About Us

PAWS for People™ (Pet-Assisted Visitation Volunteer Services, or PAWS) is a nonprofit organization committed to providing therapeutic visits to any person in the community who would benefit from interaction with a well-trained, loving pet. What makes PAWS for People stand above other pet therapy services is the emphasis we place on providing individualized therapeutic experiences for every person we visit. Our strict standards in training and testing dogs, cats, and bunnies make sure every therapy team is capable of meeting the various needs of our diverse clientele.

PAWS is most active throughout Delaware, but also serves areas in southern Pennsylvania, northeast Maryland, and southern New Jersey. PAWS visits people of all ages, ethnicities and income levels.

PAWS for People is a 501(c)(3). Our Tax ID#  is 76-0780197.

Mission Statement

PAWS for People is a nonprofit organization committed to improving the lives of people in our community by lovingly providing individualized, therapeutic visits with our specially trained volunteers and their certified gentle, affectionate pets.

Programs

From hospitals and skilled care facilities to chemical dependency centers and elementary schools, each year tens of thousands of people are experiencing the benefits of one-on-one therapeutic visits thanks to hundreds of dedicated volunteers and their loving therapy companions.

Volunteers

PAWS pet therapy teams consist of one volunteer and one pet (usually dogs, but sometimes cats or bunnies) who, after undergoing rigorous training and testing, commit to making therapeutic visits at least twice a month at a partnering site. PAWS boasts one of the strongest volunteer forces in our area – over 550 volunteer teams visiting 160+ locations in DE, MD, PA & NJ.

Culture

PAWS culture is our system of beliefs designed specifically to create value to our customers and volunteers.  Culture is defined by the way we think and act; therefore, we have created a comprehensive list of cultural trait objectives that are PAWS’ guide and litmus test for everything we do. The following are just a few of our cultural objectives.

PAWS is ensuring the comfort and safety of our staff and visitors who are sensitive to fragrances. Thank you for your understanding and please help by not wearing scented products to our office.

Statement on Diversity and Inclusion

PAWS for People’s culture words are the values that inform our mission. They include understanding, compassion, respect, and kindness.

In this moment, as we see and hear the pain, anger and frustration of so many fellow Americans, we reaffirm those core values. PAWS recognizes that we need to seek out and learn important lessons by engaging in dialogue and truly listening to each other to ensure lasting change occurs. The unconditional love and acceptance shown by our therapy pets must be the shining example that hate has no place here. They love without judgement or discrimination. They naturally sense those in need of comfort and provide it without hesitation. PAWS is committed to following their example to provide healing and hope wherever we can and to every person we touch.

As we emerge into a world desperate for hope and change, PAWS is opening a dialogue to forge a more equitable and inclusive path forward.

2023 PAWS for People 990

PAWS Bylaws

Accolades

PAWS for People has successfully completed the Beau Biden Foundation’s Shield of Protection® (“SOP”) assessment. Beau Biden Foundation (BBF) Shield of Protection® is a unique program designed by the Beau Biden Foundation’s experts in law, education, and law enforcement to help ensure schools and youth-serving organizations have the best policies, procedures, and programming in place to help protect children from all forms of child abuse and neglect.

We received the Delaware Small Business Chamber (DSBC) People’s Choice Blue Ribbon Award for Best Non-Profit and Best Website in 2017. In 2018, we received the DSBC People’s Choice Blue Ribbon Award for Community Involvement and Judges Choice Blue Ribbon Awards for Community Involvement and Customer Service of the Year. In 2019, we received the Judge’s Choice for DSBC Best Community Involvement and Best Non-Profit Awards. In 2020, we received the Voter’s Choice Blue Ribbon Award for Best Non-Profit.

We earned the Daily Points of Light Award which honors individuals and volunteer groups that have made a commitment to connect Americans through service to help meet critical needs in their communities. We received the 2007, 2008 & 2010 Delaware Governor’s Award for Outstanding Volunteerism. We received the 2018 Delaware Governor’s Outstanding Volunteer Service Award in the category of Human Needs.

Executive Director and founder Lynne Robinson received the President’s Award for over 1,000 hours of volunteering. She has received the 2007, 2008, and 2010 Governor’s Outstanding Volunteer Award, the Award of Excellence from Delaware Association of Volunteer Administrators, the 2011 Cecil County Commissioners Award for Volunteerism, the 2010/2011 Woman of the Year Award from the National Association of Professional Women, and an award for more than 10,000 volunteer hours from RSVP.

Best Non-Profit Award  Voters Choice	Best Non-Profit Award  Judge’s Choice	Community Involvement Award  Judge’s Choice
Community Involvement Award  People’s Choice	Community Involvement Award  Judge’s Choice	Customer Service of the Year Judge’s Choice
Best Non-Profit People’s Choice	Best Website People’s Choice