paws4people®, founded by Kyria Henry Whisenhunt and Terry Henry, is celebrating its 25th anniversary in the service dog industry. The family-run nonprofit provides fully trained service dogs to individuals with disabilities, focusing on psychiatric service dogs that offer support to individuals who have experienced trauma. paws4people has grown from humble beginnings to become a leader in the industry.
Kyria Henry Whisenhunt, the Founder and Executive Director, and her father Terry Henry, the Co-Founder and Deputy Executive Director, have poured their hearts and souls into the foundation. For Terry, a veteran who battles complex post-traumatic stress disorder, the journey began with a personal need to find solace and support through the companionship of dogs. This intimate connection with service animals laid the foundation for what would become a lifelong mission to help others find healing and empowerment through the bond between humans and canines.
From its inception, paws4people has been committed to providing accredited service dogs, recognizing the importance of meeting rigorous standards to ensure the highest quality of care and support for its clients. Accredited by Assistance Dogs International (ADI) and Animal Assisted Intervention International, the foundation adheres to strict guidelines that set it apart from many other organizations in the industry. With only 86 accredited programs in North America, paws4people’s commitment to excellence is evident in every aspect of its operations.
As Terry Henry says, “For us, this isn’t just a business - it’s a labor of love. We know firsthand the life-changing difference that a service dog can make, and it is our honor to pay that gift forward to others in need.”
One of the key milestones in paws4people’s journey was the introduction of its Assistance Dog Training Program (ADTP), a university-based certificate program in partnership with the University of North Carolina Wilmington designed to integrate service dogs into clinical and educational practices. This groundbreaking initiative provides an 18-hour academic credit to students while expanding the reach and impact of service dog training at the minor level as well. Students can add this to their degree program and diploma. Through partnerships with universities and prisons, paws4people has created a unique ecosystem where inmate trainers and college students collaborate in the training and development of service dogs, enriching the lives of both humans and animals alike.
Central to paws4people’s mission is its focus on psychiatric service dogs, which are trained to provide support to individuals coping with trauma, including combat veterans, first responders, and civilians. The organization’s innovative approach extends beyond traditional service dogs, offering specialized training and support to address the unique needs of each client. By placing an emphasis on the bond between the client and the dog, paws4people creates lasting relationships that empower individuals to reclaim their independence and confidence.
In the words of Kyria Henry Whisenhunt, “Our journey over the past 25 years has been nothing short of remarkable. We are proud of the lives we have touched and the impact we have made, but our work is far from over. As we look ahead, we remain committed to pushing the boundaries of what is possible while seeking corporate sponsorships whose vision aligns with ours.”
As paws4people looks to the future, its commitment to excellence and innovation remains unwavering. Through continued partnerships, research, and outreach efforts, the foundation strives to empower individuals and communities to live their lives to the fullest. With each service dog placement, paws4people reaffirms its dedication to making a difference, four paws at a time.
Media Contact
Name: Danielle Cockerham
Email: [email protected]
