PAWSITIVE YOUTH DEVELOPMENT SERIES
The Positive Youth Development Series (PYDS) provides youth from under-resourced communities (ages 11-18) with over 34 hours of experiential, one-to-one learning and enrichment as they learn to handle, train, and advocate for dogs living in animal shelters.
Each student-dog team is paired with a trained adult mentor to guide them on their journey of self-discovery and personal growth.
Lasting Connections: K9YA returns between programs to check in with graduates and update them on the status of program dogs. Graduates are eligible to return to future programs as interns, where they develop greater responsibility, learn vocational skills, and participate as Video Story Tellers!
We're thrilled to announce we're partnering with The Academy Project for our November 2026 Pawsitive Youth Development Series!
The Academy Project provides holistic care for foster youth and their families, focused on promoting independence, self-confidence, well-being, and growth. They collaborate with other organizations in the community to empower foster youth to thrive academically, emotionally, and creatively.
We're so excited for the opportunity to support their mission through meaningful relationships with shelter dogs!
If you'd like to get involved, please contact us.
PROGRAM
HIGHLIGHTS
01
Youth participate in 3 weeks of daily hands-on training and relationship-building with dogs living in shelters. Dogs receive over 70 hours of enrichment, socialization, crate training, and fun with their handlers!
02
Youth receive an immersive education while developing skills using the latest reward-based dog training methods, plus an experiential understanding of humane education principles and animal advocacy.
03
Special presentations are given by a professional in the field of animal services, and students have the opportunity to tour the local shelter and visit their dog partners in the kennel.
04
Students showcase their skills and introduce their dog partners to the community at a Graduation Ceremony, then host an Expert Panel where they share what they've learned!