Animal Welfare Professionals

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  • 1.  Therapy Dog for First Responders

    Posted 01-08-2026 12:11 PM

    Good Afternoon,

    After researching threads, it seems like this topic hasn't been discussed since 2019. I am currently working on developing a Therapy Dog Program for my fire department. We are a large, metropolitan department outside of Atlanta. I have been looking into Grants and Assistance for the project to take to leadership for the first 2 years of the program. I haven't been able to find exactly what I am looking for but I would love for any suggestions. PetcoLove and Maddy's Fund advised that they do not fund this type of project. I have found some Grants and Programs that will donate the trained dog, but I need more of the handlers pay and development phase funding. Food, vet bills, personnel compensation ex. Thoughts? 

    Jessica Pazinets 


    #FundraisingandDevelopment

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    Jessica Pazinets
    Lieutenant Firefighter Paramedic
    Gwinnett County Fire and Emergency Services
    GA
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  • 2.  RE: Therapy Dog for First Responders

    Posted 01-09-2026 12:53 PM

    I am a grant writer in Northern Minnesota, here is what I would look into. Please keep in mind that you may qualify for a grant that isn't strictly labeled as a therapy dog program- there are organizations that take requests for  anything to do with either animal welfare or humane mental health support. 

    Look into funding from your state. For example, Minnesota provides funding to support law enforcement and fire department animal therapy programs. You might already have resources available in your state. 

    CHB Foundation- their last round of animal-therapy assistance programs ends this January.

    1 Fur 1 Foundation

    I hope you find something that helps you!



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    Bailey Evans
    Grant Writer
    Animal Allies Humane Society
    MN
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  • 3.  RE: Therapy Dog for First Responders

    Posted 01-10-2026 07:30 AM

    This is good advice, but I would recommend checking the Foundation's 990 form to see just how many grants they give to animal welfare.  There are quite a few Foundations that list "animal welfare" as an interest, but in reality maybe only give one or two grants to our cause, so applying to them means a higher percentage of not getting a grant vs. a Foundation that gives numerous grants to animal welfare.  I talk from experience as I write around 5-7 grants a month.  



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    Bruce Thorsen
    President, Board of Directors
    Purrfect Match Cat Rescue
    Millington TN
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    Original Message


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