Mission & Vision

Paws & Think, Inc., is a values-driven 501(c)(3) charitable organization incorporated in October 2001.

About Us

  • We are a volunteer-centric, community-based organization. We work in partnership with schools, detention centers, youth agencies, humane societies/shelters and more.
  • We are committed to research that enhances the benefits of the human-animal connection.
  • We are a highly regarded organization and community partner.
  • We are one of the largest organizations of its kind in central Indiana.
  • We believe strongly in the idea that by aligning with other nonprofits, we are able to deliver on common goals.
  • We only use positive reinforcement methods to train dogs in our programs.
  • We believe in the strong and meaningful relationship between dogs and people and how the human-animal bond impacts the health and wellness of our community.

View our Culture and Shared Values.

Donate Now

Your contribution to Paws & Think provides life-changing programs to people and dogs in need! Our donors ensure we can evaluate & register even more therapy teams and help at-risk youth learn life skills while finding shelter dogs their forever homes.

Mission Statement

Improving lives through the power of the human-dog connection.

Vision Statement

Every Person. Every Dog.

Paws & Think is a non-profit organization focusing on the at-risk community, both human and canine. Our vision creates a community where “every person who would benefit from a dog has the opportunity, and every dog fulfills its potential.”

We do this with two proven methods: 

  1. one of registering and providing therapy teams (consisting of a handler and his/her registered therapy dog) in Animal-Assisted Interventions (AAI) aka Pet Therapy to individuals of all ages and abilities.
  2. The second method is our Youth–Canine Programs that facilitate classes for vulnerable youth, helping them to train shelter dogs with positive reinforcement behaviors.
Therapy Dog at Joy's House

Our Programs Serve:

  • Youth navigating academic or behavioral challenges, including those in the juvenile detention center, experiencing mental health concerns, overcoming grief and trauma, or navigating life transitions.
  • Youth and adults with diverse physical, emotional, or behavioral needs.
  • Stray, surrendered, or neglected dogs at-risk of euthanasia.
  • The first responders and caregivers of these vulnerable populations.