Unleashing Potential, Improving Lives
  • "You have taught me how much a dog can change your life. You have changed mine."Student, HMP YOI Polmont

    "You have taught me how much a dog can change your life. You have changed mine."

    Student, HMP YOI Polmont
  • Creating a world where people and dogs improve and enrich each other’s lives

    Creating a world where people and dogs improve and enrich each other’s lives

  • People and dogs togetherUnleashing potential, improving lives

    People and dogs together

    Unleashing potential, improving lives

Paws for Progress CIC is a nor-for-profit organisation dedicated to improving the lives of people and animals. Working across a range of settings including schools, prisons and the community, Paws for Progress develop and deliver services to help people most in need of support.

Our flagship project is our prison-based rescue dog training programme at HMP & YOI Polmont, established in 2011, which continues to develop and expand, benefiting both the young people and rescue dogs involved.

At Paws for Progress the well-being of both the people and the dogs is equally important, and we treat both with kindness, respect and empathy.

The dogs—they change the way you think and the way you act. They trust you, it’s that mutual bond. You think you’re helping them but they’re helping you too.” Student, Paws for Progress.

Prison based services

Prison based services

Our founding programme is based at HMP & YOI Polmont, Scotland’s national holding facility for male young offenders aged 18-21 years.

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Paws helping young people

Paws helping young people

We offer interactive and fun activities with dogs in communities across Central Scotland; helping young people progress positively in their lives.

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Paws Events

Paws Events

We love to connect and share our learning across a range of platforms, including speaking at and hosting events.

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Help support our work by making a donation

Every donation, large or small, will help us to enhance the well-being of people and animals