Paws and Boots on the Ground
Paws and Boots For Good!

Why the Name Change?

Change is an important part of growth. As organizations evolve, sometimes the best way to reflect that growth is through a name that better captures their purpose and impact.

We’re excited to share that Paws and Boots on the Ground is now Paws and Boots for Good.

While our name has changed, our mission remains exactly the same. We are still deeply committed to empowering youth, strengthening the human–animal bond, and training screened pet dogs to become therapy dogs that serve and support our communities. The heart of what we do has not changed, only the way we express it.

Why the Name Change?

As our programs have grown and more people have discovered the work we’re doing, we realized that clarity matters. We wanted a name that immediately communicates the positive impact our community is making together.

Paws and Boots for Good reflects exactly that.

Our programs bring together youth, screened pet dogs, pet parents and community partners with one shared goal: to make a meaningful difference. Youth learn to train and work with screened pet dogs as therapy teams, developing responsibility, confidence, and real-life skills along the way. Those teams then go on to support others through therapy dog visits and community engagement.

The new name highlights what has always been at the center of our work - doing good, together.

The Mission Remains the Same

Although the name has evolved, our mission continues to focus on two powerful ideas: youth empowerment and therapy dog training.

Our programs are unique because the dogs involved are screened pet dogs, carefully selected for their temperament and potential to become therapy dogs. Youth trainers work alongside these dogs to help them learn the skills needed to serve the community.

This new name reflects what we’ve always believed: that when youth are trusted with real responsibility, taught the confidence to lead, and supported through commitment and teamwork, they can create lasting good in their communities.

After that training, pet parents and their screened dogs can continue the program to train and become part of our Therapy Crew teams. Together, youth trainers, pet parents, and dogs form collaborative teams that learn how to safely and confidently bring therapy dog visits into the community.

Through this process, youth participants gain valuable life skills such as:

Responsibility and commitment
Leadership and teamwork
Communication and empathy
Confidence working with animals and people as as overall confidence that is intentionally taught and leads to improved mental health

The dogs, in turn, develop the calm behaviour and training needed to participate in meaningful therapy visits.

The result is something truly special: Therapy Crew teams working together to bring comfort, connection, and joy to the community. The result is something truly special: through months of commitment, training, and growing confidence, youth, families, and dogs become Therapy Crew teams who bring comfort, connection, and lasting good to the community.

A Growing Community Impact

One of the most inspiring parts of this journey has been seeing how the program benefits not just the youth and dogs involved, but the entire community.

Therapy dog teams trained through the program are able to participate in visits and events that bring comfort and connection to others. Whether it’s spending time with seniors, visiting community programs, or supporting youth initiatives, these teams help create moments of kindness and calm.

For many young participants, the program also sparks an interest in the pet industry, animal care, and community service. We also invite industry guest speakers as part of the programming to show how these skills can translate to the future. It opens doors to future opportunities while reinforcing the value of giving back.

The new name, Paws and Boots for Good, reflects this ripple effect, the idea that when young people are empowered and supported, they can create positive change far beyond themselves.

Looking Ahead

This rebrand marks an exciting new chapter for the organization. As Paws and Boots for Good, we will continue expanding opportunities for youth, growing our therapy dog teams, and building partnerships that strengthen our community.

While the name has changed, the passion, purpose, and people behind the program remain the same.

We are incredibly grateful for the supporters, families, volunteers, and community partners who have believed in this mission from the beginning. Your encouragement and involvement have helped make this work possible.

Thank You for Being Part of the Journey

Every youth participant, every pet parent, every therapy dog team, and every supporter plays a role in what makes this program special. Together, we are creating opportunities for young people to grow, learn, and make a difference in the lives of others.

As we move forward as Paws and Boots for Good, we invite you to continue following our journey.

If you would like to learn more about the rebrand, get involved, or support the mission, we encourage you to visit our website and connect with us on social media.