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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NEW YORK, November 15, 2023 – Pets Are Wonderful Support (PAWS) NY is thrilled to announce that the organization recently trained its 5,000^th volunteer. Since launching on November 11, 2009, PAWS NY has helped more than 1,500 older adults and individuals living with illness or disability care for their pets—thanks to the hard work of volunteers all over New York City.

At PAWS NY, volunteers help clients with dog walking, litterbox maintenance, administration of pet food and water, basic grooming, and transporting pets to and from the veterinarian’s office. Plus, they chip in extra visits to help deliver pet food and supplies, as well as the annual Holiday Gift Bags.

“Without our amazing volunteers, the work of PAWS NY is simply not possible,” said Rachel Herman, Founder and Executive Director of PAWS NY. “We truly have the most dedicated and passionate volunteers who love helping their fellow New Yorkers and their animal companions every day. We are so excited to have trained more than 5,000 volunteers since our inception and can’t wait to bring 5,000 more into the mix in the coming years.”

Reaching 5,000 Volunteers

As of March 15, 2020, PAWS NY had trained 2,332 volunteers, and the organization more than doubled its numbers over the past three and a half years. Between March 2020 and November 2023, more than 2,660 volunteers joined PAWS NY.

“One of the ways we adapted at the beginning of the pandemic was by switching from in-person to Virtual Volunteer Orientations,” explained Liz Raganella, the Senior Program Manager at PAWS NY who leads all orientations. “By doing this, we’ve been able to train significantly more volunteers. Additionally, one of our current goals is to do more outreach and recruitment in the outer boroughs, and offering virtual orientations has made it much easier to connect with folks in these areas as well.”

PAWS NY volunteers have made more than 120,000 visits to New Yorkers and their pets since the organization began and are currently on track to make more than 22,000 visits during this fiscal year. Of the volunteers trained since March 2020, about 38% live in an outer borough, which has been helpful as PAWS NY focuses on further increasing its presence beyond Manhattan, ensuring that the organization is bringing services to those in need no matter where they live in NYC.

Volunteer Kathryn found PAWS NY after moving to New York City from St. Louis more than six years ago: “The most rewarding part is allowing people to keep their pets in their lives, especially as they get older,” she said in a video about PAWS NY. “I think we all need that sense of companionship and it’s really beautiful that we can help people keep that. New York City can be a lonely place and being able to have your cat or dog—or guinea pig—is incredible.”

If you are interested in becoming a PAWS NY volunteer, visit our website to register for an upcoming Virtual Volunteer Orientation on one of these dates:

• Monday, December 4 at 6:00pm
• Wednesday, December 20 at 6:00pm

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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.

Related Links:
http://www.pawsny.org

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Contact:

PAWS NY: Kimberly Green
(o): 212-203-4760, x304
(e): Kimberly.Green@pawsny.org

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Rachel Herman speaks at AMC’s Vet Tech Conference in October 2023.

On Friday, October 13, our Founder and Executive Director Rachel Herman was the keynote speaker at Animal Medical Center’s first ever Vet Tech Conference. In front of a crowd of veterinary technicians from all over New York City, Rachel shared a video featuring PAWS NY client Ruth and spoke about the mission and the programs PAWS NY provides.

The following week, Carrie Nydick Finch, our Deputy Director of Programs and Strategy, spoke at the 2023 conference from The State Society on Aging of New York in Saratoga Springs, New York. The event, for professionals working in older adult services, was several days long and featured sessions related to health, caregiving, fighting discrimination, and aging in place, among other topics. Alongside Robin Strashun from our partner Search and Care, Carrie presented  a session called “Helping Older Adult Guardians and Their Pets Age in Place Together” on Monday, October 16.

Additionally on October 18, Adrianna Ruiz, PAWS NY Foster Administrator, gave a presentation at Mount Sinai West for social workers and mental health counselors who work at the institution’s outpatient treatment center. The focus of the presentation was on PAWS NY’s new Substance Use Recovery Program and sharing more information about eligibility requirements and how to refer individuals to the programs.

Panelists and moderator at the Animal Grantmakers Conference.

Rounding out our presentations in October, Rachel Herman took the stage again at the Animal Grantmakers Annual Conference in Philadelphia, where she was on a panel discussing Social Services for People and Their Pets. Moderated by Kate Atema, Director of Community Grants and Initiatives for PetSmart Charities, the panel also featured Katie Campbell, Director of Collaboration and Outreach at RedRover; Dr. Bryna Donnelly, Vice President of Pet Programs for Greater Good Charities; and Nathaniel Fields, Chief Executive Officer of Urban Resource Institute.

Last but not least, PAWS NY got into the spooky spirit at the 3^rd Annual Great Hill Dog-Tastic Parade and Costume Competition for Howl-o-Ween in Central Park. From Barbie to astronauts to dinosaurs to rainbows and Kinky Boots, the costume contest was awesome, and our own Adrianna Ruiz served as one of the judges.

The group, which meets regularly with their pups at Great Hill, also collected pet food to donate to the PAWS NY Pet Pantry and solicited donations during the event for our organization. Thank you for all your support!

Thanks again to everyone for inviting us to participate in these wonderful events! Have an event that you’d like PAWS NY to attend? Email Kimberly.Green@pawsny.org.

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Thanks to Kori Chambers, Arrianee LeBeau, and the PIX11 team for featuring PAWS NY!

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On Saturday, August 29, PAWS NY was included in a segment on NBC’s Weekend Today show. NBC Correspondent Anne Thompson interviewed PAWS NY Executive Director Rachel Herman, as well as our client Lorraine (and her pup Frenchie!) and volunteer Anne. See the full segment below or visit this link!

Volunteer with or donate to PAWS NY today and help us continue this good work!

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“Rachel’s dedication is astonishing,” said Program Director Carrie. “She is not only invested in PAWS NY’s success as an organization, but deeply committed to improving the quality of life for every single client and pet we serve, while also creating a welcoming workplace and culture for staff. I have, and continue to be, proud to be a part of it.”

“Rachel’s focused commitment to our mission is apparent every day, in every interaction,” said Senior Program Manager Liz. “She has a skillset as a leader that I’ve learned so much from. Big thanks to Rachel for her awesome ideas and having the drive and community-mindedness to make them happen!”

“It’s so inspiring to see someone who not only started a nonprofit on their own in a place like NYC, but has also grown the organization to be impactful and sustainable the way Rachel has,” said Program Manager Cristina. “Only someone who genuinely cares about what they’re doing can achieve something like that!”

“Rachel’s hard work and dedication is remarkable, and she has put so much into PAWS,” said Community Outreach Manager Kimberly. “Plus, she has been so welcoming and kind as I started this new job. I know I will learn so much from her through this experience.”

Learn more about Rachel’s favorite PAWS moments over the years, the pets in her life, and what quarantine is like with two daughters under the age of 5! You’re a rockstar Rachel – thank you!

PAWS NY celebrated 10 years in November. How does that feel for you as the founder? What are you most proud of? 

It’s honestly all so surreal. The last ten years feel like they have flown by, and at the same time I can’t remember what life was like before PAWS. This organization gives me so much meaning, and I am proud of so much. I am most proud of the incredible community of people that makes our work possible. Our amazing staff and volunteers keep everything going day in and day out, and it’s beautiful to see. I also love hearing of the incredible relationships that form between our volunteers and clients. These are true friendships, and I am proud that our organization makes them possible. 

What is a recent highlight or Success Story? Tell us about a time you were proud of your work or something made you happy at work.  

A recent highlight is when we had the honor of ringing the closing bell of the New York Stock Exchange around the time we celebrated our 10 year anniversary. I still can’t believe we were invited to do this! During the countdown, I remember looking down at everyone and thinking, “Wow, I can’t believe I’m here. I can’t believe PAWS has achieved so much.” It was overwhelming, and I was happy to share that moment with several board members, staff, and volunteers who have been instrumental in our success. 

I also have been proud of our response to COVID-19. We are a small team, and when we made the decision to temporarily suspend our Housecall Program in March, it was obviously difficult on everyone. Our team called all 100+ of our active clients to give them the news that we had to halt our volunteer visits. In our ten-year history, the pandemic and this moment in particular has been the most difficult thing we have had to face. I am proud of how our team has pulled together, made the difficult calls, and quickly pivoted our services to focus on our Pet Pantry and Foster and Emergency Program, all while working from home and under significant stress. This speaks to the connection our staff has to our mission and how committed every member of the team is to helping our clients and their pets. 

Tell us about your pets, past & present. 

I currently have two senior cats, Wylee and Milo. Wylee is 16, and I adopted him from the ASPCA in 2004. He’s skittish and shy. Wylee is really attached to me, and he’ll hide when I’m not around. He’s currently dealing with kidney disease, and we have to give him subq fluids every other day, which is definitely a challenge.

Milo is 12, and PAWS is the reason he came into my life. It was November 2008, and I had just started to build the organization. My husband was with me, and we had just met with a woman in Brooklyn who needed assistance. On our way to the subway, an adorable kitten came out from behind a fence, limping and with a crooked tail. He meowed at us. I couldn’t leave the little guy there, so we took a box from a nearby bodega and put the kitten inside. We took him to the vet, and then brought him home with the goal of finding him a new home. He was just too sweet to give up, so he’s been with us ever since.

In addition to my two guys, I also had a  lot of pets growing up. Let’s see if I can name them all (in order): Oliver (dog), Igor (dog), Sheba (cat), Freddie (cat), Henry (dog), Daisy (dog), Olivia (dog), Mookie (cat), Opus (cat), Felix (cat), Kiva (dog), and Nermal (cat). I also had a few hamsters at some point!

What is your favorite thing (or things) about living in NYC? 

I love that I can walk outside and find whatever I need or want. It’s a simple thing, but I love the freedom that comes with that. I also love to eat, and I feel lucky to live in a place where I can access such great food.

How are you spending your time in quarantine? Are you learning or trying something new? 

Honestly, quarantine has been a real challenge for me! I have two young kids (a 4-year-old who just finished Pre-K and a 1-year-old). Balancing work, parenting, and remote learning for my older daughter has been hard and doesn’t leave much time for anything else! I love to bake, so I’ve done a little bit of that when I can (bread, bagels, cakes, etc.). I’m trying to keep everything in perspective and appreciate that I get this extra time with my family. 

Anything else you want to share with the PAWS community? 

I just want to say “Thank You!” This community is amazing, and I’m so inspired by the people who make our work possible. We wouldn’t be here without you, and I’m excited for the next decade!

Thank you all for getting to know our staff via this Staff Shoutout series! We hope to hang out in real life again sometime soon!

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“It feels so good to be dedicating my life to making a positive impact on the lives of people and animals,” Rachel said. “It doesn’t feel like a job; I wake up every day excited to go to work. If you have an idea for how you can make a positive impact, you should absolutely explore it. Don’t assume it already exists or that someone else will do it. Take action. The worst that happens is you wasted some time; the best that happens is you make the world a better place. The risk is 100% worth it!”

Read the full interview on Thrive Global here.

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