PAWS: Preparing people with IDD for Jobs and Independence

In January 2025, Jacksonville took a meaningful step toward inclusivity with the launch of the Professional Animal Workers (PAWS) program. This innovative partnership between Florida State College at Jacksonville (FSCJ), Animal Care and Protective Services (ACPS), and The Arc Jacksonville is designed to prepare individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) for successful employment in the animal care field.

Why This Matters: Employment Gaps for Individuals with IDD

For individuals with IDD, finding and keeping a job remains one of the most persistent challenges. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, only 22.7% of individuals with disabilities were employed in 2024—compared to 65.5% of those without disabilities. This disparity often stems not from lack of ability, but from a lack of tailored training, supportive environments, and opportunity.

That’s exactly what the PAWS program is working to change.

Hands-On Training for a Career in Animal Care

The PAWS program provides students with both classroom instruction and hands-on experience to prepare them for jobs in:

• Animal shelters

• Pet boarding facilities

• Pet stores

• Grooming salons

• Dog training centers

Students learn the fundamentals of animal care: safety, feeding, behavior, basic first aid, and customer service. They also gain soft skills like teamwork, communication, and dependability—critical components of any successful workplace.

At the end of the 12-week program, graduates receive a certification from FSCJ, the ARC, and Animal Care and Protective Services, validating their readiness to work in the animal care field.

We Built This With What We Had—And That’s the Point

One of the most powerful aspects of PAWS is this: we built it with almost no extra resources.

ACPS did not receive additional staffing or funding to launch this program. We worked with what we had—driven by the belief that meaningful change doesn’t have to wait for a big budget. That’s why our next step is to package this program and create a playbook—so other shelters and communities across the country can replicate it with minimal resources.

If we can do it, others can too.

Celebrating the First Class—and Looking Ahead

We are proud to be celebrating the graduation of our first PAWS class on May 1st, a milestone that reflects the dedication and talent of our students and staff. And we’re not slowing down. The second class begins in August, and we can’t wait to welcome a new group of future animal care professionals.

Independence Starts with Opportunity

Employment is more than a paycheck—it’s purpose, confidence, and a step toward independence. By connecting individuals with IDD to the rewarding world of animal care, we’re opening doors that too often stay closed.

If you’re part of a shelter, school, nonprofit, or government agency and want to bring the PAWS model to your community, we’d love to connect.

Let’s build something that lasts—together.