Paws & Think
We improve lives and strengthen communities through the power of the human–dog connection, bringing comfort, hope, and opportunity to people and dogs alike.
About Paws & Think
Founded in 2001, Paws & Think is a Central Indiana nonprofit dedicated to improving lives through the human–dog connection. Last year alone, we impacted over 130,000 individuals across 65 community partners, including schools, hospitals, libraries, senior living communities, fellow nonprofit organizations, and more. We are a volunteer-driven organization, powered by more than 300 active volunteers, including 160 registered therapy dog teams.
We achieve our mission through two cornerstone programs:
- Animal-Assisted Interventions (AAI), commonly referred to as Pet Therapy: Trained therapy dog teams visit our partner locations to provide comfort, connection, and companionship.
- Youth–Canine Programs: Vulnerable youth gain confidence and life skills as they train shelter dogs, helping prepare them for adoption and giving both youth and dogs opportunities to thrive.
Our programs respond to growing community needs, including mental health and wellness, youth literacy, and social connection, creating meaningful change one paw at a time.
Paws & Think relies on a diverse network of partners, grant opportunities, foundation giving, and individual donors to sustain and expand our impact. Gifts can directly support our mission in several ways:
- Operational Support: Essential funding that keeps Paws & Think running, including program staffing, volunteer training, and day-to-day operations. Your support ensures our therapy dog teams and Youth–Canine programs can continue creating life-changing connections.
- Programmatic Support: Directly fund specific programs, such as Paws to Read in schools or Youth–Canine programs at the Marion County Youth Services Center, helping us sustain and expand our transformational initiatives across Central Indiana.
- Sponsorships & Matching Gifts: Opportunities to amplify your impact through event sponsorships or matching gifts, connecting donors directly to the programs and moments that matter most.
Your support makes it possible. Every gift strengthens the bond between humans and dogs, creating ripples of hope, healing, and joy across Central Indiana.