About Paws for Friendship Inc.
Paws for Friendship Inc. is a Therapy Pet Organization proudly celebrating 31 years of volunteer service in 2024. Our certified, registered, and insured pets and owners focus their visits to nursing homes, hospitals, schools, etc. located across the Nation.
PAWS is comprised entirely of volunteers and there is no paid staff. Tax deductible donations, are sincerely appreciated as they help us grow and reach those in need of a wagging tail that offers unconditional love to everyone regardless of age or disability.
Our Founder - Jennie
Everyone must leave a legacy and Paws for Friendship Inc. is the legacy of Jennie, our beloved founder. Jennie was a beaten and scared great dane puppy who saved the life of our current President Jan Schmidt and helped enhance the lives of thousands. Please click below to read about Jennie's story and how this organization came to be.
History
1993 - Paws for Friendship was founded in Omaha, Nebraska
1995 - Became incorporated and took on the new title "Paws for Friendship Inc."
1999 - the organization established its status as a 501-C3 non-profit organization
2006 - International Headquarters relocated from Omaha, Nebraska to Tampa, FL.
2023 - International Headquarters relocated from Tampa, FL to Omaha, Nebraska
2024 - CELEBRATING 31 YEARS of volunteer service to communities across the USA and Canada
This is what Paws for Friendship does.
On 10/2, I had a student who was TERRIFIED of Maizee the past 2 years (usually ran in opposite direction or totally looked away and walked as close to the wall as possible to avoid us), then look over at her and smirk. I asked him if this was going to be the year he says hi to her. He took his headphones off, stood up, and walked over to pet Maizee! It was an amazing moment that I'll never forget. This is a student on the spectrum who is 6' 5", 290 pounds and frequently has outbursts. It was incredible to see him be so gentle and happy (after a long time coming)!
Our Initiatives
Paws for Friendship Inc. #1 priority is visiting those in nursing homes, hospitals, and assisted living centers!
Community Outreach Program - Provides visits to schools, libraries, adolescent facilities, etc. with our certified therapy pets. These services hep children learn better reading skills with our pets as they relax and read to them.
Paws on Campus Initiative allows college students access to therapy pets during finals in order to help them cope with stress
Organizations such as the Kiwanis, SERTOMA and The Lions have asked for speakers and visits from Paws for Friendship Inc. volunteers.
Crisis Response Teams to provide therapy pets to those affected by tragedy
These are just a few of the programs offered. For any additional information please feel free to contact us!
Current President
Jan Schmidt
From day one Jan has guided Paws for Friendship through its many accomplishments including achieving international status when volunteers in Okinawa, Germany, England, and Australia joined the organization as participants.
We are all Volunteers and we have never had any paid staff. This will never change. We have always stayed true to our Mission statement: "volunteers sharing the unconditional love of their personal pets with people in need throughout the world." - Jan
Legal Notices and Information for the Public
• PAWS is a copyrighted and trademarked program; all illustrations and text are protected under the Federal Copyright and Trademark laws.
• Paws For Friendship Incorporated is a Non-Profit 501 (c) (3) Corp. IRS # 47-0771353
• ALL photo's that are submitted for posting are the property of Paws For Friendship Incorporated, and may NOT be used or reproduced without express written permission.
• A copy of the official registration and financial information may be obtained from the Division of Consumer Services by calling toll free 1-800-HELP-FLA or online at www.FloridaConsumerHelp.com. Registration does not imply endorsement, approval or recommendation by the state. Registration #: CH38054
Here are some documents about Paws for Friendship Inc.