Evaluations. Once Flyer passed, I thought my time with PAWS was done, but we did rescue another golden , Krista. She was no Flyer lol but all she wanted was to get pets, so we have started back with Paws of CNY again. It is a wonderful group, that has grown through the years and the demand for teams to visit has grown so we really need more pet teams! It is like a family with all the same interests.
Please reach out and learn all about our group: PAWS OF CNY, INC. It is a life changing group. I have loved it for years!

Previous Stories
1

Volunteer

Rating: 5

08/03/2022

I have been a member for years! Love the group! My dog Flyer and I were a pet therapy team. We visited schools colleges nursing homes libraries, local community groups to talk about our organziation, we went to large community fests and fairs, we participated in fundraising for the group, we were one of the initial teams to visit the Syracuse Airport on weekly basis and we did small reading sessions with special needs children along with some child care sites
The impact that this group has on the people they visit and connect with is priceless! The same is true for the numerous pet therapy teams. As a team you see first hand the impact your visit has on so many! You meet interesting people bring joy to many and always get that feel good feeling! The organization does a wonderful job with setting up visit sites schedules along with keeping track of all the members visiting hours, health records and training tests. The group conducts their own evaluations of new teams and they do reevals for veteran teams. It is a wonderful organization that touches so many in several counties. I highly recommend this organzation for those interested in become a pet therapy team and for any group or organization or event planners to consider reaching out the PAWS of CNY on their web site and FB page to set up visits or learn about becoming a Pet Team.

Yvonne-Westcott-Uehlin Volunteer

Rating: 5

08/08/2022

PAWS of CNY is a great organization for anyone wanting to volunteer with their pet as a certified therapy team. Very well organized and communication with teams is excellent! The certification process is thorough and makes sure that a pet is ready for the task that they will be assigned. There are a variety of settings offering opportunities for therapy work.
My Golden Boy, Jonah, and I volunteered with PAWS of CNY for several years. Jonah was born to do therapy work and achieved the AKC title of Advanced Therapy Dog before I lost him. We volunteered in many settings with a focus on nursing homes. We also volunteered at children's events and other community events. It was amazing to see how people responded to his touch. Their smiles were all the reward we needed.
Volunteering with PAWS was a wonderful experience and I would recommend them to anyone wanting to become a therapy team with their pet.
Yvonne Westcott-Uehlin

MollieM0317 Volunteer

Rating: 5

08/05/2022

My two dogs were Therapy Dogs for many years. They went to Menoria Park Nursing home, different schools and Salina Free Library. They were at the library to have children read them, "Paws To Read"! Bailey is a Havanese and Mollie an Irish Terrier. They both look forward these visits. Bailey love seniors, she would sit on their laps and lap up all their hugs and pets. Mollie was known as the Yum, Yum dog. My husband taught her to say this in place of a "bark"! All of enjoyed being part of the Paws of CNY Inc.

1

bputzer Volunteer

Rating: 5

08/02/2022

My dog and I were volunteers with PAWS until the pandemic and we had a great time doing it! PAWS provided such a great service to so many people. People would just light up when they got to pet my dog and share dog stories with me. It is a great organization that does so much for the community.

1

CodyDog1 Volunteer

Rating: 5

08/02/2022

I joined Paws of CNY in August 2015 with my Golden Retriever "Cody" as a therapy dog team. We left CNY in 2019 due to a relocation to Alabama. Durning my tenure at PAWS, "Cody" and I attained the AKC Distinguished Therapy Dog designation. We found the programs to be very rewarding and well received by those who received "Cody's" interaction. We preformed services at nursing homes, reading programs, Syracuse University, community events, and in particular, Hancock International Airport.

The staff and my co-therapy dog teams were a joy to be associated with and were well received by all.

I highly recommend the program to all potential volunteers and organizations who could benefit from the programs offered. I am thankful for the opportunity to be of service.

1

KennyB13 Volunteer

Rating: 5

08/02/2022

My dog Shanah and I worked many years with PAWS. PAWS is a very efficient well run nonprofit that brings thousands of smiles to folks that need a little fur therapy. It was a pleasure to work with PAWS!

1

kpaf General Member of the Public

Rating: 5

08/02/2022

Amazing organization. Highly recommend if looking into getting your animal into a therapy organization. We had our dog in the organization during Covid and unfortunately could not attend any sessions at the nursing home due to the lockdown. She unfortunately passed a year later and they were so kind to us and sent us a card.

1

angeramep Volunteer

Rating: 5

08/02/2022

We were a therapy team at PAWS for 4+ years. The support provided by the organization was outstanding! My job was to show up at the event with my canine partner and spread some love and affection to those in need knowing that where we were going had been fully vetted and approved by the organization. Evert interaction I had with the PAWS organization was top notch. We had both regularly scheduled and onetime events and I always knew the destination had been prepped and ready for us. Here is miss Bella reporting for work at Christmas time visiting the Cancer Center. What great memories!

2

Laskya Volunteer

Rating: 5

08/02/2022

I am So so proud to be a part of this amazing group!

1 MatthewSzwejbka

MatthewSzwejbka Client Served

Rating: 5

08/02/2022

We work with PAWS of CNY to provide therapy dog visits to travelers and airport workers alike as part of our PET (Pets Easing Travelers) Program. PAWS of CNY is phenomenal to work with, not only on an administrative level, but a canine level as well! The teams are professional, courteous, and friendly - precisely what we want our travelers to encounter on their travel days! Thank you for continuing to enhance the customer experience for travelers at Syracuse Hancock International Airport!

1

Laina-Beckley General Member of the Public

Rating: 5

08/02/2022

I have run into PAWS at the airport before and I didn't have a chance to stop and see the dog but just watched the dog with everyone and how their faces lit up their stressful days. This program is the best!

2

dogloverx2 Board Member

Rating: 5

08/15/2021

PAWS of CNY is an amazing organization. We (my dog and I) have been volunteering with them for 7 years now, and absolutely LOVE every minute. We have met some wonderful people through this organization, and also through the community that we serve.

2

tyson447 Board Member

Rating: 5

08/15/2021

I first volunteered with my Tyson, he became a therapy dog and I saw first hand the impact this organization has made to people’s lives. I now am proud to serve on the Board of Directors.

3

2236ethel Donor

Rating: 5

07/09/2021

I am a donor and past volunteer. I worked with Boomer and Amy Dumas at local grade schools in their reading program and at the SUNY Oswego campus. I found the benefits of this organizations program to be so beneficial for the students and me. Boomer I miss, and Amy, thank you for all you do for this group. They are awesome.

Laurie

3

dogmom71 Volunteer

Rating: 5

07/08/2021

After my husband passes away, I got a wonderful Golden Retriever puppy. We worked hard in training classes and I realized his gentleness and love for people and dogs might make him a good therapy dog. We tested for PAWS therapy dog and Brody passed. PAWS has been so rewarding for both Brody and I. He visits Upstate Hospital, the airport, the library and Jowonio Preschool each month. PAwS organization is amazing, connecting dog teams to various therapy opportunities. PAWS board and members work so hard to make wonderful therapy experiences with animals happen on a daily basis. PAWS is an outstanding non-profit serving Central New York.

2

AKDumas Board Member

Rating: 5

07/08/2021

This is a fantastic organization with the best two and four-legged volunteers! I am honored to serve on the board of directors.

Photo: Gus is very bored and ready to get back to visiting!

Previous Stories
3

Volunteer

Rating: 5

03/23/2017

We often join a volunteer organization to give back and help others but what I have gained from these visits is priceless. Thank you PAWS of CNY and Boomer for a 10 year lesson in what truly matters.

Photo: Boomer is enjoying a Henry and Mudge Book read by a first grader in the Oswego City School District.

1

bradleylap Volunteer

Rating: 5

07/07/2021

I’ve volunteered for paws of cny at evaluations before and they were nothing but kind and informative. I hope one day I can train my dog to be a therapy dog so I can volunteer with a pet for this org!

1 rjcolling

rjcolling Board Member

Rating: 5

07/07/2021

I’ve volunteered for this organization since 2018 and became a member of the Board of Directors in 2020. In that time, I’ve experienced first hand how much PAWS cares about their volunteers and members of the community. But above all else, they love the animals they certify and always put their needs first and foremost. This non-profit has an amazing mission and even more amazing volunteers :)

1

delilah777 Client Served

Rating: 5

07/07/2021

I can’t say enough good things about PAWS of CNY and what they do for this community with their therapy work. Keep up the good work.

1

nodnarb8792 Client Served

Rating: 5

07/01/2021

I was lucky to have served as a client to PAWS of CNY, their therapeutic dog services really do make a difference.
PAWS of CNY truly makes the world a better place!

1

lbeckley General Member of the Public

Rating: 5

07/01/2021

PAWS of CNY is the BEST! I was so sad when they stopped visiting during the pandemic, and can’t wait to start seeing them again. They always brighten my day!

1

Margaret A.2 Volunteer

Rating: 5

08/06/2020

Feather and I were a team for several years with Paws of CNY! Feather enjoyed visiting the patients in hospitals, nursing homes, reading programs and other activities! She liked it best when she could play ball in the therapy room! Unfortunately Feather had to retire! But we enjoyed our time seeing the smiles of the people we would visit!

2

Robert L.6 Board Member

Rating: 5

08/06/2020

About 100 volunteers and their certified therapy pets deliver tens of thousands of smiles each year in hospitals, nursing homes, schools ,colleges, libraries, an airport and community events. I’ve visited almost all of those settings with my Labrador Retrievers Lea and people are always so appreciative and happy to see us. Great experience for all involved.

1

sammiet88 Professional with expertise in this field

Rating: 5

08/05/2020

My experience with PAWS had been great. Probably the best nonprofit in existence. Highly recommend!

1

pwestfall General Member of the Public

Rating: 5

08/05/2020

Paws is a great organization that does so much good in the community! I work for a school and enjoy it when they come to visit to let people know about all the wonderful services they can provide! They are top notch, and the dogs that they train are always calm, loving, well behaved, and a comfort to those around them!

Previous Stories
1

General Member of the Public

Rating: 5

10/24/2019

I learned about Paws of CNY through my daughter and through a visit from them to the school I work in. The work they do to train and bring pets into hospitals, nursing homes, schools, and many other places is invaluable to all those who benefit from having the comfort and reassurance of a loving animal at their side

1

Nate S.1 Client Served

Rating: 5

08/05/2020

Absolutely love this organization and everyone who contributes.

1

Celia V. General Member of the Public

Rating: 5

08/05/2020

I love how you rescue animals. Great job super super proud

1

ejeror1 General Member of the Public

Rating: 5

08/05/2020

Love the charity and really think they are making important moves in our community!

Victoria S.9 General Member of the Public

Rating: 5

08/05/2020

PAWS of CNY is a wonderful asset to our community and they do so much. Their mission is something that is very important to me and I love it!

helenak18 General Member of the Public

Rating: 5

08/05/2020

I love PAWS of CNY! They do amazing work for both the animals and the people of the community! We are so lucky to have them.

Haley Margaret E. General Member of the Public

Rating: 5

08/05/2020

PAWS of CNY is an amazing non-profit for the community!

vgalbraith General Member of the Public

Rating: 5

08/05/2020

Can’t say enough good things about this organization . I love the staff and everything they stand for!!

meteor51 General Member of the Public

Rating: 5

08/05/2020

PAWS of CNY is such a great organization for this community and I absolutely love their mission!

Brad L.1 Volunteer

Rating: 5

08/05/2020

PAWS of CNY is an amazing non profit, I’ve seen first hand the incredible work they do for dogs, their trainers, and their patients. The way PAWS helps people is truly inspiring and I’m glad I’m able to write this to help them out in any way I can.

Previous Stories

Volunteer

Rating: 5

10/24/2019

I love this organization! Everyone is so welcoming and friendly! They support such a good cause, I have nothing but good things to say

calvin15 General Member of the Public

Rating: 5

08/05/2020

PAWS is a great organization that is doing work that benefits the community in a unique way. Their continued efforts make it possible to get therapy animals into the community where they are most needed.

rebekahcolling Volunteer

Rating: 5

08/05/2020

I have been volunteering for PAWS for almost 2 years now and have loved every minute of it. Even during such hard times, they keep everyone in the loop and are always trying to be better for their members.

1

brandonc626 General Member of the Public

Rating: 5

10/25/2019

PAWS of CNY is a great program, the organization really cares about helping animals and people. Such a good cause!

1

Brian B.9 General Member of the Public

Rating: 5

10/24/2019

Not only does PAWS have the cutest therapy pets, but they also take their jobs very seriously. I love seeing their yellow vests anywhere!

1

Nicole P.3 General Member of the Public

Rating: 5

10/24/2019

I love PAWS of CNY!!! Such a great organization full of wonderful people who just want to help others!

1

jcampo3 Client Served

Rating: 5

10/24/2019

Great customer service, I love paws of CNY! They have awesome programs and resources to offer

1

Joelle T. Client Served

Rating: 5

10/24/2019

Love paws!!! An absolutely amazing organization ❤️❤️

1

vgalbrai General Member of the Public

Rating: 5

10/24/2019

I have friends who volunteer for PAWS of CNY and I love their mission. Such a great organization! They truly care!

1

Dezaray S. General Member of the Public

Rating: 5

10/24/2019

I love paws they are always so great with the animals!

1

kellymasten General Member of the Public

Rating: 5

10/24/2019

They are amazing! Love that They bring therapy dogs into schools and hospitals! Such a wonderful program

1

Bekki C. Volunteer

Rating: 5

10/24/2019

I volunteer for PAWS of CNY and they truly are an amazing organization. They not only care greatly about the dogs and cats, but all of the people involved as well. I am so happy to volunteer and will continue because I love watching the smiles on people’s faces that our cause brings!

1

blauricella Board Member

Rating: 5

10/14/2019

As a volunteer since 2000 I have seen first hand the joy that the PAWS pets bring to the community, whether it be visiting someone in a hospital, long term care, or a college student or to ease airport travelers worries. These pets are the cream of the crop and volunteers go above and beyond, often traveling in the worst weather to make connections with folks that need a lift through that special pet bond that only pets can give.

1

Jess M.4 Volunteer

Rating: 5

08/27/2019

PAWS of CNY provides the critical work of helping those in need benefit from the power of the human-animal bond. As a volunteer for over seven years, I saw how pet-human interactions in nursing homes, dayhab facilities, schools, airports, colleges, hospitals, and at other community organizations can help those in need of a non-judgemental ear and loving face. Anyone with a loving well-mannered dog or cat who is interested in giving back to the community should learn how they can get involved.

1

Robert 2.0 Volunteer

Rating: 5

08/16/2019

PAWS of CNY is a great organization providing pet therapy services to adults and children in hospitals, nursing homes, day programs, libraries, schools and an international airport in five counties in Central New York (Cayuga, Crotland, Madison, Onondaga, Oswego). It is an all volunteer organization (no paid staff) with about 100 volunteers (humans and their dog or cat). PAWS of CNY soon will be celebrating 20 years of serving the community!

1

Matthew C.3 Client Served

Rating: 5

08/12/2019

PAWS of CNY are regulars at the Upstate Cancer Center. We now have six dogs that visit our patients during their treatment. PAWS of CNY has rigorous training with a specialty certificate for hospitals. They are always well behaved, know boundaries, and obey commands. We never have an issue with any of their dogs.

PAWS dogs and their owners offer comfort to many who are in need and for some, a reminder of home. There is one particular story of a patient who had been in the hospital for quite some time and they had to come to the Cancer Center for a treatment. That day we had one of our special pups and the nurses asked if we could stop by. Instantly the patient started crying saying that they missed their dog terribly and they could not see them due to their condition. There was not a dry eye among us after the visit.

Highly recommended non-profit who only train and use the best dogs suited for this type of work.

2

Melanie H.2 Volunteer

Rating: 5

07/17/2018

Paws of CNY offer pet therapy / wellness services throughout the region. They are the largest and most comprehensive therapy program of its kind in our area. The smiles that the animals have while interacting with the people are infectious.... And watching the people's stress melt away while interacting with the animals just makes everyone feel wonderful. I can't say enough about how this group has affected my life. I'm blessed to have found this group over 10 years ago.

2

Mary B.9 Client Served

Rating: 5

07/10/2018

I have been organizing events on my college campus with PAWS of CNY for 2 years now. This organization is filled with wonderful people (and animals) that donate their time to help "lift" others up. The de-stress events in my residence hall have had very positive impacts on students and the campus environment (especially during finals!). We love PAWS of CNY at SUNY Oswego!

2

RebaB General Member of the Public

Rating: 5

07/06/2017

A wonderful organization of great people and animals. They volunteer at so many events: Local parades, the airport, and nursing homes. This nonprofit brings Comfort to so many

2

Mhoover76 Volunteer

Rating: 5

07/05/2017

PAWS of CNY is amazing... I have seen families cry while their family member who has dementia enjoy a visit and talk to a dog while the rest of the time they are silent.... I have seen cancer patients in pain smile and forget their pain for a moment while a dog snuggles with them.... I have seen a therapy cat lead a caravan of wheelchairs into a common room so everyone can exclaim how special it is to see "a cat walking on leash like a dog" and the whole room burst into laughter, then the cat walk from person to person for attention. I've seen college kids cry into a dog's mane as they are homesick for their own dog, but after a good cry they play ball with the dog and then say "thanks for the hug, I needed that . I feel so much better... Time to hit the books!" PAWS of CNY is an incredible organization.... Volunteering is one hour a month.... Who can't find an hour to give back and have fun with our furry friends?

2

Writer Volunteer

Rating: 5

01/31/2017

As a member of PAWS of CNY, my dog and I have volunteered at a wide variety of venues and events. We have spent time at Syracuse University, SUNY Oswego, a local nursing home, an elementary school and a library. We have participated in wellness fairs and de-stress events. PAWS has given me the opportunity to meet many new people and make new friends. I am proud to walk into college dorms and the other sites we have visited. We are always treated well by the organizers of the events and people who we visit greatly respect our dogs. Because of our PAWS visits, my dog has gotten more belly rubs than I could ever give him!

1

ssevier Client Served

Rating: 5

01/31/2017

Paws of CNY is an amazing organization. Linda and her therapy dog Gemma, along with Laura and her therapy dog Patches have brought lots of laughs and smiles to the faces of the children at Moms & Kids Childcare Cooperative. Sometimes being apart from mom can cause young children separation anxiety and lots of tears, but not when you are busy petting one of these sweet, gentle therapy dogs! Thank you so much for your cuddles Paws of CNY, we really appreciate all that you do!

1

Writer Client Served

Rating: 5

01/31/2017

PAWS of CNY visited SUNY Oswego's Johnson Hall during finals week during the fall 2016 semester, this event did a great job of lifting the spirts of the residents! The dogs came and gave the students time to relax and de-stress with extremely friendly furry friends, we plan to make this a continously event during final weeks! Absolutely love this organization!

2

Writer General Member of the Public

Rating: 5

01/30/2017

As a past member and as the current President of SUNY Oswego's Psychology club, we have had many experiences with PAWS of CNY and each were incredible. Often we request the dogs to come in for our members before finals week to de-stress and enjoy themselves beforehand. The animals and their owners are all respectful, kind, and very knowledgeable about their work. They are always friendly when answering our questions. We are very lucky to have a connection with them!!

1

Writer Client Served

Rating: 5

01/30/2017

PAWS Of CNY Inc. was an absolute pleasure to work with. I previously worked as a Residence Hall Director at SUNY Oswego and brought them into my residence hall once a semester from 2011 to 2014. The volunteers were excellent to schedule, plan, and communicate with. PAWS was by far my easiest outside group to work with.

The actual service they provided to our students was immeasurable. I worked primarily with first-year college students who were struggling with being away from home for the first time, trying to handle the stresses of college-level academic work, and many of whom were simultaneously struggling with a wide-range of mental health issues. Every time PAWS would come in, our students would light up. Afterwards, they'd tell me that interacting with the dogs (and their volunteer handlers) was the highlight of their semester and that they could feel the emotional weight lift off their shoulders.

I would highly recommend PAWS of CNY Inc. to any Central New York college or university, as well as to other organizations such as schools, hospitals, etc.

3

Marissa17 Client Served

Rating: 5

01/30/2017

I work at SUNY Oswego as a Residence Hall Director and I have partnered with PAWS for the last 3 semesters. PAWS has been amazing to work with - the volunteers are friendly and the animals are fantastic! It's always a well attended event, averaging 150 students in attendance each time PAWS visits my residence hall. The students enjoy their time with the animals so much and I have seen many student cry tears of happiness when they see these animals. With mental health issues on the rise especially within college age students, partnering with PAWS is something I couldn't imagine NOT doing! It's so beneficial to my students - the animals give them a feeling of comfort that I just can't provide.

1

Writer Client Served

Rating: 5

01/30/2017

PAWS of CNY brings joy, happiness, and professionalism. As a coordinator of outreach and prevention services for a college counseling center, I partner with PAWS of CNY to bring animals to campus. Our students benefit from the contact a therapy animal can provide - and the volunteers are knowledgeable, open, and supportive. Hoping for many more opportunities to collaborate with PAWS of CNY. Great folks doing great work!

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