NEW YORK, NY, February 19, 2026 – Pets Are Wonderful Support (PAWS) NY is proud to announce that its Substance Use Recovery Program surpassed 3,000 days of foster care, supporting pets while their guardians seek inpatient treatment for substance use disorder. Powered by a dedicated network of vetted volunteers, this program was launched in 2023 and ensures pets remain safe and loved while providing relief and peace of mind for New Yorkers in need.

“For individuals seeking inpatient treatment for a substance use disorder, not having a reliable and safe option to care for their pets can present a significant barrier,” said Carrie Nydick Finch, LCSW, the Deputy Director of Programs and Strategy for PAWS NY. “No one should be faced with the choice of giving up their family member or taking care of their health. PAWS NY wants to eliminate this barrier for more people, so individuals are more inclined to seek out, enter, and complete treatment.”

According to the 2024 National Survey of Drug Use and Health, over 52.6 million Americans aged 12+ (18.2% of the population) dealt with a substance use disorder in the past year, yet only 3.5% received treatment. Additionally, data shows that returning home to a beloved pet may lead to more successful outcomes for people post-treatment. Dog ownership helps establish daily routines and encourages structure, accountability, and healthier decision-making. Notably, treatment outcomes improve when these bonds are supported: completion rates for drug and alcohol treatment increase by 38%* when individuals know their pets are safe, underscoring the critical role the human-animal bond plays in recovery.

Dr. Emily Weiss, the inaugural funder of the PAWS NY Substance Use Recovery Program, has seen the power of the human-animal bond first-hand. Emily partnered with PAWS NY in 2023 to launch this program in memory of her sister, Susan Sydney Weiss, who struggled with substance use and ultimately lost her battle. Through it all, Susan’s beloved dogs Nugget and Chance were by her side, providing comfort and hope.

“My sister Susan was a brilliant, funny, and passionate woman, who found peace and purpose in both helping others dealing with addiction and caring for her dogs,” said Emily. “Nugget and Chance brought her so much peace and comfort throughout her journey. While my sister’s illness limited our opportunities to work together on projects such as this during her lifetime, this program has provided an opportunity to do so in her memory. It is a way to honor her and ensure that others don’t lose their battle, or their pets.”

Emily has provided seed funding as well as ongoing support for the program, including a $10,000 matching opportunity for donations made today through March 5, 2026 – doubling the impact of every gift. Donations can be made via https://give.pawsny.org/fosterforrecovery.

“We are deeply honored that Dr. Weiss has entrusted PAWS NY to carry out this important work in memory of her sister, Susan, and allow us to help even more New Yorkers,” said Rachel Herman, the Founder and Executive Director of PAWS NY. “3,000 days of foster care represents thousands of moments of relief, stability, and hope; but there are still many people delaying treatment because they worry about their pets. No one who is ready to seek treatment should have to postpone their own well-being out of concern for their animal companion.”

If you or someone you know needs pet care support while seeking treatment for substance use, please contact PAWS NY at referrals@pawsny.org or 212-203-4760, ext. 4307.

*Exploring dog ownership in the lives of people with substance use disorder: a qualitative study – Andi Kerr-Little 1,2,, Jørgen G Bramness 1,2,3, Ruth C Newberry 4, Stian Biong 5

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About PAWS NY

PAWS NY’s mission is to deliver critical support that keeps people and their pets together, preserving the human-animal bond for individuals facing hardship. Our programs help keep pets in their homes while protecting and promoting the human-animal bond that is so physically and psychologically valuable to our clients.  Thus, our motto: helping people by helping pets. To learn more, visit www.pawsny.org.

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Carrie Nydick Finch and Rachel Herman

Carrie Nydick Finch, the Deputy Director of Programs and Strategy for PAWS NY, and Rachel Herman, Founder of PAWS, recently guested on the People, Pets, and Purpose podcast hosted by Diaz Dixon, the Maddie’s Advisor for External Affairs and Partnerships for the Human Animal Support Service Project. Carrie spoke about PAWS NY’s new Substance Use Recovery Program, which provides foster and emergency care for pets whose guardians who are seeking in-patient substance use treatment.

“When it comes to the substance use program, I have a huge love in my heart for people who are battling those issues,” said Dixon, as she interviewed Carrie and Rachel. ” So often, people won’t engage and go into a program, because they don’t have a safe place to keep their pets – so they won’t go into a treatment program or domestic violence shelter because of their pets. So that’s phenomenal. You’re doing that!”

Check out Carrie and Rachel’s full episode of the People, Pets, and Purpose podcast to learn more about our House Call program, our Substance Use Recovery Program, and why Carrie and Rachel love helping people and their pets through PAWS NY. Thanks to Diaz for having us on the show!

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“This is huge. This is a revelation,” said Tawny in the introduction to the episode. “I love pets and I currently have two. I’ve always had pets. So this strikes a personal chord as a person in recover and an animal lover.”

Later on, Lisa added, “I have also seen a ton of people over the years who, one of the biggest things that kept them from going inpatient when they needed to was, ‘I cannot leave my cat. I cannot leave my dog. I don’t have anyone to take care of my animal.’ That is why what you’re doing with the Substance Recovery program is great.”

Check out Carrie’s full episode of the Recovery Rocks podcast to learn more about pets and mental health, our Substance Use Recovery Program, and more. Thanks to Lisa and Tawny for having us on the show!

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Launched during National Recovery Month, this new program will provide foster and emergency care for pets as their guardians seek inpatient treatment for substance use.

NEW YORK, NY, September 13, 2023 – Pets Are Wonderful Support (PAWS) NY expanded its services with the launch of a new Substance Use Recovery Program, with the mission of caring for your pet while you care for yourself. This new program, which will provide foster and emergency care for pets as their guardians seek inpatient treatment for substance use, is specific to low-income individuals who are unable to establish care for their pets in their absence. The organization has a network of committed and vetted volunteers who are eager to open their homes for temporary foster care.

According to a July 2023 survey from health policy group KFF, 66% of U.S. adults reported that they have, or a family member has, dealt with substance use disorder. Of those, only 46% say the affected individuals ever received treatment for their substance use disorder. Additionally, data shows that returning home to a beloved pet may lead to more successful outcomes for people post-treatment. Individuals managing a substance use disorder often face concurrent disturbances including but not limited to high stress levels, elevated anxiety, and an increase in depression. Human-animal interaction (HAI) contributes to a reduction in these symptoms, leading to a higher likelihood of a positive recovery.

“For individuals seeking inpatient treatment for a substance use disorder, not having a reliable and safe option to care for their pets can present a significant barrier,” said Carrie Nydick Finch, LCSW, the Deputy Director of Programs and Strategy for PAWS NY. “No one should be faced with the choice of giving up their family member or taking care of their health. PAWS NY wants to eliminate this barrier, so individuals are more inclined to seek out, enter, and complete a treatment program.”

Dr. Emily Weiss, the inaugural funder of the PAWS NY Substance Use Recovery Program, saw the positive impact of human-animal interaction first-hand. Dr. Weiss came to PAWS NY to help start this program in memory of her sister, Susan Sydney Weiss, who struggled with substance use and ultimately lost her battle. Through it all, Susan’s beloved dogs Nugget and Chance were by her side, providing comfort and hope.

“My sister Susan was a brilliant, funny, and passionate woman, who found peace and purpose in both helping others dealing with addiction and caring for her dogs,” said Dr. Weiss. “Nugget and Chance brought her so much peace and comfort throughout her journey. While my sister’s illness limited our opportunities to work together on projects such as this during her lifetime, this program provides an opportunity to do so in her memory. It is a way to honor her and ensure that others don’t lose their battle—or their pets.”

The program is both welcomed and needed in the community, a fact that PAWS NY has seen firsthand throughs its initial outreach to treatment centers and community groups. “PAWS NY Substance Use Recovery Program will be a huge asset to the community and helping people to get the recovery services they need while their pets are cared for,” said a staff member at Elev8 Center in New York City. “This program will remove barriers and PAWS NY will be a great partner.”

Dr. Weiss has generously provided seed funding for PAWS NY’s Substance Use Recovery Program, along with a commitment of ongoing support, but in order to ensure the growth of the program, PAWS NY welcomes additional donor contributions. Donations can be made via give.pawsny.org.

“We are deeply honored that Dr. Weiss has entrusted PAWS NY to carry out this important work in memory of her sister, Susan, and allow us to help even more New Yorkers,” said Rachel Herman, the Founder and Executive Director of PAWS NY. “The bond a person shares with their pet and the unconditional love they receive can be a source of strength and inspiration, and this is especially true for those seeking treatment for substance use. By providing a loving and safe environment for pets, we hope to achieve better outcomes for both the people and animals we support.”

If you or someone you know is in need of pet care support while seeking treatment for substance use, please reach out to PAWS NY at referrals@pawsny.org or 212-203-4760, ext. 4307.

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About PAWS NY

The mission of PAWS NY is to help New York City’s most vulnerable residents remain with their pets by delivering critical programs and services through a community of partners and volunteers. Our programs help keep pets in their homes while protecting and promoting the human-animal bond that is so physically and psychologically valuable to our clients.  Thus, our motto: helping people by helping pets. To learn more, visit www.pawsny.org.

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Alexis (Chung Ah)

Alexis has fostered two dogs who were part of our Preserving Families in Times of Crisis program, which is funded by PetSmart Charities: Tiny and Noelle. “I remember waking up every morning to see Noelle staring at me because she wanted to go out, and it makes me smile,” Alexis says. “She was really like my Christmas gift last winter!”

Read her full Q&A below to learn more about her time with Tiny and Noelle!

Why are you passionate about PAWS and our mission of helping people by helping pets? 

I grew up with a lot of pets and have a nearly 19-year-old(!) mini Yorkie named Louie back home. My dad has even started a pet food business back home in South Korea. My parents are extremely dedicated to providing good care to our pets and have instilled those values in me. I know what an emotional and mental boost pets can provide, so the idea of taking care of animals (and helping others through that same act) appealed to me.

What do you do as a PAWS NY volunteer? Which clients & pets do you help? What do you do with the pets during your shift? 

I have helped and fostered two dogs so far: Tiny and Noelle. Tiny, I had for about a week. Noelle, over two months. I did what I expect volunteers typically do with their foster pets! I took care of Noelle as if she were my own pet: taking her out on walks in Bryant Park (I think I know every corner of Bryant Park by now), playing with her, bathing her, etc. 

Noelle walking in Bryant Park

What is your favorite part about volunteering? Do you have any favorite memories?

I have so many fond memories from my time with Tiny and Noelle that it’s hard to choose a specific one. There are some sad memories from when I had to say goodbye to them, and especially with Tiny because he wasn’t going back to his owner and he was such an anxious dog. But I also look back fondly at the time when Tiny first sat on my lap (and pooped on me!) and my numerous walks with Noelle in the freezing winter weather. I remember waking up every morning to see Noelle staring at me because she wanted to go out, and it makes me smile. She was really like my Christmas gift last winter! 

What do you do for work? What brought you / keeps you in NYC?

I’m a corporate lawyer and moved to New York in January 2020. After moving to the US for college I hadn’t been around a lot of animals and really missed the interaction. Louie’s mom, Poly, passed away when I was in law school and I had been looking to volunteer with organizations like PAWS ever since. I’m grateful that I learned of PAWS NY and that I’ve had such great foster experiences. 

What do you like to do in your spare time (besides volunteer with PAWS NY)?

Pilates, golf, watching NBA games, independent movie theaters, cooking, shopping…

Thanks so much to Alexis for her support and dedication! If you’d like to volunteer for PAWS NY, sign up for an orientation now.

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“Lessening someone else’s stress by volunteering is a small gesture that hopefully goes a long way,” Connie says. Read her full Q&A below to learn more about the adventures she’s had with Sonny and what she likes to do in her free time!

Connie and Sonny

How did you hear about PAWS NY? 

A colleague posted about fostering for PAWS NY, so I applied, as I figured that I should get involved in some kind of community activity. (The pandemic brought out my inner homebody, maybe a little too much!)

Why are you passionate about PAWS and our mission of helping people by helping pets? 

Though I am new to PAWS, I support their mission as I’d imagine that worrying about your pet’s well-being while juggling your own needs can be overwhelming. Lessening someone else’s stress by volunteering is a small gesture that hopefully goes a long way.

Do you have pets of your own? Or have you in the past? Tell us about them!

No pets right now—I had a dog growing up, and I took care of a lot of his needs in the last few years of his life, as my parents took care of the hard stuff when I was younger (he lived until age 15!). Seeing my dog enjoy his golden years, despite his health issues, motivated me to help out another senior dog in the future.

What do you do as a PAWS NY volunteer? Which clients & pets do you help?  

As a volunteer, I have been long-term fostering an 11-year-old special needs dog named Sonny. I haven’t had the chance to meet Sonny’s guardian due to their extenuating circumstances, though I’m sure they have some great stories to tell about him. I’ve also kept in contact with his previous foster, who has been really helpful in giving me tips for Sonny’s care.

Sonny out for a walk

What is your favorite part about volunteering? Do you have any favorite memories?

My favorite part about volunteering is seeing Sonny slowly grow more confident and curious, as he is very anxious and shakes whenever he goes somewhere new. To see him go from shaking to curling up and relaxing is a rewarding process that requires patience. 

Initially, I was nervous about how I’d manage this, along with his mobility issues and his stroller, as I tend to be a bit of a worrier myself. However, seeing Sonny handle car drives, the vet, the groomer, new friends, and new places (given what he has gone through recently) reminds me of how resilient animals can be. I am also grateful for the patience and care that my friends, their pets, and my family have shown Sonny. My other favorite part is his gait—we call it his ‘trot’. That, and how he stomps his feet when he gets excited for walks or treats.

Where are you from? Where in the city do you live now?

From NJ and now live in Brooklyn.

Connie with Sonny and another pup

What do you do for work? What brought you / keeps you in NYC?

I am an editor working in healthcare/pharmaceuticals. Work brought me to NYC, and I stay for the friends, family, and well, work!

What do you like to do in your spare time (besides volunteer with PAWS NY)?

Snowboarding, hanging out in the park, watching documentaries, writing to-do lists.

Share 1-3 fun facts about yourself!

I’ve kept some form of a journal, written or digital, since elementary school. It’s sort of surreal to read your random thoughts from decades ago!

Thanks so much to Connie for her support and dedication! If you’d like to volunteer for PAWS NY, sign up for an orientation now.

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Let’s kick things off with Scott, a brand-new volunteer who joined PAWS NY about four months ago. Right away he started working as a Housecall volunteer and signed up to foster Tappy and Angelina for a few weeks while their guardian was hospitalized. 

Scott, who has spent much of his life volunteering and working with nonprofits, says, “There is so much in the world I cannot affect, but this is one way I can help.” Learn more about Scott, his work in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and his favorite memories with Tappy and Angelina in the Q&A below!

Scott with Tappy and Angelina

How did you hear about PAWS NY? 

After I retired, I did some investigating to find a nonprofit to support. I had worked with an organization with the same name in Los Angeles during the worst of the AIDS crisis. Back then, they were focussed (at least in LA) with AIDS patients that had pets but needed help. I found PAWS NY, which does a similar thing with people that need support for their animals in NYC. Animals are one of the best means of support for people.

Why are you passionate about PAWS and our mission of helping people by helping pets? 

I have seen first-hand the way pets improve people’s lives. I think it is one way that I can help others that is immediate and fulfilling. I also have to thank my husband, as he did not sign up, but he was a huge part of my being able to foster PAWS pets for so long.

Do you have pets of your own? Or have you in the past? Tell us about them!

I have had terriers for the past 30 years. Our most recent boy, Trevor, died in April 2020 during the beginning of the COVID lockdown. It was a hard time without him.

What do you do as a PAWS NY volunteer? Which clients & pets do you help? What do you do with the pets during your shift? 

We fostered Tappy and Angelina for a little over a month. I also walk a different little dog in Hell’s Kitchen twice a week for a woman with mobility issues.

Scott’s Husband with Tappy and Angelina

What is your favorite part about volunteering? Do you have any favorite memories?

I like volunteering because of the way it helps others. There is so much in the world I cannot affect, but this is one way I can help. My favorite unexpected memory from our time with Tappy and Angelina is hearing them both snore! My dogs used to dream, but never snored.

Where are you from? Where in the city do you live now?

I’m from Los Angeles, born and raised. I lived there for most of my life, but I have been in New York now for 16 years.

What do you do for work? What brought you / keeps you in NYC?

My husband got a transfer here (for a two-year gig, 16 years ago!). I transferred with Citibank until I semi-retired, but I still teach Project Management every now and then. I love everything about New York, except the weather. I’m a real LA person: I do not like seasons.

What do you like to do in your spare time (besides volunteer with PAWS NY)?

I reviewed off-Broadway shows for years up until COVID (over 200). I worked for a site in England. I also write, but just for fun.

Share 1-3 fun facts about yourself!

1. I worked with a U.S. nonprofit in Bosnia Herzegovina for many years. It is called Project1948.ngo and we worked in Sarajevo to help young adults with the aftermath of war in Bosnia and Herzegovina.  
2. I presented at the United Nations for Bosnia, in support of the UN’s goals for women. Note: Bosnia is not represented deeply at the UN and so Project 1948 often attended the United Nations in representation for Bosnia in the ECOSOC meetings (Economic and Social Council).
3. I won $22,100 on Jeopardy in 2013!

Thanks so much to Scott (and his husband) for their support and dedication! If you’d like to volunteer for PAWS NY, sign up for an orientation now.

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Originally from India, Suchita now lives in New Jersey and has walked several PAWS NY pups, including Miley and Coco. “I love spending time with dogs, but the fact that I am also helping out a person in need is the cherry on the top!” she said. “I love the clients and their dogs; visiting them literally makes my day so much better.”

Learn more about Suchita in her Q&A below, where you can read her favorite PAWS NY memories and more!

Why are you passionate about PAWS and our mission of helping people by helping pets?

I love spending time with dogs, and the fact that I am also helping out a person in need is the cherry on the top! I love the clients and their dogs; visiting them literally makes my day so much better!

Do you have pets of your own? Or have you in the past? Tell us about them!

I have had pets all my life. Starting in 2019, I began fostering dogs and I have fostered six dogs, two of which were through PAWS NY. In July, I adopted a Pomeranian from Korea and I am in love with her. Her name is Sasha and she is 4 years old. She was abandoned by her last owner in a kennel, but now she is living her best life here with us!  

How long have you been a volunteer with PAWS?

1 year & 5 months

What do you do during your volunteer shift? Which clients & pets do you help? What do you do with the pets during your shift?

I had two clients through the Housecall Program, before it went on hold due to COVID-19, and I would walk their dogs. 

1. Vivian & Miley – Miley is an 11-year-old Shih-Tzu and I would walk her on Wednesdays and Fridays. Both Vivian and Miley are very sweet! I sometimes end up talking to Vivian for an hour! She always greets me by calling me beautiful and offers me a soda or water.  <3 
2. Jerry & Coco – Coco is an 8-year-old rescue Chihuahua and I would walk her on Fridays. Jerry is a very friendly person and we always stay in touch through texting. Coco is a very cute pup; I absolutely love her.
3. Also, I fostered Frenchie for three weeks, when Lorraine was in rehab. He was our first foster and he’s such a special dog to me. I miss him so much whenever I look at his pictures!
4. I also fostered Midnight for a week or so. He is my husband’s favortie dog. He’s a Chihuahua, who was adopted by Jess, and I’ve stayed in touch with her and Midnight since then!

What is your favorite part about volunteering? Do you have any favorite memories?

My favorite part is the way the clients greet me. I can see how much they value me, and it honestly makes me feel so great!

One of my favorite memories…it was a Wednesday when I found out my Grandpa passed away. He lived in India and I couldn’t even visit him, so I was a mess. I still went to my shift to visit with Vivian and walk Miley, and it instantly made me feel better. I didn’t tell Vivian because I didn’t want her to worry, but just being with them comforted me. Another memory was visiting Vivian on Christmas, and it was also wonderful.

Where are you from? Where in the city do you live now?

I am originally from India and now I live in Weehawken, New Jersey.

What do you like to do in your spare time (besides volunteer with PAWS NY)?

I volunteer with two other organizations, and it just makes me feel like I am making a difference. Being around dogs is my favorite way to spend my time. Also, I travel a lot, read and watch Netflix, sometimes go hiking and biking, but I mostly spend time with my husband and pup.

Share 1-3 fun facts about yourself!

1. I can use my hair as a scarf because it is 3’6” long!
2. When I was a kid (actually, it’s still true now), I used to make friends with people only if they liked dogs.
3. I have a tattoo of PAWS on my wrist! How apt is that!?

Suchita – thank you for your commitment to PAWS NY! Read our other volunteer spotlights here or sign up for our next Volunteer Orientation here. 

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UPDATE as of January 2021: Casey has been adopted and is all settled in his fur-ever home. We are still looking for a home for Lucy!

Foster or Adopt Lucy

Lucy is a beautiful 12-year-old White Russian cat who has been a loyal and loving companion to her guardian for the past three years. Her guardian will be moving into a long-term care facility. Per her wishes, we’re hoping to find Lucy a forever home that will take great care of her.

Very calm and sweet, Lucy enjoys pets on the head. Most of the time you’ll find her cuddling or snoozing, and she occasionally likes play time with a laser pointer or a feather toy. Aside from a benign cyst on her head that doesn’t bother her much, Lucy is quite healthy for her age. She does not get along well with other cats and has never lived with dogs, so would do best in a home with no other pets. At the moment, Lucy is in a foster home, but will need to be moved to a new foster home later this month while we finalize her adoption.

Lucy’s current foster says, “Lucy adjusted to my apartment really quickly! She’s met several of my friends and is friendly and sweet, rubbing on their legs for attention and pets. We’ve also had fun playing with her using a cat teaser toy. Throughout the whole workday, she likes to sit with me on the couch and snooze away while periodically checking in on me for attention and pets. Otherwise, she likes to assess my place and get up on the window to look out. When I walk to the kitchen or anywhere, she likes to follow and stay close.”

If you’re interested in fostering or adopting Lucy, please email liz.raganella@pawsny.org.

Casey Needs a Fur-Ever Home

UPDATE: Casey has been adopted and is in his fur-ever home!

Casey is a very handsome and charming 4-year-old gray, domestic shorthair cat who is super social and curious! Unfortunately, his guardian’s health issues now prevent her from giving him the attention and stimulation that he requires, and she has made the difficult decision to find him a new home.

Casey is eager to play and sometimes swats/scratches out of excitement. We hope this behavior will lessen with regular mental and physical exercise, so we are seeking an adopter with a good deal of cat care experience. Casey should be the only pet in the home or be able to be slowly introduced to other pets.

Of Casey, his current foster says, “Casey has an easygoing personality and has adapted well to his new place. Generally, he’s quiet and doesn’t meow very much, but he will make his needs known by rubbing his head against your knees and ankles or rubbing his face to yours when he’s on a tabletop. He welcomes strokes near his face and back but can get overstimulated. At this point, he has become more social sitting on the sofa, and now sleeps on the bed. Lastly, he likes to play with his toys and welcomes you joining in for a bit.”

If you’re interested in adopting Casey, please email liz.raganella@pawsny.org.

Please help us spread the word on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram!

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LUCY:

? 12-year-old Russian White cat
? Very sweet, enjoys a good pet on the head and occasional laser pointer or playing with a feather toy
? Most of the time you can find her cuddling/snoozing
? Needs to be the only pet in the household

We aren’t certain of the client’s care plan at this time, so a foster with a flexible schedule for the next several weeks would be ideal. Again, email Liz.Raganella@pawsny.org if you are interested in opening your home to this sweet cat!

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